{"id":34529,"date":"2025-12-27T17:10:11","date_gmt":"2025-12-27T23:10:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/chicago\/2025\/12\/27\/cubs-to-sign-right-hander-hunter-harvey-add-velocity-to-bullpen\/"},"modified":"2025-12-27T17:10:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-27T23:10:12","slug":"cubs-to-sign-right-hander-hunter-harvey-add-velocity-to-bullpen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/chicago\/2025\/12\/27\/cubs-to-sign-right-hander-hunter-harvey-add-velocity-to-bullpen\/","title":{"rendered":"Cubs to sign right-hander Hunter Harvey, add velocity to bullpen"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction to the Cubs’ Latest Acquisition<\/h2>\n

The Cubs are adding velocity to their bullpen with the addition of right-hander Hunter Harvey. Harvey is in agreement with the Cubs on a one-year deal, pending a physical, sources confirmed. The exact financial terms were not immediately clear.<\/p>\n

Background on Hunter Harvey<\/h2>\n

Harvey, 31, has played for the Orioles, Nationals and Royals in his seven-year major-league career. He has a 3.11 career ERA but also a long injury history. Last season alone, he spent stints on the injured list for a strained teres major and strained adductor, both on his right side. He pitched in just 12 major-league games.<\/p>\n

The Cubs’ Approach to Bullpen-Building<\/h2>\n

The Cubs see his upside as worth the risk. Harvey\u2019s fastball was still averaging about 96 mph last year, but in 2022 and 2023 it was sitting above 98 mph, according to Statcast. That hard-throwing profile sets him apart from the rest of the Cubs\u2019 bullpen acquisitions so far this offseason. The four other relievers who the Cubs signed to major-league deals this winter \u2013 right-handers Phil Maton and Jacob Webb, and left-handers Caleb Thielbar and Hoby Milner \u2013 rely more heavily on finesse, with fastballs that average under 94 mph.<\/p>\n

Jed Hoyer’s Perspective on Velocity and Swing-and-Miss<\/h3>\n

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has said he weighs swing-and-miss more heavily than simply velocity. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter how you strike a guy out, but a ball in play is random,\u201d he said at the winter meetings earlier this month. Having varied profiles in a bullpen, however, is helpful. The Cubs also have young flame-throwers like Daniel Palencia and Porter Hodge to put hitters on their heels with velocity.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

The Cubs’ approach to bullpen-building, which relies on mostly small major-league deals and minor-league acquisitions, calls for some risk-taking on players with profiles like that of Harvey. With the addition of Hunter Harvey, the Cubs are looking to add some much-needed velocity to their bullpen. While Harvey’s injury history is a concern, his upside and potential to contribute to the team make him a worthwhile risk.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n