The Chicago Cubs entered the final days before the MLB trade deadline positioned as buyers, with their sights set on reinforcing a pitching staff that could determine how far they advance in October.

While much of the attention has centered on potential blockbuster trade additions, the front office also continues making smaller roster moves to keep the club prepared for the stretch run. And those transactions can provide some insight into how a contender is managing its depth as it assesses the options for external changes.

Chicago Cubs Add Veteran Righty To Roster Just Before Trade Deadline

That was the case Wednesday, when the Cubs reshuffled their bullpen by adding a veteran former first round draft pick while demoting another arm.

The Cubs announced that they had designated Andrew Wantz for assignment, removing him from the major league roster shortly before the trade deadline, while replacing him with long-time St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jake Woodford.

“Wantz was just selected to the roster two days ago,” Darragh McDonald noted for MLB Trade Rumors after the announcement. “He entered (Tuesday) night’s game and tossed the final two innings of 10-2 victory over the Cardinals, throwing 27 pitches in the process. Perhaps he wasn’t going to be available for a day or two after that. Rather than play an arm short in the bullpen, the Cubs have swapped in a fresh one.”

The move appears to be more about maintaining a fully available bullpen than any long-term evaluation of Wantz, who had only recently been added to the active roster. With the Cubs still playing meaningful games every day, carrying a reliever unavailable after a multi-inning outing offered little flexibility.

Woodford, meanwhile, arrives with extensive major league experience after originally being selected 39th overall by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2015 MLB Draft. He has previously handled two innings for the Cubs this season, logging a brutal 13.50 ERA.

Chicago Cubs’ Trade Deadline Plans Could Affect Rotation Depth

While Woodford fills an immediate need, his place on the roster could prove temporary as well if Chicago lands additional pitching before the Aug. 3 deadline.

“(Woodford) will give the Cubs an arm capable of absorbing some innings for the time being,” McDonald added. “He is out of options and the Cubs are widely expected to be very active in pursuing pitching upgrades ahead of the August 3 deadline, so he may not have his roster spot for very long.”

That outlook aligns with expectations surrounding Chicago's deadline strategy. The Cubs have consistently been linked to starting pitching upgrades, and acquiring another established arm would likely create another roster crunch over the coming days.

For now, however, Woodford gives the club valuable innings while the front office continues working the trade market. As the deadline approaches, Chicago's latest pitching move underscores that every roster spot remains fluid as the organization balances immediate needs with the expectation that more significant additions could still be on the way.