The Cubs have signed free-agent outfielder Chas McCormick to a minor league contract and will invite him to major league camp this spring, according to sources. McCormick was outrighted by the Astros after the 2025 season and became a free agent.
McCormick had some strong years in Houston. The 2023 season was his best. He hit 22 home runs, stole 19 bases, and posted a .273/.353/.489 slash line with 3.3 wins above replacement. However, he’s struggled since then, hitting just .211/.273/.301 over the 2024–25 seasons due to injuries and inconsistent performance, per MLB.
Here is a look at his background and career leading up to this point:
Chas McCormick, a left fielder from West Chester, Pennsylvania, is known for his defense and speed. McCormick's career began in high school while he attended West Chester Henderson. He played baseball and basketball, but continued with baseball into his college career. He played Division II at Millersville University and had a very successful college career between 2014 and 2017, completing his college career as the university’s all-time leader in hits, runs, and RBIs.
In 2017, he was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 21st round of the MLB Draft, marking the beginning of his professional career. In the minor league system, McCormick demonstrated his defensive skills and consistent hitting.
After his solid performance, he made his major league debut on April 1, 2021, entering the game as a defensive replacement in the 9th inning. Since his MLB debut, he has bounced between the majors and the minors but continued to perform well.
One of his strengths is reading balls off the bat and hitting in timely situations. With solid plate discipline and the ability to deliver quality at-bats, McCormick has come through in clutch moments and helped move runners around the diamond.
Over the years, he has been a reliable contributor, supremely athletic, and a strong example on and off the field.
After being released by Houston, Chas McCormick became a free agent after being outrighted off the Astros’ 40-man roster, with reports emerging on November 4, 2025. After clearing waivers, McCormick elected free agency on November 6. On January 22, 2026, he signed with the Chicago Cubs, which includes an invitation to spring training.
McCormick played an important role for the Astros, especially during the 2023 season. After a few inconsistent years, his exit feels more like a natural transition than a shock.