Cubs promote No. 19 prospect BJ Murray Jr. for MLB debut
The Chicago Cubs recalled No. 19 prospect BJ Murray Jr. from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Sept. 1, as MLB rosters expanded from 26 to 28 players, setting up his Major League debut during the home series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field. Manager Craig Counsell brought Murray to the ballpark a day early to acclimate, and the versatile infielder gives Chicago added depth while shortstop Dansby Swanson remains on the 10-day injured list with a left oblique strain.
Murray's callup arrives as the Cubs chase a playoff spot and battle the first-place Brewers in a crucial four-game set. Chicago entered September comfortably holding a postseason position, and Monday's 17-3 win — powered by nine home runs — underscored the urgency of every September game. For fans tracking roster moves and debut watch alerts, our Streaming & TV Alerts hub rounds up the latest viewing news as the pennant race tightens.
Key Takeaways
- The Cubs activated BJ Murray Jr. on Tuesday after September roster expansion, alongside right-handed pitcher Tyler Ferguson.
- Murray ranked No. 19 on MLB Pipeline's Cubs Top 30 and slashed .294/.395/.500 with 16 home runs in 118 Triple-A games in 2026.
- The 26-year-old switch-hitter plays first base, third base, and left field, offering depth while Dansby Swanson recovers from an oblique strain.
- Murray will become the 10th Bahamian-born player in MLB history and the second in Cubs history after Andre Rodgers.
Who is BJ Murray Jr. and why is he joining the Cubs now?
Murray is a 26-year-old corner infielder from Nassau, Bahamas, whom the Cubs selected in the 15th round of the 2021 Draft out of Florida Atlantic University. A switch-hitter with experience at first base, third base, designated hitter, and left field, he has climbed steadily through the farm system on the strength of power and plate discipline.
MLB.com notes Murray has one of the best combinations of power and plate discipline in the Cubs' system and calls him a savvy baserunner despite modest speed. He also represented Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic in 2023 and 2026.
Rosters expanded league-wide on Tuesday, allowing teams to add one position player and one pitcher for the final month. Counsell told reporters before Monday's game that Murray would be active the next day. "He's had a tremendous Minor League season," Counsell said. "He's done great and has put himself into a conversation for a while now. So, I'm happy for him."
How has Murray performed in Triple-A this season?
In 118 games for Triple-A Iowa in 2026, Murray slashed .294/.395/.500 with 16 home runs, 24 doubles, nine triples, 68 RBIs, 69 walks, and 74 runs scored. His OPS reached .895 over 436 at-bats, per Yahoo Sports reporting on his promotion.
Murray posted nearly identical platoon splits against lefties and righties this season — a notable turnaround after he was more productive from the right side in 2025. He garnered starts at first base (42 games), third (34), designated hitter (31), and left field (10).
What does Murray bring to a playoff-bound Cubs roster?
Chicago's position-player group is among the deepest in baseball. The Athletic reports the Cubs lead MLB with a 117 wRC+ and rank first in on-base percentage, home runs, walk rate, and slugging. Even so, Swanson's absence has shifted the infield alignment, with Pedro Ramírez at second and Nico Hoerner at shortstop.
Matt Shaw already provides super-utility coverage, and both Shaw and Ramírez can play first base behind Michael Busch. Murray adds another versatile option in that reserve role as the Cubs look to lock down the top wild-card spot and prepare for October.
When and where can fans watch Murray's MLB debut?
Murray's activation coincides with the Cubs' four-game home stand against the Brewers at Wrigley Field, a series The Athletic describes as pivotal for Chicago's late-season positioning. He arrived at the ballpark on Monday — guided through the indoor cage by teammate Pete Crow-Armstrong — and joined hitters for batting practice ahead of his roster move.
Fans can follow official updates through MLB.com's callup report as Counsell works him into the lineup during a high-stakes September window at one of baseball's most iconic venues.