Shelby Miller is progressing ahead of schedule and could provide a major boost to the Cubs bullpen down the stretch.
One of the most forgotten moves made by the Chicago Cubs this past offseason was the free agent signing of right-handed pitcher Shelby Miller to a two-year, $2.5 million contract.
A big reason for that, of course, is the fact that Miller was expected to miss the entire 2026 season when he signed with the Cubs.
He underwent Tommy John surgery in October to repair a torn UCL in his elbow. But Chicago signed him to a two-year contract that also includes a club option for the 2028 season, giving Miller a chance to rehab with the organization and eventually return as a key piece of the Cubs' bullpen.
“This is a signing for the future,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said about the deal when it was signed. “This year is very much in question, obviously. It would be fast for this year, so this is about next year primarily. But you’re hoping to see how the rehab goes and see what happens there.”
And it's not hard to see what the Cubs liked about Shelby Miller. In 2025, over 48 appearances with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Milwaukee Brewers, he posted a 2.74 ERA with tremendous underlying metrics, including an elite chase rate, whiff rate, and strikeout rate. The 35-year-old has completely remade himself into a productive MLB reliever. He also brings some playoff experience, having pitched in six postseason games throughout his career.
The good news for Cubs fans is that Miller has progressed much quicker than expected. Every update along the way has indicated that he is ahead of schedule. And on Sunday afternoon, he joined the Triple-A Iowa Cubs to begin his rehab assignment.
Miller entered the game in the fourth inning and faced five batters, allowing one run on two hits while striking out two. His fastball averaged 95.7 mph, and he pounded the strike zone while consistently getting ahead of hitters. It's just one appearance in what should be an extended rehab assignment. But even if Miller remains in Iowa for a few weeks, the Cubs could still be looking at a key addition to their bullpen for the homestretch of the 2026 season.
Miller could be activated before the beginning of September, which would also make him eligible for the postseason. Don't be surprised if Miller is pitching in high-leverage situations for the Cubs before the end of the season, making his $1 million salary for 2026 look like the ultimate bargain.
Miller has been out of sight and out of mind for good reason. The Cubs have had plenty of other issues worth focusing on in 2026. But now, the forgotten pitcher they signed last winter could become a massive addition to Chicago's pitching staff when the team needs him most.
