The Chicago Cubs have bolstered their pitching depth by adding former Minnesota Twins minor leaguer Tyler Beede. Beede, a right-handed pitcher, signed a minor league deal with the Cubs, according to Ari Alexander of 7News Boston WHDH. The 32-year-old had a brief but eventful stint with the Twins, making just seven appearances for Triple-A St. Paul before being released in June 2025. Despite his short tenure, the Twins' decision to release Beede was met with some controversy. While some argue that the Twins made the right call by allowing Beede to pursue other opportunities, others question the timing and the organization's strategy. Beede, a former first-round pick by the San Francisco Giants, has logged innings in the MLB for the Cleveland Guardians, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Giants. In parts of five MLB seasons, he has posted a -1.1 bWAR and a 5.55 ERA with 181 strikeouts and 92 walks. Pre-2017, he was among MLB and Baseball America's top-100 prospects. The Twins' decision to release Beede in 2025, even though his time with the organization wasn't long, has sparked debate. Some believe that Beede asked to be released to pursue playing elsewhere and sign with an MLB team during the 2025-26 offseason. If that's the case, the Twins did the right thing by allowing him to pursue his career goals. However, others argue that the Twins could have utilized Beede's experience and potential, especially after trading five relievers. The addition of journeymen like Noah Davis, Michael Tonkin, and Erasmo Ramirez filled the void, but some question if the Twins could have made a more impactful move by keeping Beede. The controversy surrounding the Twins' decision highlights the fine line between supporting young talent and making strategic moves for the team's long-term success. It invites discussion and invites fans to share their thoughts on the matter in the comments.
