Cubs Reclaim Ben Cowles After Just 11 Days with Blue Jays
CHICAGO, IL – In a whirlwind of roster moves, the Chicago Cubs have claimed infielder Ben Cowles off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays, just 11 days after he was claimed by Toronto. The move opens up a 40-man roster spot for pitcher Max Scherzer, who is expected to officially join the Cubs soon. Cowles has bounced around the league, previously being with the Yankees, Cubs, and White Sox organizations. The 26-year-old split the 2025 season between Triple-A affiliates of the Cubs and White Sox, hitting .235 with nine home runs.
Cubs Reclaim Ben Cowles, Blue Jays Clear Roster Space for Scherzer
The Chicago Cubs have once again added infielder Ben Cowles to their organization, claiming him off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. This move signifies a continued shuffling of the roster for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming season.
A Waiver Wire Carousel for Cowles
Previously, the Blue Jays claimed the 26-year-old Cowles on February 18th, after the Cubs designated him for assignment earlier that week. Remarkably, Cowles has experienced a whirlwind of transactions since being selected in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB June Amateur Draft by the Fresh York Yankees.
He has since made stops with the Yankees, Cubs, and Chicago White Sox organizations, demonstrating the competitive nature of roster management in Major League Baseball. This constant movement highlights the strategic use of the waiver wire to address organizational depth and potential needs.
Strategic Roster Moves and the Scherzer Factor
The Cubs’ acquisition of Cowles brings their 40-man roster to 39, creating a necessary opening for veteran pitcher Max Scherzer. Re-signing Scherzer to a one-year deal was a key move for the Blue Jays, adding experience to their pitching staff.
However, accommodating Scherzer required a corresponding roster move, leading to Cowles being placed on waivers. This illustrates how even seemingly minor transactions can be directly linked to larger strategic decisions within a team.
Did you know? The waiver wire process allows teams to claim players from other organizations, providing opportunities for depth and potential value. It’s a crucial element of roster construction, especially during spring training.
Cowles’ Minor League Track Record
During the 2025 season, Cowles split his time between the Triple-A affiliates of the Cubs and White Sox, hitting .235 with nine home runs in 128 games. Throughout his 459 minor league games, he has showcased defensive versatility, making 216 starts at shortstop, 140 at second base, and 92 at third base.
While his offensive numbers haven’t been dominant, his ability to play multiple positions makes him a potentially valuable asset for any team seeking roster flexibility. His slash line of .235/.299/.368 across his minor league career suggests areas for potential development.
Scherzer’s Return to Toronto
The 41-year-old Scherzer, an eight-time All-Star, is expected to officially join the Blue Jays now that a roster spot has opened. Despite a 5.19 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 17 starts with Toronto last season, his postseason performance was noteworthy, influencing the team’s decision to re-sign him.
This marks his 19th season in the Major Leagues, and the Blue Jays are hoping he can regain his form and provide veteran leadership to their pitching staff. The team is banking on his experience to produce a significant impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a waiver claim?
A: A waiver claim is a process where teams can acquire players from other organizations who have been designated for assignment.
Q: Why did the Blue Jays release Ben Cowles?
A: The Blue Jays released Ben Cowles to create a roster spot for pitcher Max Scherzer.
Q: What position does Ben Cowles play?
A: Ben Cowles is a versatile infielder who can play shortstop, second base, and third base.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on waiver wire activity during spring training. It often reveals teams’ underlying roster priorities and strategic intentions.
This series of moves underscores the dynamic nature of MLB roster construction, where strategic decisions and the necessitate for flexibility often dictate player transactions. The Cubs and Blue Jays are both positioning themselves for success in the upcoming season, and these recent moves are a testament to their proactive approach.
What are your thoughts on these roster moves? Share your opinions in the comments below!
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