The Chicago Cubs recently parted ways with right-handed pitcher Jake Woodford, and the veteran did not wait long to find a new opportunity.
After the Cubs designated him for assignment about a week ago, Woodford declined a minor-league assignment and elected free agency on Aug. 7.
By Monday, he had agreed to a minor-league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, according to reporting from the Tampa Bay Times.
Woodford’s 2026 season has been spent largely in low-leverage roles. He appeared with both the Milwaukee Brewers and the Cubs, logging just three innings for Chicago and allowing three earned runs. Overall this year he has thrown 26.1 innings with a 7.18 ERA and 23 strikeouts.
The 29-year-old brings some prior familiarity with the Rays organization. He signed a minor-league deal with Tampa Bay before the season and spent time in their spring training camp.
Although he did not make the Opening Day roster, an upward-mobility clause in his contract allowed him to join the Brewers and later move to the Cubs.
For now, Woodford is expected to report to Triple-A Durham, where he can continue working and stay ready should the Rays need an extra arm in the majors.
His career path has been one of steady movement. Drafted and developed by the St. Louis Cardinals, he spent his first four big-league seasons there before bouncing among several clubs, including the White Sox, Pirates, Diamondbacks, Brewers, and Cubs.
Across parts of seven major-league seasons he has compiled a 5.29 ERA in 282.1 innings, with an ERA+ of 78 that sits well below league average.
At an age when many pitchers are still seeking consistency, Woodford continues to chase big-league innings. The Rays, known for developing depth and maximizing underutilized talent, offer him another chance to prove he belongs.
Whether he remains in Durham for the balance of the year or gets a call-up later will depend on opportunity and performance.
For a pitcher who has already shown he can adapt to new organizations on short notice, the latest move simply continues a career defined by resilience and the next chance.
