Cubs Reclaim Ben Cowles, Adding Versatile Infield Depth

The Chicago Cubs announced Thursday that they have claimed infielder Ben Cowles off waivers from the Chicago White Sox, returning the 25-year-old to the organization just over four months after he was designated for assignment by the club in September. The move temporarily fills a spot on the Cubs’ 40-man roster as the team evaluates its infield depth heading into the 2026 season.

Cowles’ stint with the White Sox was brief, consisting entirely of minor-league appearances at Triple-A Charlotte after the White Sox designated him for assignment earlier this month to make room for catcher Drew Romo. The transaction marks Cowles’ second recent return to Chicago, following a waiver claim by the White Sox in September, which itself came two days after the Cubs had designated him for assignment while activating Aaron Civale.

Though he has yet to make his Major League debut, Cowles has built a resume as a versatile infielder capable of handling shortstop, second base, and third base. That adaptability has made him a valued option for organizational depth across multiple teams, even as he works to translate minor-league success to the big leagues.

As of now, Cowles is expected to provide depth in the Cubs’ system rather than an immediate impact at the Major League level, though roster adjustments ahead of Opening Day could change that outlook.

1. Minor-League Track Record

Cowles split the 2025 season between the Triple-A Iowa Cubs and Triple-A Charlotte in the White Sox system, posting a combined .235/.300/.371 batting line with nine home runs and 18 stolen bases. He showed modest plate discipline with a 7.2 percent walk rate and a 28.8 percent strikeout rate. Most of his playing time came with Triple-A Iowa, where he appeared in 114 games, hitting .238/.304/.382 with nine home runs, 44 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases. After joining the White Sox in September, Cowles played 15 games for Charlotte, recording a .220/.277/.288 line with five RBIs and two stolen bases. Cowles’ minor-league experience highlights his ability to contribute across different levels and adapt to changing roles, an important quality for players navigating depth charts in competitive organizations. His consistent presence in Triple-A also demonstrates durability, having logged significant innings at the hot corner, second base, and shortstop, making him a reliable internal option for teams seeking versatile infield coverage.

2. Journey Through the Minors

Cowles was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB Draft and progressed steadily through their minor-league system. He joined the Cubs at the 2024 trade deadline in a package deal that included right-hander Jack Neely in exchange for reliever Mark Leiter Jr. In 2024, Cowles played at Double-A Somerset and briefly at Double-A Tennessee, hitting 1-for-13 with two walks in four games before missing the remainder of the season due to lingering effects from a hit by pitch. Despite setbacks, he continued to develop defensive versatility and offensive skills across multiple stops. His journey reflects the path of a player valued more for adaptability and positional flexibility than for immediate star potential, a role that has helped him remain a target for waiver claims and organizational depth moves. By returning to Chicago, Cowles re-enters a system familiar with his capabilities and one that can continue to provide opportunities for growth and eventual Major League contribution.

3. Versatility and Organizational Role

Cowles’ ability to play shortstop, second base, and third base remains his most appealing attribute. That flexibility allows the Cubs to keep him as insurance for multiple positions, particularly as recent roster moves have crowded the infield depth chart. With two minor-league option years remaining, Cowles offers the Cubs the freedom to shuttle him between Triple-A and the majors as needed, giving the organization roster flexibility without sacrificing depth. While he is unlikely to have an immediate impact at the Major League level, his presence provides a safety net and ensures experienced infield coverage in case of injury or roster adjustments. As the Cubs continue to manage a full 40-man roster heading into the 2026 season, Cowles’ return underscores the team’s commitment to maintaining internal options and strengthening the pipeline for future contributions.