Ethan Roberts Bio
Ethan Michael Roberts (born July 4, 1997) is an American professional baseball pitcher who plays for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB). A right-handed reliever, Roberts first reached the majors in 2022 and has spent his entire professional career within the Cubs organization. He wears uniform number 39 for Chicago.
Early Life and Background
Ethan Michael Roberts was born on July 4, 1997, and grew up in the United States. He attended White County High School in Sparta, Tennessee, where he developed as a pitcher and drew attention from college and professional scouts. His time at White County helped establish the foundation for his career on the mound.
After high school, Roberts continued his baseball path at Tennessee Technological University, commonly known as Tennessee Tech. Playing for the Golden Eagles, he steadily built his resume as a relief pitcher. His college performance set the stage for a professional opportunity with the Chicago Cubs.
Path to Baseball
As a junior at Tennessee Tech in 2018, Roberts went 6–1 with a 2.41 earned run average (ERA) and recorded 14 saves over 71 innings pitched. Those numbers marked him as one of the top relief arms in the college ranks that season. Following the conclusion of the 2018 college season, the Chicago Cubs selected him in the fourth round of the 2018 Major League Baseball draft.
Roberts signed with the Cubs and was quickly assigned to the minor leagues to begin his professional development. His progression through the Cubs’ farm system would ultimately prepare him for an opportunity at the major league level.
Ethan Roberts Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
Roberts made his professional debut in 2018 with the Eugene Emeralds, where he posted a 5.40 ERA over 15 innings. The short stint gave him his first taste of professional baseball and allowed the Cubs to evaluate his talent against older competition.
In 2019, Roberts began the season with the South Bend Cubs before being promoted to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Over 59 relief innings between the two clubs, he went 4–5 with a 2.59 ERA, 13 saves, and 54 strikeouts. He did not play in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minor League Rise and MLB Debut (2021–2022)
Roberts began the 2021 season with the Tennessee Smokies and was promoted to the Iowa Cubs in early August. Over 39 relief appearances and 54 innings between the two clubs, he went 4–2 with a 3.00 ERA and 72 strikeouts. On November 19, 2021, the Cubs added Roberts to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.
On April 4, 2022, it was announced that Roberts had made the Cubs’ Opening Day roster. He made his MLB debut on April 9, 2022, throwing one scoreless inning of relief against the Milwaukee Brewers. In early May, he was placed on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation. On June 23, 2022, it was announced that he would be undergoing Tommy John surgery, ending his season. He was non-tendered and became a free agent on November 17, 2022.
Return to Chicago (2023–2024)
On December 2, 2023, Roberts re-signed with the Cubs organization on a minor league contract. He made 12 scoreless appearances across the rookie-level Arizona Complex League Cubs, Double-A Tennessee, and Triple-A Iowa, striking out 13 in 11⅓ innings. On June 16, 2024, the Cubs selected Roberts’ contract, adding him back to the major league roster.
In 21 appearances for Chicago in 2024, he posted a 3.71 ERA with 26 strikeouts across 26⅓ innings pitched. The performance confirmed his recovery from Tommy John surgery and re-established him as a relief option in the Cubs’ bullpen.
Chicago Cubs Era (2025–Present)
Roberts was optioned to Triple-A Iowa to begin the 2025 season. During the 2025 regular season, he made 10 appearances for Chicago, registering a 1–0 record and a 6.00 ERA with six strikeouts over nine innings pitched. Despite the limited MLB innings, he remained part of the Cubs’ relief depth.
Roberts was again optioned to Triple-A Iowa to begin the 2026 season. Through games of June 20, 2026, his MLB career statistics include a 2–3 win–loss record, a 4.30 ERA, and 58 strikeouts.
Driving Style and Strengths
Roberts has built his career as a relief pitcher, accumulating double-digit saves in the minors and high strikeout totals relative to innings pitched. His college-level command and his ability to miss bats in shorter outings have been the foundation of his professional profile.
Notable Events and Milestones
Roberts’ most notable moments include his MLB debut against the Milwaukee Brewers on April 9, 2022, his 2018 fourth-round selection by the Cubs, and his successful return from Tommy John surgery in 2024. He is also a member of the Cubs’ 40-man roster, a recognition of his long-term value to the organization.
Ethan Roberts Career Wins
Roberts has been used primarily in relief throughout his professional career, with his wins coming in short stints out of the bullpen. His MLB career includes a 2–3 win–loss record as a reliever for the Chicago Cubs. His minor league win totals include his 6–1 college record at Tennessee Tech and his combined minor league win totals with South Bend, Myrtle Beach, Tennessee, and Iowa.
Minor League Highlights
During his time in the Cubs’ minor league system, Roberts recorded a 6–1 record with a 2.41 ERA as a junior at Tennessee Tech in 2018, then went 4–5 with a 2.59 ERA in 2019 and 4–2 with a 3.00 ERA in 2021. His 13 saves in 2019 and his 72 strikeouts in 2021 stood out as headline performances.
Other Wins and Performances
Roberts posted a combined 12 scoreless appearances across the Arizona Complex League Cubs, Double-A Tennessee, and Triple-A Iowa in 2023 following his return from injury. In 2024, he returned to the Cubs’ major league bullpen and posted a 3.71 ERA across 21 appearances.
Ethan Roberts Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Ethan Michael Roberts’ immediate family is limited. He grew up in the Sparta, Tennessee, area and attended White County High School before continuing his baseball career at Tennessee Technological University.
Personal Life
Roberts is active on social media, where he can be followed on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Details about his marital status, spouse, and children are not publicly confirmed in available sources.
2025 Season Performance
Ethan Michael Roberts opened the 2025 season at Triple-A Iowa before being called up to the Chicago Cubs. In 10 appearances for Chicago during the regular season, he went 1–0 with a 6.00 ERA and six strikeouts over nine innings pitched. His workload remained limited as the Cubs managed his return from prior injury.
Through the early portion of the 2026 season, Roberts was again optioned to Triple-A Iowa to begin the year. His major league career totals through June 20, 2026, include a 2–3 record, a 4.30 ERA, and 58 strikeouts. He remains a depth arm for the Cubs’ bullpen as the season continues.
