Cubs Sign Injured Pitcher Shelby Miller to 2-Year Deal

The Cubs aim to strengthen their pitching depth for future seasons despite Miller's current recovery from Tommy John surgery.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Chicago Cubs have finalized a two-year contract with free-agent pitcher Shelby Miller, sources revealed to ESPN. The deal comes as a surprise given Miller's current recovery from Tommy John surgery, which will sideline him for the entire 2026 season. At 35 years old, Miller has pitched in 48 games last season for Arizona and Milwaukee before his injury. His new contract with the Cubs guarantees a minimum of $2.5 million over two years.

Why it matters

With multiple pitchers on the Cubs roster expected to become free agents following the next season, Miller's multi-year contract secures a pitching option through the 2026 campaign. The deal reestablishes a connection between Miller and the Cubs after his past involvement in the trade that brought Dansby Swanson—now a teammate—into Chicago, nearly a decade after Swanson's draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The details

Over a 13-year Major League Baseball career, Miller has maintained a 4.04 ERA, transitioning from a starting pitcher to a reliable reliever. In 2023, he posted an impressive 1.98 ERA with Arizona before struggles and injury followed after a trade to Milwaukee. Miller briefly appeared in three games for the Cubs in 2021 as he moved between teams.

  • The Cubs finalized the 2-year contract with Shelby Miller on February 14, 2026.

The players

Shelby Miller

A 35-year-old pitcher who has pitched in 48 games last season for Arizona and Milwaukee before his injury. He has a 13-year Major League Baseball career with a 4.04 ERA, transitioning from a starting pitcher to a reliable reliever.

Dansby Swanson

A teammate of Shelby Miller on the Cubs, who was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks nearly a decade ago.

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What’s next

Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Miller's return shapes the team's efforts on the mound.

The takeaway

The Cubs' signing of the injured Shelby Miller to a 2-year deal highlights their commitment to strengthening their pitching depth for the future, despite the uncertainty around Miller's recovery timeline.