The Toronto Blue Jays have made a strategic move by claiming infielder Ben Cowles off waivers from the Chicago Cubs. This decision comes after the Cubs designated Cowles for assignment to make room for Shelby Miller. To accommodate Cowles, the Jays placed Bowden Francis on the 60-day injured list.
At 26, Cowles is still on the hunt for his major league debut. His journey has been quite the ride, having been added to the Cubs' 40-man roster in November 2024 to shield him from the Rule 5 draft.
After a stint in the minors, he was designated for assignment in September, briefly claimed by the White Sox, and then reclaimed by the Cubs in January. Now, the Blue Jays have snagged him off waivers.
Cowles brings a solid foundation in speed and defense, with extensive experience at various infield positions. His track record includes consistent double-digit stolen bases over the past four minor league seasons.
However, his batting remains a bit of a puzzle. In 2024, he impressed with a .286/.372/.457 slash line at Double-A, boasting a 141 wRC+.
That performance earned him a spot on the Cubs' roster after being acquired from the Yankees in a trade for Mark Leiter Jr. Unfortunately, his 2025 season at Triple-A didn't quite measure up, as he posted a .235/.300/.371 line with a 71 wRC+.
His walk rate dipped from 10.4% to 7.2%, and his strikeout rate climbed from 17.7% to 28.8%.
Despite these challenges, Cowles' profile remains appealing enough for teams to continue taking chances on him. With Francis sidelined for the 2026 season due to Tommy John surgery, the Blue Jays saw an opportunity to bolster their infield depth.
While Cowles might find himself back on waivers, he currently offers the Jays valuable depth as they reshape their infield. With Bo Bichette now with the Mets, Andrés Giménez is expected to step in at shortstop.
Ernie Clement looks set to take over at second base, while Kazuma Okamoto's signing for third base could shift Addison Barger to the outfield. Davis Schneider is likely to serve in a platoon role, covering second base and the outfield.
Leo Jiménez remains on the 40-man roster but is out of options, meaning he must stay in the majors or clear waivers. Cowles' optionability gives him an edge in securing a roster spot as a backup infielder.
As for Francis, his season on the 60-day IL will grant him a full year of major league pay and service time. However, with his injury history, he might face a non-tender situation as he approaches arbitration eligibility.
In summary, the Blue Jays' acquisition of Cowles is a calculated move to add depth and flexibility to their infield, while managing roster constraints and injury challenges.