The Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement with free-agent relief pitcher Hoby Milner, filling a pressing need for their bullpen as they enter the new season. The signing, reported by Bleacher Nation’s Michael Cerami, is a one-year, guaranteed contract aimed at reinforcing the team’s pitching staff after the departure of key relief pitchers Drew Pomeranz and Caleb Thielbar, both of whom became free agents following their contributions during the 2025 season.
Milner, 34, is known as a late-blooming journeyman who pitches with a unique sidearm delivery. He first gained recognition during his tenure with the Milwaukee Brewers under current Cubs manager Craig Counsell in 2022 and 2023. Despite lacking a hard throw, Milner has a track record of effective contact management, making him one of the more reliable strike-throwers in Major League Baseball. However, he faced some challenges in the 2024 season, leading to the Brewers non-tendering him last November. Afterward, he joined the Texas Rangers, where his performance saw mixed results: while he rebounded in certain areas, his walk rate increased and his strikeout rate declined.
Notably, Milner remains particularly tough on left-handed batters, inducing ground balls at a high rate and providing a positive presence in the clubhouse. His ability to command all four pitches makes him an asset in favorable matchups, and he also carries a reputation for durability that stands out compared to Pomeranz and Thielbar.
The Cubs’ bullpen was significantly depleted at the end of the season, and although there was reported mutual interest in bringing back Pomeranz, Milner’s different pitching profile provides the team with additional depth and options. Filling one of the many vacancies on their 40-man roster, Milner’s addition is a strategic move for a team looking to bolster its relief pitching.
In financial terms, Milner is set to earn a base salary of $3.75 million, with the potential to earn an additional $250,000 through performance-based incentives, which will be dependent on games pitched. This agreement adds another piece to the Cubs’ plans as they work to reconstruct a competitive bullpen heading into the upcoming season.
