Cubs DFA Ben Cowles: Roster Move Sends Right-Hander to Waivers

The Chicago Cubs’ latest roster shake-up centers on adding veteran right-hander Shelby Miller and designating infield prospect Ben Cowles for assignment. This move pairs a veteran bullpen arm with a tough call on an up-and-coming infielder who hasn’t reached the majors, kicking off a one-week window to figure out where he fits.

Shelby Miller signs with the Cubs, adding veteran bullpen depth

The Cubs just announced they’ve acquired right-hander Shelby Miller and, at the same time, designated Ben Cowles for assignment. Miller gives Chicago a shot of experience in the bullpen as the team juggles spring training performances and late-inning options. Cowles’ departure opens a spot that the Cubs could fill from within or by looking outside the organization.

Miller’s arrival fits into a broader push to build out the bullpen behind the rotation. The Cubs want to ease the load on their younger pitchers as they sketch out plans for the 2025 season.

What this means for the bullpen and roster planning

With Miller now in the mix, the Cubs get a veteran who can handle multi-inning relief and help balance the pitching staff. It’s a sign the team values flexibility and depth, knowing how important it is to survive injuries and the grind of a long season.

Division races often come down to bullpen reliability, and Miller’s been around enough to handle high-leverage situations or chew up innings on those wild April days. Maybe he’s not a game-changer, but his experience could matter when things get tight.

Ben Cowles DFA and the next chapter for a promising prospect

Ben Cowles, who just turned 26, remains a bit of a mystery for Chicago. The Yankees picked him in the tenth round back in 2021, and he came over with RHP Jack Neely for Mark Leiter Jr. at the 2024 deadline—while he was still recovering from injuries.

After the trade, Cowles only saw limited action before the Cubs bumped him up to Triple-A for the start of 2025. Last year, he logged 462 plate appearances for the Iowa Cubs and hit .238/.304/.382 with nine homers and 16 steals. He mostly played shortstop, but also filled in at second and third.

Cowles has bounced around a bit. The Cubs first DFA’d him in September to clear space for Carlos Santana. The White Sox claimed him, but then DFA’d him again in January when they brought in Munetaka Murakami, which let the Cubs get him back.

Cowles’ MLB path and practical implications for the Cubs

With Matt Shaw locked into the big-league roster, Cowles faces a tough climb to crack Chicago’s bench in 2025. Realistically, his best shot is as emergency infield depth, but that all depends on how the Cubs juggle the 40-man roster and the infielders they already have.

The Cubs now have a week to trade Cowles, put him on waivers, or outright him to Triple-A if he slips through. If another team claims him, he’ll land on their 40-man roster. If not, he sticks around as non-roster Triple-A depth. That keeps options open for both the Cubs and Cowles, and who knows—maybe someone out there takes a chance on him.

Internal depth: Cubs’ infield contingency plan

Chicago still has some veteran infielders and a few Triple-A guys who could step in if needed. Here’s what the backup crew looks like right now:

• Scott Kingery and Owen Miller bring experience and know the organization pretty well.
• James Triantos, B.J. Murray, and Pedro Martinez are younger Triple-A options who could get the call if things get thin.

What lies ahead for the Cubs infield decisions

The Cowles DFA and Miller’s signing both point to a bigger picture for the Cubs. They’re trying to keep the roster flexible and want players who can help now and maybe even more down the road.

The front office will watch spring performances closely. Trades or waiver claims could shake things up as they work to get the 40-man roster just right.

Bench depth matters, especially late in the season. Chicago’s decision-makers are juggling short-term fixes with the hope of building something lasting, and they want young guys to see a real shot at the majors.

Shelby Miller brings some veteran steadiness to the mix. Cowles, on the other hand, might get picked up by another team or stay to help out at Triple-A if nobody bites.

If you’re following the Cubs’ 2025 plans, the next week should clear up whether Cowles is sticking around or heading somewhere new. Meanwhile, Miller’s presence could end up being a big deal for a bullpen that’ll need to step up if the Cubs want a shot at the playoffs.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Cubs Designate Ben Cowles For Assignment