The Cubs have claimed infielder Ben Cowles off waivers from the White Sox, per a team announcement. The Sox designated Cowles for assignment one week ago when they claimed catcher Drew Romo off waivers from the Mets.
Cowles lands back with the Cubs, who designated him for assignment back in September. They originally acquired the former Yankees tenth-rounder as part of the trade sending Mark Leiter Jr. to the Bronx. The White Sox claimed him a few days later, but it’ll just be a stay of a few months with the South Siders before heading north back to the Cubs.
The 25-year-old Cowles has yet to take a plate appearance in the majors. He split 2025 between the Triple-A clubs for the two Chicago teams, slashing a combined .235/.300/.371 with nine homers, 18 steals, a 7.2% walk rate and a 28.8% strikeout rate. He’s viewed as a serviceable defender at shortstop who can also handle second base and third base, giving him a chance to carve out a role as a utility player.
Although his 2025 numbers were ugly, Cowles hit .286/.372/.457 with nine homers, 14 steals, a 10.4% walk rate and a 17.7% strikeout rate in 92 Double-A games during the 2024 season. He still has a pair of minor league option years remaining, so he’ll give the Cubs some depth around an infield that became more crowded with this week’s signing of Alex Bregman. That signing already pushed Matt Shaw into a utility role, meaning Cowles will likely open the season with the Cubs’ Triple-A club in Des Moines — if he sticks with the organization until Opening Day.
nicos a goner
If he is it has nothing to do w this signing.
Great call… Because this guy is definitely a comparable player.
Yeah I was out for a walk and saw a dude struggling with a couch near Clark and Deming. Turns out it was Nico. Me and another good Samaritan walking his pug also pitched in. Nico already starting his move. Nice guy, appreciated the help. Picked up the tab on some old styles and Italian beef at wiener circle
Well, this is, interesting.
Wondered if the Cubs might take him back when I saw the Sox had cut him. Of course, anyone who thinks this is linked to anything bigger…is incorrect.
My guess is that the Cubs as well as a lot of other teams are stocking their spring rosters to add on players who won’t be with the team, but playing in the World Baseball Classic.
Didn’t like him the first time around. Don’t think I’ll like him any more the 2nd time.
He will be fine in Iowa. Chase Strumpf is no longer with the organization, so Cowles just replaces him. If Jefferson Rojas isn’t deemed ready to start the year at AAA (or gets traded) then Cowles can stand at SS for a while.
Also Cowles still has options, so if they need someone in Chicago for 2-3 days he’s a body they won’t lose.
White Sox legend!
Tucker replacement
Part of the waiver-wire-merry-go-round