3 recently released players who would be great last-minute Chicago Cubs additions

Most of Major League Baseball spent the weekend making roster moves in anticipation of setting their respective Opening Day rosters.

For the Chicago Cubs, there isn't much question when it comes to their roster. The biggest decision seems to be who will the Cubs keep for the final spot on the bench. The decision is between Gage Workman and Vidal Bruján. Recent speculation is pointing strongly in the direction of Workman being the final man on the Cubs’ 26-man roster.

That decision should also open a spot on the 40-man roster for Brad Keller. Tyson Miller being placed on the IL opens a spot in the bullpen for Brad Keller. Bruján is out of minor-league options and is designated for assignment if the assumption is correct, and he does not make the 40-man roster.

With those being the two major decisions ahead of the Cubs this week, there isn't much space for adding to the Major League roster. However, there are some recently released players the Cubs may have interest in adding for depth purposes.

1. Brandon Drury, utility man

There wouldn’t be an immediate payoff to the Cubs signing Brandon Drury, considering the reason he was released by the Chicago White Sox was due to a thumb injury that won't have him ready before Opening Day. Following a similar blueprint to what they did with David Peralta last season, the Cubs could add Drury with the idea being that he could rehab with Triple-A Iowa. Then, assuming there is an opt-out, the Cubs could potentially turn to Drury if Workman's impressive Cactus League does not transfer over to the regular season. If it does, then like with Peralta, the Cubs can release Drury if he has a Major League opportunity elsewhere. Prior to the injury, Drury was showing signs of having a bounce-back season in 2025, hitting over .400 during spring training with the White Sox.

2. Dane Dunning, RHP

Technically, Dane Dunning hasn't been released yet by the Texas Rangers as he was placed on outright waivers on Sunday. If Dunning clears waivers, he can't refuse a minor-league assignment. However, considering he is only set to earn $2.66MM in 2025, it seems like there would be a team willing to take a flier on getting him back on track. The Cubs certainly have a track record of targeting reclamation projects such as Dunning.

3. Drew Pomeranz, LHP

Drew Pomeranz hasn't pitched in the Majors since 2021 but the lefty did have some impressive numbers with the Seattle Mariners this spring despite his 4.70 ERA. Pomeranz had a strikeout percentage of 30.3% through 8 appearances with the Mariners this spring., Pomeranz did struggle with his command but may be worthy of the Cubs taking a flier on as a potential depth piece later in the season.