Left-handed pitcher Josh Fleming has spent much of the past several seasons bouncing between organizations in search of another extended major league opportunity. Once a dependable contributor for the Tampa Bay Rays, the 30-year-old has increasingly found himself serving as experienced depth for clubs needing starting and relief options.
That role brought him to the Toronto Blue Jays on a minor league contract before the 2026 season, but his stay with the organization proved remarkably brief at the major league level. And days after being released, Fleming has already landed with another contender looking to bolster its pitching depth.
“Cubs are signing LHP Josh Fleming to a minor league deal,” Marquee Sports Network’s Lance Brozdowski reported. “Fleming spent last season with the (Seattle) Mariners and was released by the Blue Jays (on Sunday).”
Toronto Blue Jays Cut Ties With Veteran After Brutal Outing
After four seasons with the Rays, then a stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Fleming returned to the big leagues with the Blue Jays to face the Dodgers in April and he promptly gave up four earned runs in three innings.
That outing ultimately represented the entirety of his time pitching for Toronto at the major league level. After clearing waivers and continuing to pitch at Triple-A Buffalo, the Blue Jays released Fleming last week, allowing him to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Although his Blue Jays contribution amounted to only three innings, the veteran continued logging significant innings in the minors while remaining stretched out, and that seemed to intrigue a Chicago Cubs team looking to overcome some significant pitching injuries this season.
Chicago Cubs Add Pitching Depth With Toronto Blue Jays Castoff
Chicago appears to value Fleming beyond his brief major league sample this season and the team might see him as a potential starter in their own minor league system or for the big-league club down the stretch.
“Fleming has been stretched out at Buffalo, too, for what that’s worth – 12 of his 13 appearances there were starts – so whenever a need pops up at Iowa or beyond, he can give you real length in relief or a spot start,” Brett Taylor wrote for Bleacher Nation. “On a minor league deal, he costs nothing and takes up no 40-man spot for now.”
That flexibility could make Fleming an attractive option if the Cubs need innings later this season. His experience as both a starter and reliever gives the organization another veteran arm capable of filling multiple roles without requiring an immediate 40-man roster commitment.
While Toronto ultimately moved on after just one major league appearance, Fleming didn’t remain available for long. The Cubs evidently see enough upside in the former Rays left-hander to give him another opportunity, hoping his ability to provide length can eventually translate into value at the big league level.