The Chicago Cubs bench is shaping up to look a bit different next year.
The organization nontendered outfielder Mike Tauchman and infielder Nick Madrigal before Friday’s 7 p.m. deadline, making them free agents. Right-handers Adbert Alzolay and Trey Wingenter, infielder Patrick Wisdom and outfielder Brennen Davis are also free agents after the Cubs designated them for assignment earlier this week.
Left-hander Justin Steele, third baseman Isaac Parades and right-handers Nate Pearson and Eli Morgan have been tendered contracts. The Cubs also agreed to terms with right-handers Julian Merryweather and Keegan Thompson and catcher Matt Thaiss.
Tauchman’s performance the last two seasons, which memorably featured a game-ending robbery of a walk-off home run in St. Louis in 2023 and a walk-off home run against the White Sox in June, makes the Cubs’ decision a little surprising. He posted a 106 OPS+, .250 average and .360 on-base percentage in 217 games, largely in a platoon role or off the bench.
MLB Trade Rumors projected the 33-year-old Palatine native would earn $2.9 million in 2025. However, the Cubs boast young outfield depth on their 40-man roster and appear poised to give prospects opportunities versus a veteran such as Tauchman. Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcantara still have minor-league options next year, unlike Alexander Canario.
Madrigal never became the player the Cubs envisioned when they acquired him as part of the return from the White Sox for closer Craig Kimbrel in 2021. The 2018 No. 4 pick has dealt with injuries throughout his career, seeing his season end this year because of a fractured hand he suffered in his first game after the Cubs optioned him to Triple-A Iowa in early June.
Madrigal, 27, hit .251 with a .304 OBP in 202 games with the Cubs.
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