Reese McGuire: Cubs Debut & 2-Homer Game
- Reese McGuire, in his first game as being called up by the Chicago Cubs, delivered a career-defining performance Sunday with two home runs in an 11-8 victory over...
- The 30-year-old catcher's milestone arrived after a busy two weeks.Released May 16 to explore major league opportunities after a strong showing with Triple-A Iowa, McGuire re-signed with the...
- McGuire's promotion to the 40-man roster followed Miguel Amaya's placement on the injured list due to a left oblique strain.
Reese McGuire stunned in his Chicago Cubs debut, smashing two home runs in an electrifying 11-8 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.The primary_keyword, McGuire, seized his opportunity with both hands, making history as a late addition to the lineup due to Carson Kelly‘s illness. His remarkable performance included a game-tying homer in the eighth inning, fueling a crucial four-run rally for the Cubs. This secondary_keyword, a testament to McGuire’s perseverance after a stint in Triple-A, now sees him joining an exclusive club of Cubs players achieving this feat. news Directory 3 is following this unexpected rise, as McGuire is set to start in the upcoming homestand.Discover what’s next for the Cubs’ newest hero.
Reese McGuire homers twice in Cubs debut
Updated May 25, 2025
Reese McGuire, in his first game as being called up by the Chicago Cubs, delivered a career-defining performance Sunday with two home runs in an 11-8 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. This Chicago Cubs victory was fueled by McGuire’s unexpected power surge.
The 30-year-old catcher’s milestone arrived after a busy two weeks.Released May 16 to explore major league opportunities after a strong showing with Triple-A Iowa, McGuire re-signed with the Cubs on Thursday.
McGuire’s promotion to the 40-man roster followed Miguel Amaya’s placement on the injured list due to a left oblique strain. He joins Jim Marshall (1958) and Earl Webb (1927) as the only cubs players to hit two home runs in their team debut.
A late addition to the lineup after Carson Kelly fell ill, McGuire learned he would be playing just 90 minutes before the first pitch.
Before his dramatic debut, McGuire batted .280 with three home runs and 19 RBIs in 22 games for Iowa. His journey to the Cubs marks his fourth major league team, including stints with the Toronto Blue Jays (2018), Chicago White Sox, and Boston Red Sox.
His first homer, a drive off Nick Lodolo, narrowed the gap to 4-3 in the second inning. His second,off Taylor Rogers in the eighth,tied the game at 8 as part of a four-run rally that put the Cubs ahead.
“This game can battle test you for sure,” McGuire said.”I worked really hard to be back here. I’m just thankful for this opportunity. It was a fun game.”
Cubs pitcher Ben Brown highlighted McGuire’s all-around abilities. “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,” Brown said. “it took unfortunate circumstances to get him here. He’s a good catcher.”
“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,” manager Craig Counsell said.
What’s next
manager Craig Counsell indicated Kelly will be the primary catcher, but McGuire is slated to start at least twice during the upcoming six-game homestand against the Colorado Rockies and Reds. His role could expand further in June with 26 games scheduled in 27 days. The Cubs, winners of four consecutive series, lead the NL Central by two games over st. louis.