Cubs, Javier Assad Avoid Arbitration with $1.8M Salary Agreement

The Cubs were able to avoid arbitration hearings with all of their eligible players this season, reaching agreements with Justin Steele, Edward Cabrera, and Javier Assad. Assad was the last to be reported, but both sides reached a deal before the day ended. Maddie Lee of the Sun-Times was first to report that Assad will earn $1.8 million in 2026, which is just $100,000 less than MLB Trade Rumors projected. Jordan Bastian of MLB.com also reported that Assad’s deal includes a team option for the 2027 season.

It was an interesting year for Assad, who appeared in only eight games with the major league club. An oblique strain delayed his season debut until August, which accounted for his limited workload. He is a valuable depth piece as an emergency starting pitcher, a role in which he has helped the Cubs on multiple occasions. It might be wise to have him start the season with the Iowa Cubs until a need arises in Chicago, though using him in the bullpen for multi-inning appearances is also a possibility.