NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 07: Nick Madrigal #1 of the Chicago Cubs looks on from the dugout during the sixth inning of the game against the New York Mets at Citi Field on August 07, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
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For players on the fringe of a major league roster, just a few days can make a significant difference in the chances for a big-league opportunity.
That proved true again for former Chicago Cubs infielder Nick Madrigal, whose latest trip through free agency ended almost as quickly as it began when an American League division leader stepped in to add some experienced infield depth after an AL bottom feeder cut ties with him.
Chicago Cubs’ Veteran Infielder Moves Quickly After Latest Team Exit
According to Madrigal’s official MLB transaction log, he has joined the Tampa Bay Rays on a minor-league deal just one day after leaving the Los Angeles Angels organization when he was designated for assignment.
“It was a short trip in free agency for Madrigal, who just returned to the open market a few days ago when he declined an outright assignment to the Angels’ Triple-A squad,” Mark Plishuk wrote for MLB Trade Rumors. “After missing the entire 2025 season due to shoulder surgery, Madrigal inked a minors deal with the Halos last winter and then was selected to the 26-man roster at the end of May.”
The former first-round pick, who logged more than 200 games with the Cubs between 2022 and 2024, showed flashes during his brief stay with Los Angeles.
“Madrigal hit .273 (12-for-44) with zero homers, two RBI, one stolen base and a 7/3 K/BB ratio in 52 plate appearances during his brief time with the Angels,” NBC Sports noted.
Former Chicago Cubs Infielder Gets New Opportunity With American League Leader
Madrigal originally arrived with the Cubs in a trade that sent Craig Kimbrel to the crosstown rival Chicago White Sox. While injuries frequently interrupted his time in Chicago, he remained known for his elite contact skills and defensive versatility around the infield.
His newest opportunity comes with a Tampa Bay organization that has needed additional infield depth throughout the season as it looks to maintain a slim lead in the American League East division.
“Madrigal now joins a Tampa Bay club who has been somewhat short-handed in the infield all year, due to Gavin Lux’s season-long stint on the 60-day IL,” Polishuk added. “While Madrigal isn’t as easily optionable to the minors as some of the Rays’ other infield options at Triple-A, he provides Tampa Bay with some experienced depth.”
For Madrigal, the contract provides another chance to work his way back to the majors after he served as a significant contributor for some Cubs teams that fell short of playoff hopes. For Tampa Bay, it’s a low-risk addition that brings nearly 300 games of big league experience and another capable infield option as the club continues its push toward October.