The Chicago Cubs have agreed to a take care of free-agent reduction pitcher Hoby Milner, in line with a report from Bleacher Nation’s Michael Cerami. Milner, 34, fills a key want for the bullpen-needy Cubs, who noticed each Drew Pomeranz and Caleb Thielbar hit free company after taking part in large roles for them in 2025. A supply informed North Facet Baseball that it is a one-year, assured contract.
A late-blooming journeyman who throws from a real sidearm angle, Milner grew to become a revelation for the Brewers below now-Cubs supervisor Craig Counsell in 2022 and 2023. He is a soft-tosser who has by no means racked up strikeouts, however he excels at managing contact and has traditionally been one of many league’s finest strike-throwers. He took a step again in 2024, main the Brewers to non-tender him final November. He signed a one-year take care of the Rangers, the place he rebounded in some methods however struggled in others; his stroll fee rose and his strikeout fee fell.
Nevertheless, Milner stays one of many least comfy at-bats within the majors for left-handed batters, and he is an affable and useful clubhouse presence. He induces floor balls exceptionally nicely, and when he can command all 4 of his pitches, he can dominate in the precise matchups. Extra so than Pomeranz or Thielbar, he is additionally exceptionally sturdy.
As of earlier this week, sources stated there was mutual curiosity in a return engagement between the Cubs and Pomeranz, whose stuff profile is completely different sufficient from Milner to make it believable that the workforce will roster each. For now, although, the membership has crammed one of many many vacancies on their 40-man roster, and one of many many holes in a bullpen that had been evacuated at season’s finish.
UPDATE 12:45 PM: Milner will earn a $3.75-million base wage, a supply confirmed. He can earn as much as $250,000 in incentives primarily based on video games pitched. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported the nominal phrases.
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