The Chicago Cubs recently signed reliever/clsoer Shelby Miller to a two year contract that includes a club option for a third season. Miller is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is not expected to pitch in 2026, meaning this move was made in order for him to continue this rehab and impact the club in 2027.
Although Miller will undoubtedly be placed on the 60-day IL, a corresponding move had to be made in order to add him to the 40-man roster, despite players on the 60-day IL not counting against the 40-man limit. The player who ended up being the odd man out was infielder Ben Cowles, who recently re-joined the organization in January.
Chicago Cubs cut ties with Ben Cowles for the second time in five months
Mar 8, 2025; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Ben Cowles (79) takes a hop in the outfield during the eighth inning of a spring training game against the Seattle Mariners at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
Ben Cowles, acquired by the Cubs at the 2024 trade deadline as part of the Mark Leiter Jr. deal with the Yankees, was designated for assignment by Chicago last September. He was claimed by the crosstown rival White Sox but was released in early January. The Cubs then reclaimed him, coincidentally on the same day the Alex Bregman signing was announced. Now, Cowles has been let go again to make room for Miller.
In the ever-changing landscape of the Cubs’ roster, Cowles’ journey highlights the team’s ongoing adjustments as they fine-tune their lineup. While his time with the Cubs has been short-lived, to the point where he still has not yet made his MLB Debut, moves like these are part of the larger strategy as they continue to build for the 2026 season and beyond.
MLB news: 2 Chicago Cubs can’t get to spring training due to visa issues
Read More
For More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE