Shelby Miller is set to return to the Chicago Cubs on a $2.5 million, two-year contract, according to a source familiar with the agreement. The 35-year-old right-handed pitcher, recovering from major elbow surgery performed in October, is expected to miss the entire 2026 season as part of his comeback plan.
Recent Performance and Injury History
Last year, Miller pitched for both the Arizona Diamondbacks and Milwaukee Brewers, recording a 4-3 win-loss record with a 2.74 ERA and 10 saves across 48 appearances. He was traded from Arizona to Milwaukee on July 31 and made his final 2023 outing on September 1 before being placed on the 60-day injured list due to a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow.
Career Overview and Previous Cubs Stint
Miller has accumulated 13 major league seasons, with 51 wins, 69 losses, and a 4.04 ERA spanning 133 starts and 169 relief appearances with 10 different teams. Notably, he appeared in three games for the Cubs during the 2021 season, allowing seven runs and seven hits over two innings pitched.
Additional Pitching Acquisitions for Cubs
Alongside Miller’s signing, the Chicago Cubs announced minor league contracts with right-handed pitchers Kyle Wright and Vince Velasquez. Both players received invitations to participate in the Cubs’ major league spring training camp.
Wright, who contributed to Atlanta’s 2021 World Series championship, posted a 21-5 record with a 3.19 ERA in 30 starts for the Braves in 2022. Velasquez holds a 38-51 career record with a 4.88 ERA across 191 major league games. Neither pitcher appeared in the majors during the 2023 season.
Implications for the Cubs’ Upcoming Seasons
The addition of Shelby Miller, despite his injury setback, reflects the Cubs’ strategy to bolster pitching depth with experienced arms. His recovery and eventual return to the mound will be closely watched, while the minor league deals for Wright and Velasquez offer additional options to strengthen the pitching staff during spring training and beyond.
