Hunter Bigge

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20+23 innings pitched. He missed playing time during the season as the result of a torn labrum. [2] [5] Bigge split the 2022 campaign between South Bend and the Double–A Tennessee Smokies, accumulating a 7–2 record and 5.26 ERA with 70 strikeouts and 10 saves in 41 games. [6] In 2023, he played for Tennessee and the Triple–A Iowa Cubs, compiling a 4.50 ERA with 68 strikeouts across 42 appearances out of the bullpen. [7]

Bigge began the 2024 campaign with Triple–A Iowa. On July 7, 2024, the Cubs selected Bigge to the 40-man roster and promoted him to the major leagues for the first time. [5] He made his MLB debut on July 9, [8] and recorded a 2.70 ERA with 5 strikeouts in 4 games.

Tampa Bay Rays

On July 28, 2024, the Cubs traded Bigge, Christopher Morel, and Ty Johnson to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Isaac Paredes. [9] In 15 appearances down the stretch, he compiled a 2.57 ERA with 19 strikeouts and one save across 14 innings of work.

Bigge was initially optioned to the Triple-A Durham Bulls to begin the 2025 season. [10] However, following an injury to Shane McClanahan, the Rays added Bigge to their Opening Day roster. [11]

On June 19, 2025, Bigge was hit in the face by a 105-mile-per-hour (169 km/h) line drive foul ball off the bat of Adley Rutschman. He did not lose consciousness, but was carted off the field to receive medical attention. [12]

References

  1. "Los Gatos Whiz Kid of the Week Hunter Bigge". Los Gatos, CA Patch. June 7, 2011.
  2. 1 2 Birch, Tommy. "How Harvard graduate Hunter Bigge used his mind to become a big leaguer". The Des Moines Register.
  3. "McColl and Bigge Drafted in 2019 MLB Draft". Harvard University. June 5, 2019.
  4. "2020 Minor League Baseball season cancelled". mlb.com. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
  5. 1 2 Andracki, Tony (July 7, 2024). "Intriguing flamethrower joins Cubs bullpen after emotional path to majors | Chicago Cubs News". Marquee Sports Network.
  6. "Hunter Bigge Stats & Scouting Report". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
  7. "Hunter Bigge - Stats - Pitching". fangraphs.com. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
  8. "From Harvard to the Chicago Cubs, rookie reliever Hunter Bigge embraces the 'weirdest, craziest' ride". Chicago Tribune. July 12, 2024. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  9. "Cubs acquire All-Star Paredes from Rays for Morel, 2 prospects". MLB.com. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  10. "Mead makes second straight Opening Day roster after exceptional spring". mlb.com. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
  11. "Rays Place Shane McClanahan, Richie Palacios On Injured List". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
  12. https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/mlb/hunter-bigge-hospital-rcna214058
Hunter Bigge
Tampa Bay Rays – No. 43
Pitcher
Born: (1998-06-12) June 12, 1998 (age 27)
Los Gatos, California, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
July 9, 2024, for the Chicago Cubs