Cubs Ink Former Yankees Prospect Brooks Kriske to Minor League Pact
Chicago Cubs fans have a new name to keep an eye on: Brooks Kriske. The longtime Cubs devotee announced via his own Instagram that he’s signed a deal with his hometown team, adding another arm to the Cubs’ bullpen mix.
Kriske’s journey to the North Side has been a winding one, marked by flashes of brilliance and frustrating inconsistencies.
" "I anticipate this is a minor league deal for the life-long Cubs fan:‘," Kriske stated on Instagram, adding fuel to the notion that this is a low-risk, high-reward proposition for the Cubs.
Kriske’s story is familiar for a certain type of relief pitcher: a prospect who bursts onto the scene with a powerful arsenal but struggles with command. He first made a splash with the New York Yankees, reaching the majors in 2020. However, he couldn’t stick.
Since then, Kriske has bounced around different organizations, including stints with the Baltimore Orioles and the Kansas City Royals. He’s even ventured to Japan to hone his skills.
Although Kriske hasn’t enjoyed sustained success in the Majors, his
Triple-A numbers tell a different story. In 2024, with the Cincinnati Reds’ affiliate, he posted a respectable 3.10 ERA, striking out a third of the batters he faced. His dominant pitching regularly comes with a catch: a higher-than-ideal walk rate.
“ Even without any numbers, I think you get the picture of a guy who is clearly very good at Triple-A and capable in Japan, and whose pitches/arsenal/scouting suggests he could break out in the big leagues. Thus, teams keep wanting to grab him, but that breakout just hasn’t come," states the source.
The Cubs’ move to sign Kriske showcases their willingness to take a chance on reclamation projects. General manager Carter Hawkins’ likely knows a pitcher like Kriske can be a difference-maker if his potential clicks. He joins fellow reliever Phil Bickford, another high-upside arm with control issues, who joined the Cubs earlier this offseason.
For Kriske, the Cubs offer a fresh start with a team that has a history of developing pitchers. The hope is that Kriske, armed with his explosive fastball and sharp breaking pitches, can finally crack the code and realize his potential in a Cubs uniform.
This signing is a testament to the Cubs’ commitment to building a deep bullpen, one capable of competing for a playoff berth.
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