Cubs Sign Jake Woodford, Designate Bryse Wilson for Assignment

On the day of a rain-delayed game against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Chicago Cubs signed right-hander Jake Woodford to a one-year major-league contract and simultaneously designated right-hander Bryse Wilson for assignment. Woodford, 29, was released by the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday and is expected to be available to pitch Saturday. Wilson, claimed off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies on June 24, appeared in two games for Chicago before being removed from the 40-man roster.

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Jake Woodford – A first-round (39th overall, 2015) draft pick of the St. Louis Cardinals, Woodford has pitched for five teams over seven seasons. He has appeared in 127 career games, including 25 starts, posting an 11-17 record, four saves and a 5.25 ERA. In his most recent stint with Milwaukee, he recorded a 1-0 record, one save and a 6.94 ERA over 23 1/3 innings in 16 relief appearances.

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Bryse Wilson – Wilson entered Chicago after being claimed off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies. He began the 2026 season with Philadelphia, appearing in one game and delivering two scoreless innings. Wilson’s tenure with the Cubs lasted ten days and encompassed two outings.

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• Woodford (Milwaukee): 1-0, 1 save, 6.94 ERA, 23 1/3 innings, 16 relief appearances.

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• Wilson (Cubs): In one game, an 8.22 ERA over two appearances; allowed seven runs on eight hits in a 3 1/3 -inning relief effort during a 17-1 loss to the Cardinals (source 1). Source 2 reports Wilson gave up seven runs across 7.2 innings, including a 4.1-inning scoreless debut (source 2).

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• Wilson has been with six organizations since 2021.

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The Cubs announced Woodford’s signing and Wilson’s designation as a roster adjustment intended to add a fresher arm for the upcoming game. The organization indicated that Wilson’s designation initiates a seven-day window during which the team may trade, release, or outright him to the minor leagues.

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Sources differ on Wilson’s total innings pitched for Chicago. One account lists 3 1/3 innings in the Cardinals loss, while another totals 7.2 innings, incorporating a 4.1-inning scoreless debut. Consequently, the reported ERA varies between 8.22 and a figure derived from seven runs over 7.2 innings (approximately 8.57). No additional clarification is provided.

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Woodford is slated to pitch in the Saturday game against St. Louis. The Cubs have seven days to determine Wilson’s future—trade, release, or outright to the minor leagues. Wilson’s prior outright assignments allow him to reject a minor-league assignment and become a free agent.

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