Bryse Wilson had a very short tenure with the Chicago Cubs. As the Cubs have sifted through veteran arms for their bullpen this season, Wilson arrived on June 28 and was an immediate savior for the ailing pitching staff. He pitched four scoreless innings in a victory against the Brewers, but things took a turn against the St. Louis Cardinals last Friday, with the veteran being tagged for seven runs across three innings and some change.
That last outing against the Cardinals, combined with overall state of the pitching staff, was all that the Cubs needed to see. Wilson was designated for assignment earlier this week, and has landed with the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Cubs did attempt to outright Wilson to Triple-A, but he had the right to elect free agency. Given his experience, it's no surprise that a team was quick to pick him up. Of course, it stings that said team is the Brewers, and there's a chance they get him right.
Free-agent pitcher Bryse Wilson and the Milwaukee Brewers are in agreement on a contract, according to sources familiar with the deal.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) July 10, 2026
Wilson turned in the best season of his career with the Brewers in 2023, posting an ERA of 2.58 across 53 appearances. It was that success that Wilson cited when he first joined the Cubs earlier this season, making the connection to Craig Counsell.
While the Brewers remain a fine-tuned machine at the top of the National League Central, it's not without some question. Milwaukee confirmed last month that Quinn Priester will miss the entire 2026 season, and Brandon Woodruff's status for the remainder of the season is now in doubt.
Bryse Wilson's departure is a reminder of looming roster shuffling for the Cubs
There figures to be moving parts across the Cubs pitching staff over the next couple of weeks. Phil Maton and Jameson Taillon are currently on minor-league rehab assignments. Depending on how things play out for the Cubs against the Reds this weekend, there might be a chance that both pitches are activated. If not, an immediate return after the All-Star break feels likely.
Beyond the pitching staff getting healthy, adding both a starting pitcher and established bullpen arms is likely the goal of Jed Hoyer and Co. at the deadline. Anything less wouild be a failure.
