John Cumberland's journey in Major League Baseball began when he was signed by the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent. A left-handed pitcher, Cumberland made his MLB debut with the Yankees. His time with the team was brief, and he soon found himself traded to the San Francisco Giants. It was with the Giants that Cumberland began to find his footing in the major leagues.

During his tenure with the Giants, Cumberland's performance on the mound started to gain attention. He pitched both as a starter and a reliever, showcasing his adaptability in various pitching roles. His most productive season came in 1971 when he posted a 9-6 record with a 2.92 ERA, helping the Giants secure the National League West title. This season marked the peak of his career, as he played a crucial role in the Giants' pitching rotation.

After his stint with the Giants, Cumberland was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. His time with the Cardinals was short-lived, and he soon moved on to the California Angels. With the Angels, Cumberland continued to pitch in both starting and relief roles, though he struggled to replicate the success he had experienced with the Giants.

Cumberland's major league career concluded with the Angels, but he continued to play in the minor leagues for a few more years. Throughout his career, he was known for his left-handed pitching and his ability to adapt to different roles on the pitching staff. While his time in the major leagues was relatively brief, Cumberland's perseverance and adaptability allowed him to experience several seasons at the highest level of baseball.