The Chicago Cubs have added infielder Ben Cowles to their roster, claiming him off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. The move comes as Chicago navigates its spring training roster and prepares for the upcoming season.
To make room for Cowles, the Cubs have placed right-hander Shelby Miller on the 60-day injured list. Miller underwent UCL and flexor surgery last October and will miss the entire 2026 campaign.
This marks a quick return to the Cubs organization for Cowles, who was initially designated for assignment by the team on February 15th following the official announcement of Miller’s two-year, $2.5MM deal. The Blue Jays subsequently claimed him, but needed to open up a spot on their 40-man roster with the return of Max Scherzer.
Cowles originally came to the Cubs in a trade with the New York Yankees at the 2024 trade deadline, sent to Chicago along with another prospect for Mark Leiter Jr. He was later claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox last September before being brought back to the Cubs in January.
The 26-year-old has yet to appear in a Major League game. While he’s shown promise in the minors, Cowles has a career .235 batting average with a .299 on-base percentage and .368 slugging percentage over 536 plate appearances at the Triple-A level. Despite the offensive numbers, his speed – 70 stolen bases in 92 attempts – and versatility in the infield and outfield have kept teams interested.
Cowles’ future with the Cubs remains uncertain, and he could again be subject to a DFA if the team needs to create a 40-man roster spot. However, the Cubs clearly see potential in his skillset and could consider him for a call-up should an injury occur to one of their regular infielders.
