Cubs Have Re-Signed LHP Brailyn Márquez Following November Non-Tender

According to the team’s transaction log, the Cubs have re-signed lefty Brailyn Márquez to a minor league contract just a few weeks after non-tendering him. This is a welcome bit of good news after it appeared as though the organization might have given up on its former No. 1 prospect following two very disappointing seasons.

Beset by injuries and bad timing, the 23-year-old Márquez hasn’t pitched in competitively since making his MLB debut in the final game of the 2020 season. Complications from COVID and a shoulder issue have dogged him in the time since, preventing him from ever getting ramped up to the form he flashed in 2019 as he climbed the rankings ladder.

It stands to reason that the Cubs will put him in a relief role for at least the near future, though they could stretch him back out if he proves he’s ready for it. The ceiling was incredibly high for the big lefty with triple-digit heat and wipeout breaking stuff, so he still has plenty of potential even in a reduced role. Here’s to hoping Márquez can just get and stay healthy.