Nick Madrigal’s time with the Cubs has come to an end. The team non-tendered the 27-year-old infielder today following an injury-plagued tenure on the north side. The book on the blockbuster Craig Kimbrel deal from the 2021 trade deadline is now closed.
The fourth overall pick in the 2018 draft, Madrigal was very productive in a short stint with the White Sox. Over an 83-game sample in 2020 and 2021, he hit .317 and was 9% better than the league average hitter per OPS+. Madrigal’s exceptional bat-to-ball skills were evident, as he struck out just 24 times in 324 regular season plate appearances with the White Sox. Despite showing little power and occasional defensive miscues, he fit those contending White Sox teams like a glove as a #9 hitter and looked to be the long-term answer at 2nd base.
Unfortunately for Madrigal, he tore his right hamstring in June 2021 while with the White Sox and missed the rest of the season. That injury was the start of his downward spiral. He got dealt to the Cubs as part of the Craig Kimbrel trade just a month later.
Injuries defined Madrigal’s tenure with the Cubs. Over the last few years, he suffered groin and hamstring strains, back issues, and a fractured hand. And when he was on the field, his performance was highly disappointing. Madrigal hit just .251 over his Cubs career, including a very poor .221 in 2024. He still rarely strikes out, but his offensive production fell off a cliff over time.
The Cubs traded for Madrigal envisioning him as a long-term starter in their lineup. However, Nico Hoerner cemented his place as the starting second baseman instead of him. The Cubs also have two other intriguing infield prospects on the brink of the majors in Matt Shaw and James Triantos. Madrigal fell out of favor and became easily replaceable for the Cubs. His projected 2025 salary through arbitration sat at $1.9 million, but the team elected to let him go instead of paying him that amount.
Madrigal’s next move is up in the air. He has not been healthy or productive enough in recent years to land an MLB contract, barring something unforeseen. He will likely have to take a minor league contract with a spring training invite to prove himself again. His best bet is to sign with a team needing a second baseman in hopes of winning a roster spot in spring training. A reunion with the White Sox on a minor-league deal could make sense, depending on what the team does this offseason.
Nick Madrigal’s fall from grace has been tough to watch. He went from being integral to the White Sox plans to being non-tendered by a different team in just a few years. Thankfully for him, he is still just 27 years old. He has plenty of time to get his career on the right track again.
