Key Cubs 2021 deadline acquisition is back in the big leagues, with a new team

There was a time when the acquisition of Codi Heuer at the 2021 trade deadline was thought to be a steal for the Chicago Cubs. Fans thought the team had picked up its next closer. And that they’d presumably gotten their next starting second baseman in a deal for a closer they couldn’t use as they fell out of contention. Then, it seemed like the best trade Jed Hoyer had swung at the time.

The reliever had to undergo Tommy John surgery on March 8, 2022, and while no one knew it yet, his Cubs career was over. It didn’t officially end until after the 2023 season, after yet another setback that year kept him from throwing a pitch with the big league club. In November of that year, he officially became a free agent and was signed to a minor league contract last spring by the Texas Rangers.

Codi Heuer recall highlights what could have been for the Chicago Cubs

More than a year after the Rangers gave him one last chance at a Major League career, the former Chicago Cubs trade acquisition is back in “The Show.” On Sunday afternoon, he was recalled from Round Rock during a roster shuffle that also saw former Cubs catcher Tucker Barnhart get DFA'd.

Heuer didn’t get any action on Sunday, and it’s unclear how long the former Cubs reliever might be with the Rangers, who are expected to make another move before Tuesday. However, the fact that he’s on an MLB roster for the first time since the end of the 2021 season is impressive nonetheless.

So far this season, Heuer has been good, if not great for the Rangers’ Triple-A team. He posted a 3.27 ERA in 19 games. Most encouraging are 25 strikeouts in 22 innings of relief. 

Still just 28, the former Chicago Cubs reliever has the chance to finally really and truly get going again on his major league career. He could be interesting to keep track of, especially if he can prove he’s healthy and pitch well, for a team that could be sellers by the end of next month.