Chicago – The MLB trade market stormed the Cubs when the team announced it had signed Sam Mettert, a promising high-velocity pitcher. What’s special: Mettert, who has been reported to be able to hit the ball as high as 98.5 mph, was signed to a Minor League deal, opening up a big future for a player who was never selected in the Draft.
Mettert, 22, recently graduated from St. John’s University before developing his skills at Tread Athletics — where the Cubs have been closely monitoring him.
With his tall frame (6-foot-5, about 225 pounds), Mettert has caught the eye of scouts thanks to his potential and his “hard-to-play” pitching.
While Mettert’s college numbers weren’t stellar: in his two years at St. John’s, he made 39 appearances but only had 47.2 innings, a 7.17 ERA, and a high number of walks.
However, the Cubs appear to be betting on raw potential — that his powerful fastball and “close-to-the-net” pitches can be powerful weapons when honed properly.
CubsHQ sources say signing Mettert was a “strategic move” — the team wants to continue mining the talent mined by Tread Athletics.
In fact, Mettert is the sixth player the Cubs have signed from Tread, suggesting that this strategy of training and “hunting” for super-speed metrics is something they’ve taken seriously.
Insiders say Mettert will likely be a relief pitcher in the Cubs’ Minor League division initially.
But if his potential matures quickly, Mettert could very well move up the ladder — becoming a key cog in the Cubs’ pitching staff.
Mettert’s journey has been emotional: according to Newsweek, before his call, he planned to go to graduate school, possibly giving up his dream of becoming a professional player if he wasn’t drafted.
That’s why the Cubs’ signing has fans and Mettert himself feeling so emotional — like a one-time chance to make that dream come true.
Cubs fans have been quick to embrace the news with hope and excitement. Some fans believe Mettert could be the “rough diamond” that will be integral to the team’s pitching ambitions in the coming years. The Cubs have long been looking for a strong pitching source from the youth system, and Mettert could be an important piece to that strategy.
Experts say this is a smart move by the Cubs management. Instead of spending big money on ready-made stars, they are investing in potential, in people who can develop and bring long-term value. If Mettert progresses quickly, he could become a strategic cog in the bullpen or even rise to the next level.
By signing Mettert, the Cubs have just sent a clear “message”: they are serious about building a roster from the ground up, with young talent with big aspirations. Whether successful or not, this decision will certainly be closely watched — because it is not just a small deal, but a milestone that shows the Chicago Cubs’ vision for the future.
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