Former Cubs prospect switches sides in crosstown waiver drama

Lost in the flurry of roster moves the Chicago Cubs made at the start of the week was that infield prospect Ben Cowles was designated for assignment. Acquired by the Cubs at the 2024 MLB trade deadline in a deal that sent Mark Leiter Jr. to the New York Yankees, Cowles never had a path to the Major League level on the North Side. His circumstances will seemingly change on the South Side after being claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox.

Suddenly, the Cubs' trade of Leiter seems to be a deal to chalk up in the loss column for Jed Hoyer. Right-handed relief pitcher Jack Neely was the other prospect added in the deal, and he currently sports a 6.91 ERA through 24 appearances with the Iowa Cubs this season. Neely was thought to be a potential option in the bullpen for the Cubs; instead, his future with the organization will likely be in question after this season.

There was hope that Cowles would emerge as a potential bench option for the Cubs by the end of this season. A contact-oriented hitter with the ability to play second base, third base, and shortstop, Cowles fit the mold of the type of position player the Cubs liked to develop.

Former Cubs prospect lands with White Sox in surprise waiver twist

Unfortunately, Cowles struggled during his time with the I-Cubs this season. Before being waived by the Cubs, Cowles was slashing .238/.304/.382 with a 74 wRC+. What was most concerning about Cowles' 2025 season is the fact that his strikeout numbers jumped with the promotion to Triple-A. Finishing the 2024 season with a 17.7 strikeout rate with Double-A Knoxville last season, Cowles was striking out over 28 percent of the time this season.

The White Sox will maintain control of Cowles beyond this season, and considering where they are in their rebuild, chances are the former Cubs' prospect will get a look at the Major League level in the near future.

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