Here’s a move that’s sure to spark some debate among baseball fans: Shelby Miller, the seasoned right-hander, has inked a two-year, $2.5 million free-agent deal with the Chicago Cubs, but there’s a catch—he won’t be taking the mound in 2026 as he recovers from offseason surgery. And this is the part most people miss: while Miller’s absence next season might seem like a setback, the Cubs are clearly playing the long game, betting on his experience and potential comeback. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this a smart investment for a team looking to rebuild, or are they risking resources on a player who might not return to his former glory? Let’s break it down.
Miller, 35, had a solid 2025 season split between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Milwaukee Brewers, posting a 4-3 record with a 2.74 ERA and 10 saves in 48 appearances. His last game was on September 1, after which he was placed on the 60-day injured list with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow—a setback that’s now sidelining him for an entire season. Despite this, the Cubs see value in his 13-year MLB career, which includes a 51-69 record and a 4.04 ERA across 133 starts and 169 relief appearances with 10 different teams. His brief stint with the Cubs in 2021 wasn’t stellar, but the team is clearly banking on his resilience.
But that’s not all—the Cubs also announced minor league deals with right-handers Kyle Wright and Vince Velasquez, both of whom haven’t pitched in the majors since 2023. Wright, a key player in Atlanta’s 2021 World Series win, had a standout 2022 season with a 21-5 record and a 3.19 ERA. Velasquez, meanwhile, brings a 38-51 career record and a 4.88 ERA to the table. Both pitchers will get a shot at the big leagues with invitations to spring training.
So, here’s the big question: Are the Cubs making a bold, strategic move by signing these pitchers, or are they spreading themselves too thin? Miller’s injury and the uncertainty around Wright and Velasquez’s return to form could be seen as risky. But if even one of these pitchers pans out, it could pay dividends. What do you think? Is this a smart gamble, or are the Cubs setting themselves up for disappointment? Let’s hear your take in the comments!
