Schwindel agreed to a contract with the Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan on Sunday, Yahoo! Japan reports.

EDGE Analysis

Schwindel delivered a strong second half in 2021 for the Cubs with a 1.002 OPS and 13 home runs in 56 games, but he followed up with a .229/.277/.358 slash line last season. The 30-year-old was released by Chicago in September and will now test his luck overseas.

The Cubs granted Schwindel his unconditional release Sunday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Schwindel cleared waivers after the Cubs designated him for assignment earlier in the weekend, and the 30-year-old will now get a head start on his offseason with the organization electing to cut ties with him. Before he was removed from the 40-man roster, Schwindel was optioned to Triple-A Iowa but hadn't played for the affiliate since Aug. 17 due to an unspecified injury. After producing a modest .635 OPS over 292 plate appearances in the majors this season, Schwindel will likely have to settle for a minor-league deal on the open market.

Schwindel (undisclosed) was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Saturday, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Schwindel was on the injured list at Triple-A Iowa over the last few weeks, but he'll lose his spot on the Cubs' 40-man roster as part of a move after Esteban Quiroz's contract was selected Saturday. Schwindel performed well in 2021 after being acquired by the Cubs, but he hit just .229 with eight home runs, 36 RBI and 23 runs over 75 major-league games this year.

Triple-A Iowa placed Schwindel on its 7-day injured list Thursday due to an unspecified issue, Tommy Birch of The Des Moines Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

After being optioned to Triple-A on Aug. 8, Schwindel went 6-for-19 with three doubles in five games for Iowa before going on the IL. Though details on the nature of his absence are scarce at the moment, it'll at least temporarily push back Schwindel's timeline for rejoining the big club.

Schwindel was sent to Triple-A Iowa following Monday's game against the Nationals, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Schwindel was just 5-for-31 at the dish with two RBI and one run scored over his last 10 contests. He's presumably being sent down to make room for the addition of Franmil Reyes, who has yet to be officially activated after the Cubs claimed him off waivers earlier in the day.

Schwindel isn't in the lineup Monday against the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

Schwindel started the last two games and went 0-for-5 with a walk and two strikeouts. Patrick Wisdom is shifting to first base while Christopher Morel starts at the hot corner.

Schwindel isn't starting Friday against Miami.

EDGE Analysis

Schwindel went 0-for-3 with a strikeout during Thursday's nightcap against the Cardinals and will retreat to the bench for the second time in the last three games. Patrick Wisdom will shift to first base while Zach McKinstry starts at the hot corner.

Schwindel is out of the lineup for the first game of Thursday's doubleheader with the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Before Wednesday's game was postponed due to inclement weather, Schwindel had been in line to sit out against Cardinals right-hander Miles Mikolas. St. Louis will have Mikolas take the hill for the front end of the twin bill, so it's not particularly surprising that Schwindel will end up sitting for the third time in four contests. The 31-year-old looks like he could be falling into more of a part-time role at first base while the Cubs give more work to Patrick Wisdom at first base and free up the hot corner for the likes of Zach McKinstry and David Bote.

Schwindel is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Even though the Cubs recently demoted one of Schwindel's primary threats for playing time in Alfonso Rivas, Schwindel will take a seat for the third time in four games. Until Schwindel begins to heat up at the plate, manager David Ross could be inclined to rotate a few different players at first base. Patrick Wisdom will move across the diamond to start at first base Wednesday.

Schwindel is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

The 30-year-old reached base three times Friday but finds himself on the bench for the second straight game Sunday with lefty Carlos Rodon pitching for San Francisco. Schwindel should continue to see regular playing time between first base and designated hitter, especially with Alfonso Rivas optioned to the minors.