...
By Jackson Roberts
Contributing Sports Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The Toronto Blue Jays knew they had a spot to play with on their 40-man roster, so they used it.
Right-handed pitcher Bowden Francis was destined to go on the 60-day injured list at some point after undergoing Tommy John surgery that will sideline him for the entire season. When a player became available on waivers that the Blue Jays liked, they could claim that player with no repercussions to the rest of the roster.
On Wednesday, the Blue Jays acquired such a player in infielder Ben Cowles. According to the transactions log and an official team statement, Cowles was claimed off waivers from the Chicago Cubs.
Read More on MLB
...
Cowles was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Sunday, which also happened to be his 26th birthday. One could call Wednesday's news a belated present, as he got to join the 40-man roster of the defending American League champions.
Once a 10th-round pick for the New York Yankees, Cowles has a total of 459 minor-league games under his belt and reached Triple-A in each of the last three seasons. He's played over 750 innings each at shortstop, second base, and third base, so defensive versatility is one plus to adding him into the mix.
Cowles was traded from the Yankees to the Cubs in the 2024 deadline deal that sent reliever Mark Leiter Jr. to the Bronx. He then was elevated to the 40-man roster in November of 2024 to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft, causing the Cubs to eventually waive him at the start of September. He was picked up by the Chicago White Sox briefly, but returned to the Cubs on waivers in January.
Fortunately for the Blue Jays, Cowles also has two minor-league options remaining, so he doesn't have to make the major league roster to remain with the team beyond spring training. However, he would figure to be one of the men closest to the bubble if more 40-man subtractions are required.
More MLB: Yankees Release Outfield Prospect, New York City Native
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines