Tuesday was the deadline for the Chicago Cubs to protect eligible prospects from the Rule 5 draft, and the Cubs followed suit by adding left-handed pitcher Riley Martin to their 40-man roster, along with James Triantos and Pedro Ramirez.
Given the lack of lefties the Cubs have at the Major League level, it made sense for them to protect Martin, who posted an ERA of 2.69 in 47 appearances with the Iowa Cubs in 2025. Depending on the moves the Cubs make this offseason, Martin could be a sneaky candidate to break camp with the Major League team in 2026.