The veteran southpaw returns to provide vital organizational depth at Triple-A, offering the North Siders an experienced left-handed arm capable of eating innings in emergency rotation scenarios.
A familiar face is reportedly back in the Chicago Cubs organization.
MLB Trade Rumors reported earlier on Tuesday that left-hander Ty Blach has signed a Minor League deal with the Cubs. The 35-year-old is expected to report to Triple-A and give the organization some veteran depth in the minors.
Blach was recently designated for assignment by the North Siders on May 19. After clearing waivers last week, the veteran elected free agency rather than accepting an outright assignment to Triple-A.
But he will now return to Chicago’s organization on a new Minor League deal.
Blach pitched well in his only Major League appearance with the Cubs this year. He threw three scoreless innings with one hit and two strikeouts against the Brewers on May 18. The left-hander was then designated for assignment the next day to make way for Caleb Thielbar on the active roster.
It makes sense why the Cubs wanted to bring Blach back on a Minor League deal. He already spent the first two months of the season in the organization, and the team could use a lefty starter in Triple-A at this time.
With Jordan Wicks set to make his season debut with the Cubs on Tuesday, Blach could take his spot in the rotation for the Iowa Cubs on Wednesday. The eight-year veteran has a 5.23 ERA and 14 strikeouts in five appearances (three starts) in Triple-A this year.
Getting Blach back on a Minor League deal is nothing more than a depth piece move. The Cubs don’t have many MLB-ready starters in Triple-A right now who could be called up in case of an emergency. The southpaw has shown he could give some length on the mound if called upon.
Blach has definitely struggled throughout his professional career. He finished with a 4.78 ERA in his first full MLB season in 2017 and wasn’t a quality arm in each of his three years with the Rockies from 2022 to 2024. The Creighton alum had a combined 6.13 ERA across 64 appearances (26 starts) during those three seasons.
In 2025, Blach spent the entire season pitching in the Texas Rangers’ Minor League system. He was primarily a starter for Triple-A Round Rock, where he posted a solid 3.54 ERA and 48 strikeouts across 56 innings.
The Cubs will keep Blach built up as a starter at Triple-A. Unfortunately, he likely won’t be promoted unless the team absolutely needs him.
