Chas McCormick: Everything you need to know

McCormick signed a minor-league contract with the Cubs on Thursday that includes an invitation to spring training, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. McCormick has registered a .574 OPS in 383 plate appearances over the last two seasons -- a stark decline from the .786 OPS he logged across his first three years in MLB. The Cubs will take a flier on him with hopes that the 30-year-old outfielder returns to his previous form, though he will likely have to redeem himself at Triple-A Iowa first.

McCormick elected to become a free agent Thursday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. McCormick passed through waivers unclaimed after the Astros removed him from their 40-man roster Tuesday. Because the outfielder has more than three years of major-league service time, he had the ability to elect free agency and has done just that. After slashing .259/.336/.449 in his first three seasons with the Astros, McCormick has hit only .211/.273/.301 the last two years. He might have to settle for a minor-league contract this winter.

The Astros placed McCormick on outright waivers Tuesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. McCormick was one of five players waived by Houston on Tuesday in an effort to free up roster space heading into the offseason. If he passes through waivers unclaimed, the 30-year-old outfielder will have the option to reject his assignment and become a free agent. After posting a .786 OPS through his first three seasons in the majors, McCormick has regressed considerably at the plate, slashing just .211/273/.301 across 383 plate appearances since 2024.