The Toronto Blue Jays bolstered their infield options by claiming Ben Cowles off waivers from the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday. This move came as they placed pitcher Bowden Francis on the 60-day injured list, opening a roster spot ahead of the 2026 season.
Details on Ben Cowles’ Professional Background
Ben Cowles, 26, has spent parts of the last two seasons within the Cubs organization following a trade from the New York Yankees in a 2024 deal involving right-hander Mark Leiter Jr. The Rochester, N.Y. native, selected in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB draft by the Yankees, has yet to debut in the major leagues. Last season, he posted a .235 batting average with a .671 OPS, hit nine home runs, and stole 18 bases across 128 Triple-A games with affiliates of both Chicago and the White Sox after being designated for assignment late in the previous campaign.
Bowden Francis Faces Lengthy Recovery Following Surgery
Bowden Francis will miss the entire 2026 season after undergoing UCL reconstruction surgery on his right elbow. The 29-year-old had a difficult 2025 season after an impressive 2024, recording a 6.05 ERA over 14 starts before moving to the injured list in mid-June and sitting out the rest of the season.
Implications for the Blue Jays’ 2026 Roster
With Bowden Francis sidelined for a lengthy period, Toronto’s acquisition of Ben Cowles adds depth to the team’s infield. Cowles provides potential flexibility as the Blue Jays navigate the challenges of the upcoming season, particularly addressing gaps created by Francis’s absence. How Cowles will integrate into the team’s lineup remains to be seen, but his experience in Triple-A could prove valuable for Toronto moving forward.
ROSTER MOVES:
🔹 We’ve claimed INF Ben Cowles off waivers from the Cubs
🔹 RHP Bowden Francis placed on 60-day IL (right UCL reconstruction) pic.twitter.com/fUxmbBZEQc
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) February 18, 2026
