MESA, Ariz. -- Not every signing is for the immediate picture. On Sunday, the Cubs signed veteran righty Shelby Miller with the hope that he could impact the pitching staff in 2027, following a comeback from elbow surgery.
The Cubs inked Miller to a two-year contract that includes a club option for the 2028 season, giving him the chance to rehab now with an organization he knows well. In a corresponding move, Chicago designated infielder Ben Cowles for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.
“This is a signing for the future,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said on Sunday afternoon. “This year is very much in question, obviously. It would be fast for this year, so this is about next year primarily. But you’re hoping to see how the rehab goes and see what happens there.”
Miller is expected to miss all of the 2026 season as he recovers from right elbow surgery to repair his UCL and flexor tendon, which he had in October.
The 35-year-old right-hander spent the 2025 season with the D-backs and Brewers, posting a 2.74 ERA in 48 appearances with 54 strikeouts in 46 innings.
Arm issues have troubled Miller over the course of his career. He was on the injured list with a right forearm strain when the Brewers acquired him at the Trade Deadline, although when he returned he was effective while pitching high-leverage innings for the Brewers. But Miller felt a pop in his elbow while pitching against the Phillies on Sept. 1, and the injury turned out to be season-ending.
Miller also had Tommy John surgery earlier in his career in 2017.
This marks Miller's second stint with the Cubs, after he pitched for the team very briefly in 2021 -- when he was first reinventing himself as a reliever after spending the early part of his career as a starter.
Miller pitched in only three games for Chicago that season before he was released in May. After bouncing around to the Pirates and Giants, Miller finally reinvigorated his career with the Dodgers in 2023. He's been a solid late-inning reliever since.