Cubs lose 5-year veteran infielder to Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays claimed infielder Ben Cowles, a veteran of five seasons in the Chicago Cubs organization, off waivers Wednesday.

In a corresponding roster move, pitcher Bowden Francis was placed on the 60-day injured list.

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Francis is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.

Cowles, 26, was designated for assignment by the Cubs last week when they signed free agent reliever Shelby Miller.

Last year at Triple-A Iowa, Cowles slashed .238/.304/.382 in 113 games while seeing time at second base, third base and shortstop.

The Cubs claimed Cowles off waivers from the Chicago White Sox in January. He only played one month in the White Sox organization after being claimed off waivers — from the Cubs, coincidentally — in September 2025.

The Blue Jays place a premium on defense. They lost shortstop Bo Bichette in free agency, signed third baseman Kazuma Okamoto as a free agent, and moved Ernie Clement to second base. Cowles has yet to make his big league debut, but could see time as a defensive replacement for all three players in 2026.

Cowles will join the Jays’ spring training camp in Dunedin, Florida as a longshot to make their opening day roster — but with a chance to make a fast impression on his new team.

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