The Cubs are bringing back a familiar face, claiming infielder Ben Cowles off waivers from the White Sox. If the name sounds familiar, it should - Cowles was briefly in the Cubs' system last year before being designated for assignment in September. Now, a few months and a South Side detour later, he’s headed back to Wrigley’s side of town.
Cowles’ journey has already seen a few twists. Originally drafted by the Yankees in the tenth round, he came to the Cubs as part of the deal that sent reliever Mark Leiter Jr. to New York.
But his time in Chicago didn’t last long the first time around - the White Sox scooped him up shortly after the Cubs DFA’d him. Fast forward a few months, and he’s back in the fold with the North Siders.
At 25, Cowles is still waiting on his first big league plate appearance. He spent the 2025 season bouncing between the Triple-A affiliates of both Chicago teams, putting together a combined slash line of .235/.300/.371.
He added nine home runs and 18 stolen bases, showing flashes of speed and pop, but also struggled with consistency at the plate. His walk rate sat at 7.2%, while his strikeout rate climbed to 28.8% - numbers that suggest there’s still some development ahead if he’s going to crack a major league roster.
Defensively, Cowles brings some value. He’s considered a solid glove at shortstop and has the versatility to handle second and third base as well. That kind of flexibility could eventually earn him a look in a utility role, especially for a team like the Cubs that’s reshaping its infield.
And speaking of that infield, it’s gotten more crowded. The Cubs’ recent signing of Alex Bregman reshuffled the depth chart, pushing top prospect Matt Shaw into a utility role of his own. That likely means Cowles is ticketed for Triple-A Iowa to start the season - assuming he sticks on the roster through spring.
It’s a low-risk move for the Cubs, but one that adds a layer of depth and familiarity. Cowles still has two minor league options left, giving the front office some flexibility. While he’s not a headline-grabbing acquisition, he’s the kind of player who could quietly become valuable over the course of a long season - especially if injuries or underperformance open the door.
For now, Cowles gets a second shot in Chicago. And the Cubs get another versatile infielder who, with a little refinement, might just find his way into the mix.