CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 15: Chicago Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer speaks to the media during a press conference o introduce Alex Bregman (not pictured) at Wrigley Field on January 15, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)Getty ImagesWith the trade deadline looming at the beginning of next month, the Chicago Cubs made a significant move that seems designed to protect their outfield depth for the stretch run.The Cubs entered the week firmly in the postseason picture and are expected to be active buyers before the deadline. While much of the attention has focused on potential impact additions for the pitching staff, the front office quietly addressed another area of concern by adding a former first-round outfielder who was recently cut loose by a fierce division rival.ForbesESPN Veteran Addresses Pat McAfee-Linked Layoffs After Phillies, Dodgers GameBy Peter ChawagaChicago Cubs Add Former Milwaukee Brewers Outfielder Ahead Of Trade DeadlineThat move became official this week when Chicago quietly signed former Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Greg Jones to a minor-league contract.“The Cubs signed Jones to a minor-league contract Tuesday,” CBS Sports reported. “Jones elected free agency last week after being removed from the Brewers' 40-man roster, and he's now linked up with a division rival. The 28-year-old is just 3-for-30 in parts of three big-league seasons.”Jones officially joined professional baseball with a significant pedigree as a first-round draft pick, but he has yet to establish himself as a consistent major league contributor. His speed and defensive versatility, however, remain attractive traits for clubs seeking depth during the second half.MORE FOR YOU“He’ll provide the Cubs with some organizational depth at Triple-A Iowa heading into the final two months,” George Bissell noted for NBC Sports.ForbesCardinals’ 30-Year-Old Returns Immediately After Surprise RetirementBy Peter ChawagaChicago Cubs’ New Outfielder Could Be Key To Trade Deadline PlansWhile Jones is unlikely to step directly into an everyday role with the big-league club, the timing of the signing shouldn’t be understatedThe Cubs are widely expected to explore additional outfield upgrades and pitching reinforcement before the deadline, and a top prospect has frequently appeared in trade speculation as a potential centerpiece in larger deals.“Expected to be active at the deadline, there is a lot of chatter surrounding Kevin Alcantara and whether or not he will be a Cub long-term,” Dustin Riese wrote for CubsHQ. “Should Alcantara be dealt in a trade, the Cubs are going to need as much outfield depth as possible, and Jones is someone the Cubs are bringing in for that purpose.”In that context, the signing looks less like a standalone transaction and more like a pre-deadline insurance policy. If the Cubs ultimately move Alcantara or another upper-level outfielder in a larger trade, Jones gives the organization a ready-made replacement at Triple-A Iowa.For now, Chicago has added a former Brewers outfielder before the deadline rush begins. Whether Jones remains a depth piece or becomes part of a larger roster shuffle will depend on what the Cubs decide to do over the next several days as they chase another postseason berth.