Cubs Lose 27-Year-Old Infielder to Pirates in Free Agency

Corey Joyce signs minor-league deal with Pittsburgh after one season in Chicago's farm system.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 1:28pm

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The Chicago Cubs have lost 27-year-old infielder Corey Joyce, who has signed a minor-league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Joyce spent the 2025 season in the Cubs' minor-league system, playing at the Double-A level and posting a .393 on-base percentage, though he hit only two home runs in 92 games. The Pirates are giving Joyce a chance to potentially make their major-league roster, as he has limited Triple-A experience and the Cubs had a crowded infield situation at the MLB level.

Why it matters

The loss of Joyce is a relatively minor transaction for the Cubs, but it highlights the challenges faced by fringe prospects trying to break into the majors, especially when joining a team with established starters. The Pirates, meanwhile, are taking a low-risk flier on a player with a strong on-base skill set, hoping he can develop into a useful utility infielder at the big-league level.

The details

Corey Joyce, a 27-year-old infielder, spent the 2025 season in the Cubs' minor-league system after being released by the Detroit Tigers the previous year. In 92 games at Double-A Knoxville, Joyce posted a .393 on-base percentage, though he hit only two home runs. He then played 13 games in the Dominican Winter League, slugging .487. With the Cubs having five starting-caliber infielders on their major-league roster, Joyce likely had a better path to the big leagues with the Pirates, who signed him to a minor-league deal without an invitation to spring training.

  • Corey Joyce joined the Cubs' farm system in April 2025 after being released by the Detroit Tigers.
  • In the 2025 season, Joyce played 92 games at Double-A Knoxville for the Cubs.
  • After the 2025 season, Joyce played 13 games in the Dominican Winter League, slugging .487.
  • On March 2, 2026, Joyce signed a minor-league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The players

Corey Joyce

A 27-year-old infielder who spent the 2025 season in the Chicago Cubs' minor-league system after being released by the Detroit Tigers the previous year.

Chicago Cubs

The Major League Baseball team that had Corey Joyce in their minor-league system in 2025 before he signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Major League Baseball team that signed Corey Joyce to a minor-league contract in 2026, giving him a chance to potentially make their major-league roster.

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What’s next

The Pirates will evaluate Corey Joyce's performance in their minor-league system during spring training and the 2026 season to determine if he can earn a spot on their major-league roster.

The takeaway

This transaction highlights the challenges faced by fringe prospects like Corey Joyce, who must find the right organization and opportunity to break into the majors. While the loss of Joyce is minor for the Cubs, the Pirates are taking a low-risk chance on a player with strong on-base skills, hoping he can develop into a useful utility infielder at the big-league level.