Cubs Add Former Cardinals Reliever to Bolster Bullpen
The Chicago Cubs have added a familiar face from their division rivals to help strengthen their struggling bullpen. On Tuesday night, the Cubs signed left-handed reliever Génesis Cabrera, formerly of the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets, after he elected free agency following his release from the Mets. MLB insider Jon Heyman was the first to report the news.
Cabrera, who appeared in six games for the Mets this season, posted a respectable 3.52 ERA and allowed just one home run. Although his stint in New York was brief, he delivered some solid performances before being placed on waivers.
The 27-year-old is no stranger to the National League Central, having spent the first four and a half seasons of his MLB career with the Cardinals. During his time in St. Louis, Cabrera showed flashes of potential, though his performance declined in his last two seasons there — recording a 4.63 ERA in 2022 and a 5.06 ERA in 2023 — which eventually led to a trade to the Toronto Blue Jays.
With Toronto, Cabrera briefly regained form, posting an impressive 2.66 ERA after the 2023 trade. However, his performance dipped again the following season with a 3.59 ERA. Cabrera signed with the Mets during the 2024 offseason and began the year in Triple-A. He was later promoted due to injuries within the Mets’ pitching staff, where he provided some stability before being waived.
Now with the Cubs, Cabrera brings several seasons of major league experience to a bullpen that has been one of the team’s biggest weaknesses in 2025. Chicago has struggled to find consistency in relief pitching, and while it’s unclear whether Cabrera will initially join the major league roster or report to the minors, his addition gives the Cubs a valuable left-handed option with a proven track record at the MLB level.
As the Cubs fight to maintain their lead in the National League Central, bolstering the bullpen with experienced arms like Cabrera could prove to be a key move down the stretch.
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