"The less good news is that they seem to want him juuuuuuust outside the 40-man roster. It's for that reason that, after the Chicago Cubs claimed Cowles once again off of waivers, I suspect there's a chance they might try to outright him once again at some point. They (and the White Sox and the Blue Jays) clearly want him in their organization as depth at Triple-A, but they don't necessarily want to use a 40-man roster spot on him to do it, if push comes to shove and things get crowded."
"Cowles was designated by assignment for the Cubs two weeks ago TO MAKE ROOM on the 40-man roster FOR Shelby Miller. You have to have a spot available to sign a guy like Miller, even if you know he won't pitch again until the very end of the season (or maybe not this year at all). But once he's on the 40-man, you can put him on the 60-day IL, which temporary removes him from the 40-man. Thus, a spot can be opened right back up for Cowles."
Ben Cowles has been claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs for the third time, highlighting an unusual pattern where multiple teams want him as organizational depth but hesitate to use a 40-man roster spot on him. The Cubs designated Cowles two weeks ago to make room for reliever Shelby Miller, then reclaimed him after placing Miller on the 60-day Injured List. This roster maneuvering allowed the Cubs to acquire both players without permanent roster complications. Cowles, 26, will serve as infield depth at Triple-A Iowa while attempting to improve his offensive production after a wrist injury affected his performance in 2024.
Read at Bleacher Nation
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