The Chicago Cubs picked up a 3-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday afternoon in a make-up game from earlier this season. It was a single game between the two clubs, and the Cubs will head to Kansas City to take on the Royals this weekend.
However, the Cubs did make a notable roster transaction after the Blue Jays game by bringing back 5-year MLB vet Andrew Wantz, who was let go from the organization earlier this week.
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Chicago Cubs Bring Back Pitcher Andrew Wantz
GettyANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 30: Andrew Wantz #60 of the Los Angeles Angelsin the first inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 30, 2023 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Andrew Wantz has landed back with the Cubs on a minors deal. His transactions tracker reflects the move:
“Chicago Cubs signed free agent RHP Andrew Wantz to a minor league contract.”
He has since been optioned to AAA Iowa.
After being DFA’d by the Cubs earlier this week, Wantz was outrighted to Iowa, declined the assignment, elected free agency, and is now back with the organization on a minors pact, and could be recalled if the Cubs need an emergency arm in one of their upcoming series.
Wantz, 30, has pitched in parts of five MLB seasons (mostly with the Los Angeles Angels), and has notched two innings pitched with the Cubs this season. He allowed one earned run in those 2 IP.
In a large sample size in the minors this season, Wantz holds an ERA of 5.63 over 48 IP with AAA Durham and Triple-A Iowa.
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Andrew Wantz’s MLB Career
GettySEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 13: Andrew Wantz #60 of the Los Angeles Angels pitches during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on September 13, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Across five MLB seasons, Andrew Wantz has logged 122 total innings. His ERA is 4.20 in that sample size with 127 strikeouts and a lifetime WHIP of 1.189.
He debuted with the Los Angeles Angels in 2021.
Along with the Angels, he’s had stints with the Tampa Bay Rays (just 1.1 IP in ’26), and the Cubs (this season).
Wantz was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 7th round of the 2018 MLB draft.
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