In a low-risk move aimed at bolstering bullpen depth, the Chicago Cubs have acquired left-handed reliever Tom Cosgrove from the San Diego Padres in exchange for cash considerations. To make room on the 40-man roster, Chicago designated right-hander Caleb Kilian for assignment.
Cosgrove, 28, was recently DFA’d by San Diego following a rough spring and slow start to the Triple-A season. The southpaw gave up seven runs in just 5 1/3 innings during Spring Training and has allowed three earned runs in four appearances for Triple-A El Paso this year. Still, his prior success makes him a worthwhile reclamation project for the Cubs, especially with a minor league option still in play.
The Cubs immediately optioned Cosgrove to Triple-A Iowa, where he’ll try to regain the form that made him a standout rookie in 2023. That year, Cosgrove posted a 1.75 ERA across 54 appearances for the Padres, holding hitters to a .173 batting average and showing strong ability to suppress hard contact. His strikeout and walk numbers weren’t elite, but his effectiveness against hitters from both sides of the plate made him a valuable piece of the Padres bullpen.
The Cubs acquire southpaw reliever for bullpen depth
San Diego Padres relief pitcher Tom Cosgrove (59) pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fifth inning at Petco Park.
Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images
Things unraveled last season, however. Cosgrove posted an 11.66 ERA over 18 big league outings in 2024, and his velocity and swing-and-miss numbers dipped noticeably. He finished the year mostly in Triple-A, where he carried a 4.85 ERA with a solid 26.8% strikeout rate. While his recent performance has been underwhelming, the Cubs are betting a change of scenery might help him get back on track.
[ajax_load_more]