What happened: The Chicago Cubs have signed Michael Hallquist to a minor league contract. Hallquist, a Ball State baseball alumnus, spent the 2026 season with the Milwaukee Milkmen of independent ball before landing the deal.

Why it matters: The move is a depth addition to the Cubs' player-development pipeline rather than a major-league transaction. Hallquist arrives with a decorated college resume, having earned First Team All-MAC honors and MAC Defensive Player of the Year recognition in his 2024 senior season at Ball State.

What to watch: Watch for which Cubs affiliate Hallquist is assigned to and how quickly he climbs the system.