The Chicago Cubs made a familiar roster move on Thursday, announcing that they had claimed infielder Ben Cowles off waivers from the Chicago White Sox. While the transaction itself may not grab national headlines, it represents a notable organizational shuffle and a return to familiar ground for a player whose professional journey has already included several twists despite never appearing in a Major League game.
In a somewhat unusual turn of events, Cowles is back with the Cubs a little more than four months after the club previously designated him for assignment in September. That move, which initially removed him from Chicago’s roster, ultimately set off a chain reaction that led Cowles across town to the White Sox organization. Now, after a brief stint on the other side of the city, the Cubs have reclaimed him, signaling continued belief in his underlying skill set and his value as infield depth.
A Roster Move Rooted in Timing and Opportunity
The Cubs’ decision to claim Cowles off waivers temporarily fills a spot on the team’s 40-man roster, which had recently opened due to other roster maneuvering. For a franchise that carefully balances depth, flexibility, and long-term planning, reclaiming Cowles fits a familiar pattern.
The Cubs have often shown a willingness to cycle players with minor league options through their system, particularly those who can handle multiple positions and provide insurance against injuries or underperformance at the Major League level.
Cowles’ return also reflects the transactional nature of modern roster construction. Just months earlier, the Cubs had removed him from the 40-man roster to make room for right-hander Aaron Civale, a move driven by immediate pitching needs rather than a lack of faith in Cowles’ potential.
When the White Sox later exposed Cowles to waivers, the Cubs saw an opportunity to bring him back into the fold without surrendering any assets beyond a roster spot.
How Cowles Ended Up Back in Chicago
To understand how Cowles landed back with the Cubs, it helps to trace the sequence of moves that unfolded over the past several months. After being designated for assignment by the Cubs in early September, Cowles was claimed by the White Sox on September 3. That claim came just two days after Chicago’s National League club had activated Civale, triggering the roster crunch that initially displaced Cowles.
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At the time, the White Sox were looking for controllable depth pieces, particularly middle infielders who could provide coverage at multiple positions. Cowles fit that description neatly. However, his stay in the White Sox organization proved to be short-lived.
On January 8, the White Sox designated Cowles for assignment themselves, a move made necessary after they claimed catcher Drew Romo from the New York Mets. With limited 40-man roster space, Cowles once again became expendable.
The Cubs, monitoring the waiver wire closely, moved quickly to bring him back. For Cowles, the transaction marked a return to an organization that knows him well and one where he has already logged significant playing time at the Triple-A level.
A Career Still Waiting for Its Major League Debut
Despite being just 25 years old, Cowles has already navigated multiple organizations and levels within professional baseball. Yet one milestone remains elusive: his Major League debut. To date, Cowles has not appeared in a single MLB game, a reality that underscores both the competitiveness of big-league rosters and the fine margins that separate fringe Major League players from everyday contributors.
During the 2025 season, Cowles split his time between Triple-A Iowa in the Cubs system and Triple-A Charlotte in the White Sox system. Across those two stops, his overall offensive production was modest but respectable for a player valued more for versatility and athleticism than raw power.
In total, Cowles posted a combined slash line of .235/.300/.371, hitting nine home runs while swiping 18 bases. His approach at the plate reflected a mix of patience and swing-and-miss tendencies, as evidenced by a 7.2 percent walk rate and a relatively high 28.8 percent strikeout rate.
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Those numbers paint a picture of a player who offers some pop and speed but still faces challenges in consistently making contact against advanced pitching. For organizations evaluating Cowles, the question has never been whether he has tools, but rather whether he can refine them enough to carve out a role at the game’s highest level.
The Iowa Cubs: Where Cowles Logged Most of His 2025 Action
The bulk of Cowles’ 2025 season unfolded with the Iowa Cubs, where he appeared in 114 games and served as a regular presence in the lineup. While his overall production did not force his way onto the Major League roster, it demonstrated durability and a baseline level of performance that organizations value in depth players.
With Iowa, Cowles hit .238/.304/.382, numbers that largely mirrored his combined season line. He recorded nine home runs, drove in 44 runs, and stole 16 bases, showcasing a balanced skill set that includes moderate power and above-average baserunning instincts. Defensively, he continued to move around the infield, seeing time at shortstop, second base, and third base.
That positional flexibility is a cornerstone of Cowles’ profile. In an era where teams place increasing emphasis on versatility, the ability to competently handle multiple infield spots significantly enhances a player’s value, particularly at the Triple-A level. For the Cubs, Cowles served as a plug-and-play option, capable of filling in wherever needed without disrupting the overall structure of the roster.
