On Thursday, the Chicago Cubs will get the day off after finishing their series with the Milwaukee Brewers (on Wednesday).
They will open up a new series with the Houston Astros (on Friday afternoon) at Wrigley Field.
Former Chicago Cubs Prospect Retires
GettyChicago Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer speaks to the media during a press conference o introduce Alex Bregman (not pictured) at Wrigley Field on January 15, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
Earlier this week, a former Cubs prospect retired from baseball.
According to MiLB.com, Chase Watkins called it a career on May 17.
Santa Cruz Sentinel wrote (on May 19): “Watsonville’s Chase Watkins, 26, voluntarily retires 51 days after signing minor-league deal with Chicago White Sox”
Watkins was picked in the ninth round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Oregon State.
With the Cubs, he reached as high Triple-A (Iowa) in 2024 and 2025.
The 26-year-old had been coming off a year where he went 2-2 with a 2.65 ERA in 32 total Minor League games.
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 26: A hat and glove sit on the bench in the Chicago Cubs dugout during the Cubs game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 26, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Back in March, Watkins had signed a Minor League deal with the Chicago White Sox.
Sam Phalen of Roundtable Sports wrote (on March 28): “The #WhiteSox have agreed to terms on a minor league deal with LHP Chase Watkins. He will begin the 2026 season with AA Birmingham. Former 9th-round pick by the #Cubs. 2.65 ERA, 71.1 innings, three minor league levels in 2025. 3.37 ERA in pro career. 26 years old.”
He finished this year with a 1-0 record (and 7.11 ERA) in 12 Double-A games.
Cubs Right Now
GettyManager Craig Counsell #11 of the Chicago Cubs looks on before a game between the Washington Nationals and the Chicago Cubs on Opening Day at Wrigley Field on March 26, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
The Cubs are currently the third-place team in the National League Central with a 29-21 record in 50 games.
They have gone 2-8 over their last ten games (but are 18-8 in 26 games at home).
Russell Dorsey of Yahoo Sports wrote (on Wednesday): “That’s a bad series by the Chicago Cubs, who after being swept by the Milwaukee Brewers tonight, have now lost 9 of their last 12 games.”
After three games with the Astros, the Cubs will head to Pittsburgh for a series with the Pirates on Monday at PNC Park.
Last season, they lost to the Brewers in the NLDS.
Former Chicago Cubs Prospect Retires From Baseball