Former Cub from controversial White Sox trade is finally getting another chance

When the Chicago Cubs traded Craig Kimbrel to the Chicago White Sox in 2021, a key piece of that deal was relief pitcher Codi Heuer. The Cubs also got Nick Madrigal as part of that trade, but the hope was that Heuer could transcend into being a long-term answer at the back of their bullpen.

Heuer posted a 3.14 ERA in 25 appearances out of the Cubs' bullpen in 2021, and that was the last time he was seen at the major league level. The rest of Heuer's tenure was defined by injuries. Heuer required Tommy John surgery at the end of spring training in 2022, and as he was recovering in 2023, he suffered a fractured elbow.

To no surprise, injuries forced the Cubs to end the experiment, and the 29-year-old split the 2025 season with the Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers, making a handful of appearances with each team. After proving to be healthy, Heuer signed a minor-league deal with the Cleveland Guardians during the offseason and has yet another opportunity to latch on with a team.

Codi Heuer has another chance to stick in the majors

Ahead of their game against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday, the Guardians have recalled Heuer from Triple-A Columbus.

In 14 appearances with the Guardians' Triple-A affiliate this season, Heuer has a 2.57 ERA while striking out nearly 22% of the hitters he faced. As was the case during the only season he pitched for the Cubs, there still might be some concern over his command. Heuer walked over 12% of the hitters he faced before his promotion, and that was the biggest drawback to the Cubs' initial plan for him to be their closer.

As it turns out, the Cubs did acquire their potential long-term closer in 2021, but it just wasn't because of the trade with the White Sox. Daniel Palencia was acquired by the Cubs that same season, and certainly has the impression of being the long-term answer at the back of the bullpen.

Heuer's return to the majors this season is a reminder for the Cubs that they may want to avoid making trades with the White Sox moving forward. Between the trade involving Kimbrel and Heuer in 2021 and the Jose Quintana deal in 2017, they haven't worked out in the Cubs' favor.

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