Cubs Add Pitching Depth in Minor Trade With Mariners for Yosver Zulueta
The Chicago Cubs and Seattle Mariners completed a small but noteworthy trade on Sunday, with the Cubs acquiring right-handed pitcher Yosver Zulueta in exchange for cash considerations, according to reports from Francys Romero. The move adds another arm to Chicago’s pitching depth as the team continues to navigate an injury-heavy season.
Zulueta, 28, had recently been designated for assignment by Seattle on June 10, making him available for other clubs. He did not appear in a Major League game during the current season but spent time at Triple-A Tacoma, where he worked as both a starter and reliever. In 22 appearances at the Triple-A level, he posted a 2-3 record with a 5.75 ERA over 20.1 innings pitched. While he showed the ability to limit hits—allowing just 20 in that span—his control issues were evident, as he issued 16 walks.
Before joining the Mariners organization, Zulueta had previous big league experience with the Cincinnati Reds. In 2025, he appeared in seven games out of the bullpen for Cincinnati, finishing with a 1-0 record and a 6.14 ERA over 7.1 innings. The year prior, in 2024, he logged 12 appearances and posted a 4.96 ERA across 16.1 innings. While his results were inconsistent at the Major League level, he has continued to draw interest due to his raw pitching tools.
Originally from Cuba, Zulueta first came to the Mariners in a January trade that sent minor league pitcher Dusty Revis to the Reds. During spring training with Seattle, he showed flashes of promise in limited action. Across eight relief appearances, he allowed just three runs in seven innings, producing a 3.86 ERA while striking out 10 batters. He also demonstrated decent command in that stretch, issuing only three walks and giving up six hits.
One of the biggest reasons the Cubs were intrigued by Zulueta is his fastball velocity. He regularly reaches up to 99 mph, giving Chicago another high-powered arm that can be developed in its system or potentially used in the bullpen if needed. With multiple pitchers currently sidelined, the Cubs are looking for any potential upside that can help stabilize their pitching staff.
Chicago’s bullpen has been heavily affected by injuries this season. Veteran reliever Shelby Miller and young right-hander Porter Hodge are both out for the year after undergoing Tommy John surgery. In addition, Hunter Harvey is dealing with triceps inflammation, while Riley Martin remains on the 60-day injured list with an elbow strain. These absences have forced the Cubs to constantly adjust their bullpen structure.
Closer Daniel Palencia has been one of the few steady contributors when healthy. He owns a 2.87 ERA with three saves and has provided stability in late-game situations, though he also missed time earlier in the year due to an oblique injury. Overall, Chicago’s bullpen has posted a solid 3.50 ERA with a 16-11 record, but underlying metrics suggest some regression, as their expected ERA sits significantly higher at 4.41.
Zulueta still has one minor league option remaining, meaning the Cubs could choose to keep him in Triple-A Iowa for further development. However, given Chicago’s ongoing pitching concerns, he could be called upon if injuries continue to mount.
For now, the move represents a low-risk addition with potential upside as the Cubs look to stay competitive in the National League Central race.
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