The Chicago Cubs have reacquired infielder Ben Cowles from the Toronto Blue Jays, the team announced Sunday. The move marks the latest chapter in a series of transactions for the 26-year-old player, who has been claimed off waivers multiple times in recent months.
Toronto claimed Cowles on February 18, but needed to open a roster spot with the anticipated arrival of veteran pitcher Max Scherzer. The Blue Jays now have 39 players on their 40-man roster, according to reports.
Cowles was originally drafted by the Novel York Yankees in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB June Amateur Draft. He was traded to the Cubs at the 2024 trade deadline as part of a deal for reliever Mark Leiter Jr., but was subsequently released and claimed by the Chicago White Sox. The Cubs then reclaimed him from the White Sox in January, only to designate him for assignment again earlier this month.
In 2025, Cowles split the season between the Triple-A affiliates of both Chicago teams, hitting .235 with nine home runs and 18 stolen bases over 128 games. Prior to that, he posted a .286 batting average and .829 OPS in Double-A in 2024. He has demonstrated positional versatility, logging 216 starts at shortstop, 140 at second base, and 92 at third base throughout his minor league career.
To make room for Cowles on the 40-man roster, the Cubs moved right-hander Shelby Miller to the 60-day injured list. Miller underwent UCL and flexor surgery last October and will miss the entire 2026 season. The Cubs signed Miller to a two-year, $2.5 million deal in February.
Despite his frequent movement between organizations, Cowles has yet to make his Major League debut. The Cubs’ decision to claim him again suggests they still see potential in his skillset, though he may face another designation for assignment if the team needs to create a 40-man roster spot in the future.