The only question was when it would happen. Unfortunately, because he underwent Tommy John surgery and will not be pitching competitively again until late next season if everything goes perfectly, Adbert Alzolay was never going to remain on the Cubs’ 40-man roster all offseason. The only question was whether they would let him go early or non-tender him at the tender deadline on Friday.

The question was answered today, per Jesse Rogers:Among MLB roster manevuerings today, the Cubs are likely to DFA former closer Adbert Alzolay, a source tells ESPN. Alzolay underwent Tommy John in August. He won’t pitch until late 2025 at the earliest.

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) November 19, 2024Alzolay, 29, put together an outstanding run in relief for the Cubs in 2023, but struggled early this season before succumbing to injury and, ultimately, surgery. There’s plenty of reason to believe he can pitch in the big leagues again after his rehab, but the uncertainty surrounding that process and the timeline associated means tendering him in arbitration just didn’t make sense. That does NOT mean the Cubs necessarily want to see Alzolay leave.

By designating him for assignment today, the Cubs can waive Alzolay immediately and give another organization a chance to claim him and then tender him. We may not want to see that as Cubs fans, but it would be the best outcome for Alzolay, since it would get him a big league deal. I suspect that will not happen, though, and once he clears waivers, hopefully the Cubs can sign him to a new minor league deal.

I’ve gotta believe it is a priority. Fingers crossed, and either way, best of luck to Alzolay. The DFA, by the way, is necessary to open up a 40-man spot for today’s Rule 5 Draft roster protection deadline (at a minimum, the Cubs have to add outfield prospect Owen Caissie).

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