Inside The Cubs

Former Chicago Cubs Reliever Agrees To Deal With NL Contenders

A National League contender has signed former Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Julian Merryweather.
Kenneth Teape|
May 4, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Julian Merryweather (66) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning at American Family Field.
May 4, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Julian Merryweather (66) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning at American Family Field. | Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

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Chicago Cubs

In an effort to turn their bullpen performance around, the Chicago Cubs made a move to shake things up near the end of May.

On May 24, the Cubs decided to designate Julian Merryweather for assignment. After not being claimed, he was released on May 30, ending his tenure with the team that spanned parts of three seasons.

The veteran righty was originally claimed off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays in January 2023.

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Merryweather was excellent in his first season with Chicago, recording a 3.38 ERA across 72 innings, becoming an integral part of the team’s bullpen with a 0.9 bWAR.

What stood out the most was his robust strikeout numbers, recording 98, resulting in an impressive 12.3 K/9 and 32.3% strikeout rate.

Unfortunately, he was unable to ever replicate those numbers, as he struggled in 2024 with a 6.60 ERA across 15 innings. Things didn’t get much better in 2025, with Merryweather recording a 5.79 ERA in 21 appearances and 18.2 innings before being designated for assignment.

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It didn’t take too long for him to find a new franchise to play for, as Anthony DiComo of MLB.com has revealed that the New York Mets have signed him to a deal.

The pressure will be on for him to perform at a high level with the Mets already having one of the best bullpens in the MLB.

Their bullpen ERA of 2.89 entering play on June 7 is the second best in baseball, behind only the San Francisco Giants with a 2.35.

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Kenneth Teape
KENNETH TEAPE

Kenneth Teape is an alumnus of SUNY Old Westbury and graduated in 2013 with an Honors Degree in Media Communications with a focus on print journalism. During his time at Old Westbury, he worked for the school newspaper and several online publications, such as Knicks Now, the official website of the New York Knicks, and a self-made website with fellow students, Gotham City Sports News. Kenneth has also been a site expert at Empire Writes Back, Musket Fire, and Lake Show Life within the FanSided Network. He was a contributor to HoopsHabit, with work featured on Bleacher Report and Yardbarker. In addition to his work here, he is a reporter for both NBA Analysis Network and NFL Analysis Network, as well as a writer and editor for Packers Coverage. You can follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @teapester725, or reach him via email at teapester725@gmail.com.

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