2026 Transactions: Cubs Claim Cowles, Aldegheri & Teodo Optioned

The first day of March 2026 brought notable movement on the roster front. It was the first big day for camp cuts, as several notable prospects were optioned to the Minors. Sam Aldegheri, Winston Santos, and former Tigers first-rounder Ty Madden were among the early cuts.

Cubs claim Cowles

Welcome back to the Cubs, Ben Cowles.

Chicago (NL) claimed infielder Ben Cowles off waivers from the Blue Jays. Cowles, who spent 2025 in the Cubs’ organization, bounced around between the White Sox and Blue Jays organizations over the winter.

Pitcher Shelby Miller was placed on the 60-day IL as a corresponding move.

Options and re-assignments

Here are the players who were optioned on March 1:

• P Sam Aldegheri (Angels)
• P Alex Carrillo (Mets)
• P Eric Cerantola (Royals)
• OF Matthew Lugo (Angels)
• P Ty Madden (Tigers)
• P Eduarniel Nunez (Athletics)
• P Dylan Smith (Tigers)
• P Winston Santos (Rangers)
• P Hunter Stratton (Braves)
• P Emiliano Teodo (Rangers)

Aldegheri, who spent time in the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the Angels, made 23 starts in Double-A last season with Rocket City. He posted a 7.90 ERA in four appearances with the big club last season.

Hard-throwing reliever Alex Carrillo tossed one scoreless inning for the Mets’ big club before his option. Carrillo, who struck out 64 over 41.2 IP in the Minors last season, made three outings at the MLB level.

Winston Santos and Emiliano Teodo are two of the better pitching prospects in the Rangers’ farm system. However, both had their fair share of injury problems. Santos only made six appearances last season in the Minors, while Teodo made 27 appearances over three levels last season as a reliever.

Former first-round pick Ty Madden struck out 124 batters over 96.2 IP between Double-A and Triple-A. However, he struggled in Triple-A, as he walked 40 over 79 innings and posted a 7.97 ERA with Toledo.

Additionally, the Mets reassigned pitchers Anderson Severino and Matt Turner to Minor League camp.