Ben

Cowles

As is often the case with the first batch of spring cuts, there were no real surprises among this group. Triantos, 23, showed well during Cactus League play, hitting .280 (7-for-25) with four RBI, three stolen bases and a 4/6 K/BB ratio in 31 plate appearances. He could debut with the Cubs in a utility role at some point during the 2026 season.

Cowles returns to the Cubs after the Blue Jays claimed him off waivers just two weeks ago. He’ll provide some organizational depth in 2026; likely in Triple-A Iowa.

It’s the second time this offseason Cowles has been claimed off waivers, as the Cubs originally got him from the Yankees in January. The 26-year-old infielder will get a shake at a roster spot in Spring Training, but will likely wind up in the minors if the Blue Jays are his final destination. The Jays placed Bowden Francis on the 60-day injured list to free up the roster spot.

The 26-year-old infielder was claimed off of waivers from the White Sox in mid-January, but he’ll get removed from the Cubs’ 40-man roster following the addition of Shelby Miller on Sunday. There’s a decent chance he slides through waivers unclaimed and continues to function as extra infield depth for the Cubs.

Cowles, who came over from the Yankees in the Mark Leiter Jr. trade back in 2024, returns to the organization after spending time last year with the White Sox. The 25-year-old infielder has yet to reach the big leagues but might get a look at some point next season.

The White Sox claimed Cowles from the Cubs back in September, but needed a spot on the 40-man roster after claiming Drew Romo, so Cowles was last-in, first-out. The 25-year-old hit .238/.304/.382 with 132 strikeouts in 462 plate appearances for Triple-A Iowa last year.

Cowles has already been optioned to Triple-A Charlotte. The 25-year-old stays in Chicago, but with a (much) different organization. Cowles could compete for a utility spot in 2026.

Cowles got added to the 40-man after a nice 2024 in Double-A, but he was hitting a modest .238/.304/.382 with 132 strikeouts in 462 plate appearances in Triple-A this season. There’s a pretty good chance he’ll clear waivers.

The Cubs have to trim down their roster a bit quicker than most teams as they’re traveling to Japan to open the season against the Dodgers on March 18. The biggest surprise here is Nicky Lopez, who had been expected to land a bench spot on the team’s Opening Day roster. That means that Vidal Brujan and Rule-5 selection Gage Workman should each travel with the team to Japan. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Lopez ultimately get released and explore other opportunities elsewhere.

Caissie boasts a sweet left-handed swing and was arguably the most notable prospect for fantasy purposes that needed to be shielded from next month’s Rule 5 Draft. The 22-year-old outfielder doesn’t possess elite over-the-fence pop, but he projects as a five-category fantasy contributor capable of pitching in across the board. He figures to be knocking on the door of the big leagues after finishing last season with a robust .278/.375/.473 triple-slash line with 19 homers and 11 steals in 549 plate appearances at hitter-friendly Triple-A Iowa.