Ben

Cowles

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.

Cowles ascended to Double-A Somerset this season where he’s batted .295/.376/.472 with nine homers and 14 steals over 378 plate appearances. The 24-year-old infielder was a 10th round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft out of Maryland and offers plenty of defensive versatility, spending time at second, third and shortstop this season at the Double-A level. He’s an interesting addition to Chicago’s infield mix and projects as a bench option, if he makes it to the big leagues.

In the deal, the Yankees will send infielder Ben Cowles and right-handed pitching prospect Jack Neely to Chicago. Leiter Jr. has made 39 appearances for the Cubs, and while his 4.21 ERA isn’t overtly impressive, he has struck out 53 batters against 13 walks over 36 1/3 innings. He’ll be a mid-to-late inning option for the Yankees, and isn’t likely to see many — if any — save chances.

Cowles is slashing .347/.468/.592 line through 15 games, which is good for 6th in the AFL in OPS. He spent almost all of 2023 at High-A, hitting .254/.356/.393 with 10 home runs and 23 steals before getting three games at Triple-A to end the season. Cowles has the ability to play all three infield spots and could serve as a utility player for the Yankees at some point in 2024.