Chicago Cubs Part Ways With Long-Time MLB Veteran

The Chicago Cubs adjusted their roster on Friday just hours before opening a three-game set against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park.

The club designated second baseman Owen Miller for assignment, bringing a swift end to his time in the organization after a short stay on the major-league roster.

Miller had signed a minor-league contract with Chicago in February and spent most of the season at Triple-A Iowa.

The Cubs called him up on August 17, but he appeared in only one game and never came to the plate. His production at Iowa had been solid, as he hit .296 with a .350 on-base percentage and .457 slugging percentage across 96 games.

Those numbers included seven home runs, 26 doubles, six triples, 57 RBIs and 10 stolen bases.

The 28-year-old’s path through the majors has been marked by several organizations. San Diego selected him in the third round of the 2018 draft out of Illinois State. Two years later he was part of the package the Padres sent to Cleveland in the deal that brought pitcher Mike Clevinger to San Diego.

Miller played 60 games for the Guardians in 2021 and 130 the next season. Cleveland then traded him to Milwaukee after the 2022 campaign. He appeared in 90 games for the Brewers in 2023, but his 2024 stay was limited to 14 contests before another midseason trade sent him to Colorado. He played just nine games with the Rockies.

Chicago enters the weekend series after taking two of three from the White Sox and using Thursday as an off day.

The Cubs hold the first National League Wild Card spot at 74-54 and sit 5½ games behind Milwaukee in the Central Division.

The roster change reflects the kind of incremental decisions clubs make in August as they try to keep the lineup and bench as flexible as possible during the stretch run.

Miller now waits to see whether another team claims him off waivers or whether he elects free agency if he clears.

For the Cubs, the focus immediately shifts to the Mariners and the three games that follow.