The Chicago Cubs have been making waves in Major League Baseball by bringing back several fan-favorite players. In a move that has delighted their loyal supporters, the team is reinforcing its roster with familiar faces who have made a significant impact in the past. These returns signal a strategic push to strengthen the club’s competitiveness and deepen its connection with the fanbase.
Brandon Hughes’ Return
One of the biggest returns for the Cubs is left-handed relief pitcher Brandon Hughes. Hughes made a name for himself in 2022 with a stellar rookie season, posting a 3.12 ERA in 57 appearances. However, injuries and struggles led to an inconsistent 2023 season, followed by a brief stint with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2024. Now, the Cubs have signed Hughes to a minor-league contract, hoping he can regain his dominant form and become a key bullpen asset.
Patrick Wisdom Rejoins the Cubs
Another exciting return is Patrick Wisdom, a power-hitting infielder/outfielder who was called back up from Triple-A Iowa in April 2024. Wisdom had been a crucial part of the Cubs’ offense from 2021 to 2023, smashing 76 home runs over those three seasons. Though he was briefly optioned to the minors, his return is expected to add much-needed power to the lineup. The Cubs have lacked consistent home run production, and Wisdom’s slugging ability could be a game-changer.
Keegan Thompson Strengthens the Pitching Staff
In addition to Wisdom and Hughes, the Cubs also recalled Keegan Thompson, a right-handed pitcher who had been one of the team’s most promising bullpen arms. Thompson struggled in 2023, but his past success made him a strong candidate for a comeback. The Cubs are hopeful that his return will bolster their relief pitching, an area where they’ve needed reinforcements.
Sammy Sosa’s Surprise Reconciliation
Perhaps the most unexpected and emotional return of all isn’t an active player—but rather a franchise legend. Sammy Sosa, one of the greatest power hitters in Cubs history, has finally mended his strained relationship with the organization. After years of tension, Sosa publicly acknowledged past mistakes, leading to a stunning reconciliation with Cubs ownership. In December 2024, team chairman Tom Ricketts invited Sosa to the 2025 Cubs Convention, marking a significant step toward repairing the once-broken bond.
Sosa, who hit 609 career home runs (545 with the Cubs), was a fan favorite throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, his controversial exit from the team in 2004, coupled with steroid allegations, left a bitter legacy. His return to the Cubs’ fold is a major moment in franchise history and a cause for celebration among longtime fans.
A Promising Future for the Cubs
These returns demonstrate the Cubs’ commitment to blending past success with future aspirations. By bringing back players with proven track records, they are aiming for immediate improvements while also reigniting fan excitement. Whether it’s Hughes’ pitching, Wisdom’s power, Thompson’s reliability, or Sosa’s emotional reunion, Cubs fans have plenty to be excited about.