The Chicago Cubs claimed infielder Ben Cowles off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday.
The Cubs announced that they’ve claimed INF Ben Cowles back off waivers from the #BlueJays.
That puts their 40-man roster at 39, with Max Scherzer expected to officially join the team soon.
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) March 1, 2026
The Blue Jays claimed the 26-year-old Cowles on Feb. 18 after the infielder was designated for assignment earlier that week by the Cubs.
The native of Rochester, New York has bounced around in the minor leagues since being selected in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB June Amateur Draft by the New York Yankees. He has made stops with the Yankees, Cubs and Chicago White Sox.
Cowles split the 2025 season between the Cubs and White Sox in Triple-A, hitting .235 with nine home runs over 128 games played. Over 459 career games in the minor leagues, Cowles has made 216 starts at shortstop, 140 starts at second base and 92 starts at third base.
With a spot open on the 40-man roster, pitcher Max Scherzer is expected to officially join the team.
In 17 starts with Toronto last season, the 41-year-old posted a 5.19 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP.