The Chicago Cubs have added left-handed pitching depth, agreeing to a minor league contract with Josh Fleming after his release from the Toronto Blue Jays organization. The move gives Chicago another experienced arm as it continues building organizational depth during the second half of the season.
Fleming, 30, is expected to report to Triple-A Iowa after spending the first half of 2026 with Triple-A Buffalo.
He only made one relief appearance for Toronto this season but remained productive in a bulk relief and spot-starting role.
Originally selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the fifth round of the 2017 MLB Draft, Fleming made his major league debut in 2020 before also pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Seattle Mariners.
He became available after Toronto released him Sunday amid an upper-level roster crunch.
At Buffalo, Fleming posted a 3.08 ERA across 64.1 innings while relying on a four-pitch mix featuring a sinker, changeup, sweeper and cutter.
His ability to generate ground balls and cover multiple innings gives the Cubs another experienced left-handed option in the organization.
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Chicago enters July battling in a crowded National League playoff race, making pitching depth increasingly valuable as the season progresses.
Fleming is expected to provide insurance as a starter or bulk reliever while the organization manages workloads and prepares for potential injuries.
The veteran's immediate focus will be with the Iowa Cubs, where he'll work toward earning another major league opportunity. If he performs well, Chicago can select his contract later in the season should a need arise on the major league pitching staff.
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