Cubs let go of former top-five draft pick

   

Nick Madrigal’s time with the Chicago Cubs has come to an end.

The Cubs have decided not to tender a contract to Madrigal, who just completed his third season with the team.

The Cubs had acquired Madrigal and Codi Heuer from the White Sox for Craig Kimbrel during the 2022 season. In two and a half seasons with the Cubs, Madrigal batted just .251 with very little power for a .616 OPS.

Madrigal was a top prospect coming out of college at Oregon State and was drafted No. 4 overall by the White Sox in 2018. He batted .340 in 29 games with the White Sox in 2020. He batted .305 in 54 games the following season, and had shown promise as a top contact hitter. His career has gone in the wrong direction since then. Madrigal suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in 2021, and he suffered a season-ending broken hand after being hit by a pitch in 2024.

The 27-year-old infielder will likely get an opportunity elsewhere.