Mon May 26 20:40:00 UTC 2025: **Cubs’ McGuire Has Career Day in Debut After Hectic Two Weeks**

CINCINNATI – Reese McGuire, recently called up by the Chicago Cubs, delivered a career-defining performance on Sunday, hitting two home runs in an 11-8 victory against the Cincinnati Reds. The game marked a dramatic turnaround for the 30-year-old catcher, who had been navigating uncertainty in the minor leagues just weeks prior.

McGuire, who signed another minor league deal with the Cubs last Thursday, was released on May 16th to explore opportunities with a major league roster. After a solid start for Triple-A Iowa, his patience and hard work paid off. “This game can battle test you for sure,” McGuire said after the victory. “I worked really hard to be back here. I’m just thankful for this opportunity. It was a fun game.”

His promotion to the 40-man roster came after Miguel Amaya was placed on the injured list with a left oblique strain. McGuire joins Jim Marshall (1958) and Earl Webb (1927) as only the third player in Cubs history to hit two home runs in his debut.

A late addition to the lineup due to Carson Kelly’s illness, McGuire learned he was playing just 90 minutes before the game. He quickly made his presence known, hitting a two-run homer in the second inning to narrow the Reds’ lead. He then tied the game in the eighth with another solo shot, fueling a four-run rally that secured the Cubs’ victory.

Manager Craig Counsell praised McGuire’s resilience, noting, “In Reese’s situation, maybe you feel like something’s slipping away and you’re asked to just keep going without any promise of an opportunity. And then probably, you know, when you least expect it, you get an opportunity and maybe have the game of your life.”

With Kelly expected to start most games, McGuire is slated to play at least twice during the Cubs’ upcoming homestand. His role may expand further in June, with a demanding schedule of 26 games in 27 days looming.

Cubs pitcher Ben Brown highlighted McGuire’s all-around abilities, adding, “We knew in spring training that Reese was going to be a contributor on this team, just by the way that he controls the running game, talks to pitchers and can swing the bat.”

The Cubs, winners of four straight series, currently lead the NL Central by two games over the St. Louis Cardinals.

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