The Cubs signed pitcher Shelby Miller to a $2.5M deal, but he’ll miss 2026 due to Tommy John surgery, aiming to return in 2027.

The Chicago Cubs have agreed to a two-year, $2.5 million deal with pitcher Shelby Miller, who will miss the 2026 season due to Tommy John surgery. The contract is backloaded with incentives and positions Miller to return in 2027 after rehabbing with the team. A 35-year-old reliever since 2023, Miller posted a 3.13 ERA with 13 saves and 25.3% strikeouts in 143 2/3 innings across multiple teams, including a strong 2025 season with Arizona before his elbow injury. The Cubs are betting on his recovery and past effectiveness in high-leverage roles, adding him to bolster their bullpen as part of a rebuilding strategy.