Chicago Cubs Officially Sign Young Utilityman After Padres Series

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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: Manager Craig Counsell #11 of the Chicago Cubs observes prior to game one of the National League Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on September 29, 2026. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

The Chicago Cubs faced a two-game sweep by the San Diego Padres in the National League Wild Card Series.

This defeat resulted in the Cubs’ elimination from the postseason.

GettySAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: San Diego Padres fans react after Pete Crow-Armstrong #4 of the Chicago Cubs strikes out during the sixth inning of game one in the National League Wild Card Series at Petco Park on September 29, 2026. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

In contrast, the Padres advanced to the National League Division Series, where they will meet the Milwaukee Brewers.

Following the series against the Padres, the Cubs signed a Cuban prospect aged 17.

Chicago Cubs Sign 17-Year-Old Utilityman After the San Diego Padres Wild Card Series

GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 03: President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer of the Chicago Cubs addresses the media before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field on August 03, 2026. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Cubs have formally signed 17-year-old Rodelvis Santiesteban.

The organization reached an agreement with the talented prospect in June, according to CiberCuba.

GettyCINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 02: A Chicago Cubs player’s hat and glove resting in the dugout during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on September 02, 2023. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Beisbol FR’s Francys Romero was the first to report this development.

Romero shared on X:

Cuban utility player Rodelvis Santiesteban has officially signed with the Chicago Cubs.

Signing bonus: $20,000 plus a scholarship.

Santiesteban, 17, departed Cuba in June 2024. He clocks in at a 6.3-second 60-yard dash and possesses significant contact skills and athletic talent.

GettyCHICAGO, IL – JUNE 08: The glove, cap, and glasses of Javier Baez #9 of the Chicago Cubs in the dugout during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on June 8, 2018. The Cubs won the game 3-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Trained in Punta Cana under Jorge Luis Toca at GT Baseball Academy.

He is the 26th Cuban player to sign during the current international signing period (2025-26).

Trained in Punta Cana under Jorge Luis Toca at GT Baseball Academy.

He is the 26th Cuban player to sign during the current international signing period (2025-26).

Looking Ahead at the Chicago Cubs

GettySAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 30: Nico Hoerner #2 of the Chicago Cubs reacts after flying out against the San Diego Padres during the second inning of game two in the National League Wild Card Series at Petco Park on September 30, 2026. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

The Cubs concluded the regular season with an 89-73 record.

They secured second place in the NL Central and were the second NL Wild Card team.

GettySAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres celebrates with Manny Machado #13 after hitting a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning of game one in the National League Wild Card Series at Petco Park on September 29, 2026. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

San Diego completely dominated Chicago in the Wild Card Series.

The Padres triumphed over the Cubs 8-0 in the series opener on Tuesday and followed it with a 4-1 victory in the second game on Wednesday.

Jackson Kruse covers Major League Baseball for Heavy Sports. He is also the site expert for FanSided’s Minnesota Twins platform, Puckett’s Pond, and contributes to Nolan Writin’, the FanSided Texas Rangers site. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Media from Texas State University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Before joining Heavy Sports and FanSided, he served as sports editor for The University Star, Texas State’s student-run newspaper. More about Jackson Kruse

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