The Chicago Cubs continue exploring every available option to strengthen their pitching staff ahead of the Major League Baseball trade deadline, and one intriguing name has emerged on the free-agent market: former San Francisco Giants reliever Gregory Santos.
While Chicago’s front office has repeatedly indicated that blockbuster trades are unlikely until the deadline draws closer, the organization has remained aggressive in evaluating pitchers who become available through waivers, free agency, or roster moves. That strategy could make Santos an appealing low-risk addition as the Cubs seek to improve the depth of their bullpen for the second half of the season.
Santos, once viewed as one of baseball’s most promising late-inning relievers, appeared poised for a breakout after an impressive 2023 campaign with the Chicago White Sox. During that season, the hard-throwing right-hander posted a 3.39 ERA over 60 appearances, showcasing an explosive fastball that regularly reached the upper-90 mph range and establishing himself as a reliable high-leverage arm.
However, injuries have significantly slowed his development over the past two seasons.
A combination of biceps and lat muscle injuries limited Santos to only 16 appearances with the Seattle Mariners across two years, preventing him from building on his earlier success. Hoping for a fresh start, he joined the Giants this season, but his return failed to produce the consistency both he and the club were seeking.
Although Santos still displayed impressive velocity averaging around 96 mph with his fastball his overall effectiveness declined. Across five innings for San Francisco, he surrendered five runs, two of which were earned, while allowing five hits and issuing three walks. More concerning was his inability to generate swings and misses, recording only one strikeout against 22 batters faced.
The lack of command and diminished strikeout production ultimately cost Santos his spot in the Giants’ bullpen. After being outrighted off the roster earlier this week, the right-hander elected free agency rather than remaining in the organization, immediately becoming available to teams searching for bullpen reinforcements.
According to baseball insider Francys Romero, multiple clubs have already expressed interest in signing Santos. Given the Cubs’ recent pattern of pursuing available pitching depth, many believe Chicago could be among the organizations monitoring his market.
Despite his recent struggles, Santos still possesses qualities that make him an intriguing reclamation project. The Cubs’ pitching staff has lacked consistent premium velocity throughout much of the season, and Santos remains capable of throwing harder than nearly every reliever currently on the roster.
His combination of experience, arm strength, and previous success suggests there could still be untapped potential if a coaching staff can help him regain his command and confidence following his injury setbacks.
Another factor working in Santos’ favor is that he still has one minor league option remaining. That flexibility could allow the Cubs to sign him, assign him to Triple-A for additional work with their pitching coaches, and gradually prepare him for a return to the Major Leagues without immediately committing a bullpen spot.
Ideally, Chicago could secure Santos on a minor league contract, giving the organization time to refine his mechanics and improve his command before considering a promotion. However, with several teams reportedly pursuing the former Giants reliever, the Cubs may ultimately need to offer a Major League deal if they hope to win the competition for his services.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Cubs remain committed to identifying affordable pitching upgrades wherever they become available. While Gregory Santos is far from a guaranteed solution, his high-end velocity, previous Major League success, and remaining upside make him one of the more intriguing bullpen options currently available on the free-agent market.
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