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Cubs’ outright last year’s promising MLB signing from 40-man roster
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Last December, the Chicago Cubs signed first baseman Tyler Austin to a one-year major league contract, with team control extending beyond 2026 due to his arbitration eligibility. At the time, the 34-year-old right-handed hitter was coming off a resurgence overseas, where he had rediscovered his offensive touch. The suspected vision for Austin was as a platoon partner for Michael Busch at first base heading into the 2026 season.
Unfortunately, Austin’s first season back in the organization never got off the ground. Between signing in December and late February, he underwent knee surgery to address patellar tendinitis, sidelining him for the entire 2026 campaign. Now 35 years old and having not appeared in an MLB game since 2019, Austin was an obvious non-tender candidate, but has instead been outrighted by Chicago to Triple-A.
Chicago Cubs remove Tyler Austin from 40-man roster by sending him outright to Triple-A
Austin’s next decision will be whether to accept the outright assignment to Triple-A, allowing him to remain in the Cubs organization on a minor league contract, or reject the assignment and elect free agency. Given his age and the time he has spent away from the major leagues, remaining with Chicago may offer his clearest path to another MLB opportunity. If he chooses free agency, finding another organization willing to take a chance on him could prove difficult.
Austin’s outright assignment puts a stamp on what has been a disappointing attempt in what was supposed to be an opportunity to revive his MLB career. After recording between 20 and 28 home runs in three of his six seasons overseas, it’s unfortunate that an injury ultimately prevented him from getting another shot at the big leagues this year.
Whether he chooses to remain with the Cubs or elects free agency, Austin faces an uphill climb toward returning to the majors, and his next decision could play a significant role in determining whether that opportunity remains possible.
The post Cubs’ outright last year’s promising MLB signing from 40-man roster appeared first on ChiCitySports.
