In a surprising turn of events, relief pitcher Julian Christopher Merryweather has officially announced his departure from the Chicago Cubs. The 32-year-old right-hander, known for his explosive fastball and reliability out of the bullpen, made the announcement earlier today, citing personal reasons and a desire to refocus on long-term health and family.
“I’ve made the difficult decision not to participate with the Chicago Cubs moving forward,” Merryweather said in a statement. “After careful consideration with my family and advisors, I believe stepping away at this time is best for my well-being and future.”
Merryweather joined the Cubs in 2023 and quickly became a key part of their bullpen rotation, posting a solid ERA and earning praise from teammates and fans alike. While the exact details behind his departure remain private, sources close to the situation suggest ongoing injury concerns and the mental toll of a demanding MLB schedule may have played a role.
The Cubs organization thanked Merryweather for his contributions and wished him the best in his future endeavors. His absence will undoubtedly leave a gap in the bullpen as the team navigates the remainder of the season.