Shelby

Miller

Miller is going to likely miss all of the 2026 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. The right-hander is now off the 40-man roster, and the Cubs claimed Ben Cowles with the extra room.

The deal also includes a club option for the 2028 season. Miller is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2026 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. To clear a spot on the Cubs’ 40-man roster, Ben Cowles was designated for assignment.

Jesse Rogers of ESPN reports that the deal is a two-year, $2.5 million contract. Miller will likely be out for most, if not all, of 2026 following Tommy John surgery in October of last year. However, he was really impactful as a reliever last season, pitching to a 2.74 ERA in 46 innings for the Diamondbacks and Brewers. The multi-year deal would allow him to rehab with the Cubs this season and then be a factor in their bullpen in 2027.

Miller was hoping to avoid surgery, but it wasn’t meant to be. This will most likely cost the 35-year-old all of 2026. Miller, who had a 2.74 ERA in 46 innings for the Diamondbacks and Brewers this year, will become a free agent after the World Series.

Miller will undergo an operating at some point, but the hope is that if there’s no tear that the right-hander will be able to return at some point in 2026. The 34-year-old is a free agent at the end of the year, so he’ll be looking at an incentive-laden deal if he signs prior to the 2025 campaign that likely has a team option for 2026.

Miller’s season is over. The right-hander had one of his best seasons on the bump with the D-backs and Brew Crew, but the sprain he suffered against the Phillies will keep him from pitching in the postseason. The 34-year-old will likely be of interest on the free-agent market this spring, but just how much interest will depend on his recovery plan.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy told reporters Miller felt a pop in his elbow on his final pitch before exiting the contest with a trainer. The 34-year-old previously spent time on the injured list back in early July with a forearm strain. There should be a definitive update on his status at some point in the coming days, but it certainly sounds like Miller is headed to the injured list.

Miller came on to face his former squad with two men in scoring position and two outs in a tied game in the eighth inning. He needed just three pitches to strike out Ketel Marte to end that threat. He then returned for the ninth inning and despite allowing a leadoff single to Corbin Carroll and an intentional walk to Gabriel Moreno, he was able to keep the Diamondbacks off the board and became the beneficiary when the Brewers walked it off. He now holds a 2.40 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and a 54/14 K/BB ratio over 45 innings on the season while securing four victories and 10 saves.

Miller was acquired by the Brewers at the deadline from the Diamondbacks, and now will have chance to make his debut. He was closing for Arizona, but he’ll likely begin his stint with the Brew Crew as a set-up option.

Miller threw 10 of his 17 pitches for strikes, showcased all three of his pitches, and hit 96 mph on the radar gun with his fastball. After some fear that his season was over, this was quite a performance. He may make another appearance or two before joining the Brewers’ collection of late-inning relievers. It would seem unlikely that he takes the closer job from Trevor Megill though.