The Cubs promoted Vitters and fellow prospect Brett Jackson from the Iowa Cubs of the Triple-APacific Coast League on August 5, 2012.[10] He made his Major League debut later that day as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers[11] On August 7, 2012, Vitters pinch hit for pitcher Jeff Beliveau and collected his first MLB hit, a double against the San Diego Padres in the seventh inning, scoring both Steve Clevenger and Darwin Barney. His first major league home run was on August 20, 2012, in the fifth inning against Mark Rogers of the Milwaukee Brewers.[12] On October 11, 2012, he was started playing in Venezuelan Professional Baseball League with the Leones del Caracas and appeared 2 games. Vitters split the 2013 season between Iowa and the AZL Cubs, slashing .267/.368/.475 in 33 games between the two teams. He spent the entire 2014 season in Iowa as well, batting .213/.268/.339 with 11 home runs and 38 RBI in 112 games. On October 29, 2014, Vitters was outrighted off of the 40-man roster.[13] On November 4, he was granted free agency.
On April 12, 2018, Vitters signed with the Québec Capitales of the Can-Am League. He was released on June 24 after hitting .247/.326/.346 with 1 home run and 6 RBI in 25 games.
York Revolution
On March 10, 2020, Vitters signed with the York Revolution of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.[14] He did not play a game for the team because of the cancellation of the ALPB season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and became a free agent after the year. On April 26, 2021, Vitters re-signed with the Revolution for the 2021 season.[15] In 20 games with York, Vitters slashed .157/.254/.157 with no home runs and 5 RBI. On June 24, Vitters again announced his retirement from professional baseball.[16]
Personal
Josh's brother, Christian, played minor league baseball.[3]