Owen Miller is heading to Cubs camp this spring, and while it’s not a headline-grabbing move, it’s the kind of signing that could quietly pay dividends down the line. The 29-year-old infielder has agreed to a minor league deal with Chicago, reuniting him with his former manager Craig Counsell - a connection that could give him a slight edge as he looks to carve out a role in a crowded roster picture.
Miller’s journey through the majors has been winding. Drafted in the third round by the Padres back in 2016, he made noise early in his career, earning Double-A All-Star honors in 2019. That same year, he became part of a blockbuster nine-player trade that sent him to Cleveland - a move that set the stage for his MLB debut in 2021.
His most extended look in the big leagues came in 2022 with the Guardians, when he logged 472 plate appearances. But while the opportunity was there, the production wasn’t quite enough to lock down a long-term spot - he finished the season with a .652 OPS. After that, Miller was dealt to Milwaukee, where he found a more defined role off the bench in 2023 under Counsell.
That season with the Brewers was arguably Miller’s most effective at the major league level. He posted a .261 batting average and a .327 on-base percentage, while also swiping 13 bags - a sign that he brings some speed to the table. He’s not a power threat by any stretch, with just 15 home runs over 303 career games, but he’s shown he can put the ball in play and contribute in small-ball situations.
Since then, though, things haven’t exactly trended upward. Miller spent most of 2024 in Triple-A and struggled in limited big league action - just 14 games with Milwaukee, and the results didn’t inspire much confidence.
A trade to the Rockies followed, but he couldn’t stick on their major league roster either. Even in Triple-A, the bat didn’t bounce back, as he posted a 76 wRC+ across 102 games.
So what does this mean for the Cubs? Realistically, Miller is coming in as a depth piece - a guy who can provide coverage at Triple-A Iowa and serve as insurance in case injuries or roster moves open up a path to the big leagues. But there’s more to it than just filling out a spring training locker.
Miller brings versatility - he’s played all over the infield and has logged time in the outfield corners as well. Second base has been his secondary home, but that kind of flexibility matters, especially for a team that values defensive adaptability and roster maneuverability. If he can show some life with the bat this spring, he could be the kind of player who hangs around and gets a look when the inevitable need arises.
And let’s not forget, spring training always seems to produce a few surprise standouts. Miller may not be a prospect anymore, but he’s the type of player who can turn heads with a strong camp - spraying line drives, making smart plays, and reminding people why he was once a rising name in the Padres system.
He’s not coming in to compete for a starting job, but he is competing - for a spot in Iowa, for a chance to be the next man up, for a shot at keeping his big league dream alive. And in a game where depth is more important than ever, that’s a storyline worth watching as the Cubs gear up for 2026.