In a strategic move to fortify their pitching lineup, the Chicago Cubs recently finalized deals to bring in two new hurlers. Reports indicate that the team successfully acquired right-handed relief pitcher Ryan Zeferjahn from the Los Angeles Angels and left-handed starting pitcher Braxton Garrett from the Miami Marlins through separate exchanges. These transactions signal the Cubs' intent to enhance their mound presence and bolster their competitive edge.
The Angels received catcher/designated hitter Moises Ballesteros and minor league right-handed pitcher Mason McGwire in exchange for Zeferjahn, as detailed by the Orange County Register. Meanwhile, the Cubs sent Triple-A first baseman Jonathon Long and minor league right-hander Jace Beck to the Marlins as part of the agreement for Garrett.
Zeferjahn, at 28 years old, showcased a commendable performance with the Angels this season, recording four wins, three losses, and four saves with a 3.66 ERA across 45 relief appearances. His tenure included 75 strikeouts against 29 unintentional walks over 51 and two-thirds innings. He became a fixture in the major leagues in 2025, posting a 6-5 record with two saves and a 4.74 ERA over 62 games for Los Angeles.
Garrett, who will soon turn 29, played a crucial role in the Marlins' rotation during the 2022-2023 seasons. During that period, he amassed a 12-14 record with a 3.63 ERA over 48 appearances, 47 of which were starts. However, his recent playing time has been limited, pitching only 41 and one-third innings since undergoing Tommy John surgery in December 2024, marking his second major elbow operation.
This season, Garrett has predominantly been with Triple-A Jacksonville, where he maintained a 4-4 record and a 2.90 ERA through 15 starts and one relief outing. He accumulated 83 strikeouts and 29 walks over 77 and two-thirds innings. His command at this level, however, has not quite matched his performance from 2022-2023. In his two major league starts this year, he registered an 0-1 record with a 14.84 ERA, allowing seven runs, seven hits, and eight walks in four and one-third innings. His most recent major league appearance was on May 19 against Atlanta.
Ballesteros, 22, was highly regarded as the 36th top prospect by Baseball America before spending a significant portion of this season's first half with the Cubs. Despite a strong start, he concluded with a .231/.303/.385 slash line, six home runs, and 23 RBIs in 59 games before being assigned to Triple-A Iowa. McGwire, also 22, is the son of former major league slugger Mark McGwire. He participated in the 2026 Futures Game and split this season between the Cubs' Single-A affiliates, South Bend and Myrtle Beach, where he posted a 3-4 record with a 3.64 ERA over 59 and one-third innings, recording 72 strikeouts and 24 walks. Long, 24, has spent the entirety of 2025 and 2026 with Triple-A Iowa, achieving a .296 batting average with 32 home runs and 155 RBIs in 239 games. Beck, 26, divided his time this season between Triple-A Iowa and Double-A Knoxville, securing a 6-3 record with a 3.62 ERA over nine starts and 16 relief appearances, tallying an impressive 14.0 strikeouts per nine innings with 116 whiffs in 74 and two-thirds innings.
These recent acquisitions by the Chicago Cubs represent a significant roster enhancement, aiming to introduce veteran presence and experience to their pitching corps. By leveraging their minor league assets, the Cubs have strategically positioned themselves to improve both their bullpen reliability and starting rotation stability, addressing key areas for potential success in the ongoing season.
