Chicago Cubs Acquire Infielder For Third Time Since 2024

Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ben Cowles fields a ground ball during 2026 Spring Training.

The Chicago Cubs just can’t seem to quit Ben Cowles.

In another round of roster maneuvering, the Cubs claimed the 26-year-old infielder off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays, bringing him back to the organization yet again as they continue shaping their 40-man roster ahead of the 2026 season.

The move comes after right-hander Shelby Miller was transferred to the 60-day injured list following UCL and flexor surgery that will sideline him for the entire year.

Cubs Continue to Bet on Ben Cowles’ Versatility

Cowles’ latest return marks the third time the Cubs have acquired him since the 2024 trade deadline, when he was originally obtained from the New York Yankees in the deal that sent reliever Mark Leiter Jr. the other way.

Since then, the Rochester native has bounced between the Cubs, the Chicago White Sox, and the Blue Jays, spending just 11 days in Toronto before being placed back on waivers to create roster space for future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer.

Cubs Ben Cowles has elite defensive chops. pic.twitter.com/mwdy16nGVa
— John Antonoff (@baseballinfocus) February 3, 2026

Cowles has logged extensive minor league time at shortstop, second base, and third base, along with limited outfield experience. Over 459 minor league games, Cowles has made 216 starts at shortstop, 140 at second base, and 92 at third, giving Chicago a true utility option with two minor league options still remaining.

Offensive Questions Keep Cowles on the Roster Bubble

The uncertainty surrounding Cowles centers on his bat. During the 2025 season split between the Cubs and White Sox Triple-A affiliates, he posted a .235/.300/.371 slash line with nine home runs and a 71 wRC+ over 527 plate appearances.

His career Triple-A production sits at a similar .235/.299/.368 across more than 500 plate appearances, though he did show promise earlier in the Yankees system with a .294/.376/.472 breakout in 2024.