On Thursday afternoon, the Chicago Cubs will face off against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field.
The Cubs have made a lot of roster moves to get ready for the new season.
Cubs Make Roster Decision On 25-Year-Old Pitcher
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 22: Jack Neely #47 of the Cleveland Guardians throws a pitch during a game against the Detroit Tigers at Wrigley Field on August 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
On Wednesday, the Cubs announced a series of roster moves.
One of those decisions included designating Jack Neely for assignment.
GettyMESA, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 17: Jack Neely #47 of the Chicago Cubs poses for a portrait during photo day at Sloan Park on February 17, 2025 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Neely is coming off a season where he appeared in six games for the Cubs.
He was picked in the 11th round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Ohio State.
In 2024, the 25-year-old was traded from the New York Yankees organization.
Yankees PR wrote (on July 30, 2024): “The New York Yankees today announced that they have acquired right-handed pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for minor league infielder Ben Cowles and right-handed pitcher Jack Neely”
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 21: Jack Neely #47 of the Chicago Cubs throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Wrigley Field on August 21, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
MLB Fans React To Neely News
Here’s what fans were saying about the decsision:
@collbaseballftw: “Jack Neely is better than at least one reliever in three major market bullpens.”
@cody__cubs: “I guess we’ll see what happens with Jack Neely, but I would have liked to see more. Don’t really have an opinion of him.”
@Rich_Ebs: “It really stinks that Jack Neely got DFA’d, he has so much potential. Hopefully he carves out a spot in someone’s bullpen this year”
@cubsfan: “Always thought Jack Neely would be something”
GettyMESA, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 17: Jack Neely #47 of the Chicago Cubs poses for a portrait during photo day at Sloan Park on February 17, 2025 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Cubs Ahead Of Nationals Clash
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 09: Dansby Swanson #7 of the Chicago Cubs tosses his bat after drawing a walk during the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game four of the National League Division Series at Wrigley Field on October 09, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
The Cubs are coming off a year where they were the second-place team in the National League Central with a 92-70 record.
After defeating the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card round, they lost to their division rival (Milwaukee Brewers) in the NLDS.
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 06: Manager Craig Counsell of the Chicago Cubs looks on from the dugout during the seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game two of the National League Division Series at American Family Field on October 06, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Following the Nationals, the Cubs will remain in Chicago to host Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels with the series starting on March 30.
Cubs Make Roster Decision On 25-Year-Old Pitcher Before Nationals Game