Bold start: A veteran reliever is moving to a new path, hoping to spark a late-career revival with the Cubs.
The Cubs have reached a minor league agreement with Collin Snider, the right-handed reliever who has spent time with the Mariners and Royals in recent seasons. Snider himself, along with staff at Tread Athletics where he trains during the offseason, announced the deal on Instagram. He’s expected to participate in big-league camp next spring. Snider is represented by agent Jack Toffey.
At 30 years old, Snider has logged major league time in each of the last four seasons. His MLB arc includes two campaigns with Kansas City (2022–23) and two with Seattle (2024–25). Across 122 2/3 big-league innings, he owns a 4.48 ERA, a 19.5% strikeout rate, and an 8.8% walk rate. His standout year came in 2024 with the Mariners, when he delivered 41 2/3 innings with a sparkling 1.94 ERA, a 27.8% strikeout rate, and a 7.7% walk rate.
Last season, Snider’s performance regressed, posting a 5.47 ERA over 26 1/3 frames and losing nearly two miles per hour off his fastball. It appears a flexor strain contributed to that dip, landing him on the injured list in early June. He didn’t return to the majors after that IL stint and, during a three-week Triple-A rehab assignment with Tacoma, struggled significantly. Seattle designated him for assignment after that stint and he cleared waivers, spending the remainder of the season in Tacoma trying but not quite recapturing his 2024 form. In Triple-A, he allowed 23 runs in 25 2/3 innings (an 8.06 ERA).
The Cubs’ offseason moves include trading Andrew Kittredge back to Baltimore and adding veterans Phil Maton and Hoby Milner to bolster a bullpen that features young closer Daniel Palencia. Chicago also reassigned or replaced other bullpen pieces as they look to refine their late-innings depth. While last year’s swing-and-mame success with their minor league signings isn’t guaranteed to repeat, the organization appears to be assembling a bullpen with depth that could attract rebound candidates, including Snider.
Snider will compete for a spot in spring training. Even if the initial plan is for him to start in the minors, his track record and former success suggest he could make a push for a bullpen role if he shows improved velocity and command. As the Cubs sort through their options, a crowded bullpen picture could emerge in the weeks and months ahead, with Snider among the interesting reclamation candidates to watch.
What do you think: should the Cubs lean on veterans like Snider for immediate bullpen depth, or prioritize young arms from within the farm system for long-term upside? Share your thoughts in the comments.