A Brief Stop in Charlotte
After being claimed by the White Sox in September, Cowles reported to Triple-A Charlotte, where his time was far more limited. He appeared in just 15 games for the Knights, and the smaller sample size made it difficult to draw sweeping conclusions about his performance. In those games, Cowles hit .220/.277/.288, driving in five runs and stealing two bases.
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While those numbers fell below his season averages, they came during a period of transition and adjustment. Changing organizations midseason can be challenging for any player, particularly one trying to establish consistency at the highest minor league level. For Cowles, the Charlotte stint was more about maintaining readiness than making a dramatic impression.
Drafted by the Yankees, Shaped by Multiple Systems
Cowles’ professional journey began with the New York Yankees, who selected him in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. As a mid-round pick, Cowles was never projected as a can’t-miss prospect, but he steadily worked his way through the Yankees’ minor league system, earning a reputation as a reliable defender with solid athleticism.
His time in the Yankees organization laid the foundation for his professional development, emphasizing defensive versatility and situational awareness. Those traits would later make him an attractive trade target for teams seeking depth rather than star potential.
That opportunity arrived at the July 30, 2024, trade deadline, when the Cubs acquired Cowles along with right-handed pitcher Jack Neely in exchange for reliever Mark Leiter Jr. The deal reflected the Cubs’ willingness to move a bullpen piece in exchange for younger, controllable talent, particularly players who could bolster organizational depth.
An Injury-Shortened 2024 Season
Cowles’ first season in the Cubs organization was disrupted by injury, limiting his ability to fully showcase his abilities. In 2024, he spent time at Double-A Somerset before the trade and then briefly appeared for Double-A Tennessee after joining the Cubs. His stint with Tennessee was short, consisting of just four games in which he went 1-for-13 with two walks.
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Unfortunately, that brief run was cut short when Cowles missed the remainder of the season due to lingering effects from being hit by a pitch. While the injury was not considered catastrophic, it sidelined him at a critical juncture, delaying his transition into the Cubs’ system and costing him valuable at-bats.
Despite the lost time, the Cubs remained intrigued by Cowles’ profile, particularly his defensive versatility and remaining minor league options.
Why Teams Keep Taking a Chance on Cowles
Cowles’ continued movement between organizations raises a natural question: why does he keep getting opportunities? The answer lies in a combination of skill set, age, and roster mechanics.
At 25 years old, Cowles is still young enough to warrant development, yet experienced enough to contribute immediately at the Triple-A level. His ability to play shortstop, second base, and third base makes him a valuable chess piece for front offices managing injuries and roster churn. Additionally, his speed adds another dimension, allowing him to contribute on the bases even when his bat is inconsistent.
Perhaps most importantly, Cowles still has two minor league option years remaining. That flexibility allows teams like the Cubs to keep him in the system without committing a permanent Major League roster spot. Players with options are especially valuable in modern roster construction, as they can be moved up and down without exposure to waivers.
Where Cowles Fits in a Crowded Infield Picture
The Cubs’ infield depth chart has grown increasingly crowded following a series of roster moves, making it unlikely that Cowles will have an immediate path to the Major Leagues. Instead, he profiles as a depth option who can step in if injuries or underperformance create an opening.
For now, Cowles is expected to begin the season in Triple-A Iowa, where he is already familiar with the environment and coaching staff. From there, his role will likely mirror that of previous seasons: providing steady defense, moving around the infield, and staying ready for a potential call-up if circumstances align.
A 40-Man Roster in Flux
As things currently stand, the Cubs’ 40-man roster is full, but that status is far from permanent. Roster composition is a fluid puzzle, particularly in the months leading up to the start of a new season. Injuries, trades, and additional waiver claims could all reshape the roster before Opening Day arrives in 2026.
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In that context, Cowles represents a low-risk, high-flexibility addition. The Cubs know what they’re getting: a versatile infielder with Triple-A experience, remaining upside, and the ability to contribute without demanding immediate playing time at the Major League level.
Looking Ahead
While Ben Cowles may not be a headline-grabbing name, his return to the Cubs underscores the importance of organizational depth and roster flexibility in today’s game. For Cowles, it’s another chance to prove that his skill set can translate into a lasting role, whether as a utility infielder or a reliable call-up option.
For the Cubs, it’s a familiar calculation: retain a player they know, who fits their system, and who can help stabilize the lower levels of the roster while remaining available if the need arises. Whether Cowles eventually breaks through to make his Major League debut remains uncertain, but his journey continues—once again, in Chicago.
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