Cubs Designate Pitcher Acquired from Yankees for Assignment

The team made a tough roster decision on a player they landed in a 2024 trade.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:38pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into overlapping planes of navy, forest green, and burnt sienna, conveying the complex and fragmented nature of roster decisions in professional baseball.The Cubs' tough roster decision on a pitcher acquired in a trade reflects the cutthroat nature of MLB roster management.Chicago Today

The Chicago Cubs have outrighted right-handed pitcher Jack Neely to Triple-A after designating him for assignment prior to Opening Day. Neely, 25, was acquired from the New York Yankees at the 2024 trade deadline in exchange for Mark Leiter Jr. and Ben Cowles. However, Neely struggled in his brief MLB stint with the Cubs in 2024, posting a 9.00 ERA in 9 innings. The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the team to add outfielder Michael Conforto.

Why it matters

Roster decisions at the end of spring training are always difficult, as teams have to make tough choices about which players will make the opening day roster. The Cubs' decision to remove Neely from the 40-man roster shows they did not see him as part of their immediate MLB plans, despite acquiring him in a trade just two years ago.

The details

Neely, a 25-year-old right-hander, was acquired by the Cubs from the Yankees at the 2024 trade deadline in exchange for Mark Leiter Jr. and Ben Cowles. However, Neely struggled in his brief MLB action with the Cubs last season, posting a 9.00 ERA in 9 innings. Despite a strong spring training performance, allowing 0 earned runs in 4 innings, the Cubs decided to designate Neely for assignment in order to clear a roster spot for the addition of outfielder Michael Conforto.

  • The Cubs acquired Neely from the Yankees at the 2024 trade deadline.
  • Neely posted a 9.00 ERA in 9 innings with the Cubs in 2024.
  • The Cubs designated Neely for assignment prior to the 2026 MLB Opening Day.

The players

Jack Neely

A 25-year-old right-handed pitcher who was acquired by the Cubs from the Yankees in 2024 but struggled in his brief MLB action with the team.

Mark Leiter Jr.

A pitcher who was traded by the Cubs to the Yankees in 2024 as part of the deal that brought Neely to Chicago.

Ben Cowles

A player who was also traded by the Cubs to the Yankees in 2024 as part of the deal that brought Neely to Chicago.

Michael Conforto

An outfielder who the Cubs added to their roster, clearing a spot by designating Neely for assignment.

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The takeaway

The Cubs' decision to remove Neely from their 40-man roster highlights the difficult nature of roster management in MLB, where even players acquired in trades can quickly fall out of favor if they don't perform at the big league level. This move opens up an opportunity for Conforto to join the Cubs, but also raises questions about the long-term future of Neely in the organization.