Life in The Show has not gone as catcher Reese McGuire probably expected. The former Pittsburgh Pirates' first-round draft pick has bounced around MLB, unable to earn a regular role behind the plate. He found a temporary home with the Boston Red Sox but was ultimately designated for assignment last summer. The 30-year-old did not know when or if another big-league opportunity would come around. The Chicago Cubs came-a-calling in 2025, however.

After signing a minor league contract in January, he got refocused and positioned himself for another MLB run. A chance presented itself when the Cubs placed Miguel Amaya on the 10-day injured list with an oblique strain. Chicago promoted McGuire from Triple-A Iowa, and due to unforeseen circumstances, he was immediately thrust into a starting role ahead of Sunday's game versus the Cincinnati Reds.

Carson Kelly, one of the feel-good stories in the first half of the 2025 season, was scratched from the lineup due to illness. McGuire stepped up in his stead and helped Chicago earn an 11-8 comeback victory in the rubber match of the series. He belted two home runs, including the game-tying shot in the top of the eighth inning. The journeyman had not gone yard in over a year, but he sure made up for lost time with his first multi-homer showing.

An emotional Reese McGuire was just grateful to once again play the sport he loves at the highest level.

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“This game can battle test you for sure,” McGuire said, via ESPN. “I worked really hard to be back here. I'm just thankful for this opportunity. It was a fun game.”

MLB's RBI leader Seiya Suzuki followed the left-handed batter's lead and hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the eighth to complete a five-run comeback. The Cubs (32-21) continue to capitalize against sub.-500 clubs, winning their fourth consecutive series. They maintain a two-game divisional lead over the St. Louis Cardinals heading into their Memorial Day face-off with the historically abysmal Colorado Rockies (9-44).

McGuire, who is back in the lineup for the series opener, will look to formerly introduce himself to the North Side when he settles in behind home plate at Wrigley Field.