Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Chicago Cubs release Hoby Milner?
The Cubs designated Milner for assignment and officially released him on Sunday, choosing to keep other relievers in the bullpen instead. He cleared outright waivers with no takers, likely because any claiming team would have been responsible for the remainder of his 2026 salary.
How much would Hoby Milner have cost a team that claimed him on waivers?
Any team that claimed Milner off waivers would have been on the hook for the $600,000 remaining on his contract. Now that he's been released, he can sign with any team for just the prorated league minimum.
What were Hoby Milner's stats before the Cubs released him?
Milner posted a 3.53 ERA in 35.2 innings over 38 games this season, but he recorded only 18 strikeouts for a 12.1 K%, the lowest strikeout rate of his 10-year MLB career.
Who will pitch from the left side for the Cubs bullpen after releasing Milner?
The Cubs will lean on Caleb Thielbar and Ryan Rolison as their primary left-handed options out of the bullpen going forward.
Could the Cubs add more pitchers to the roster after releasing Milner?
Yes, rosters expand on September 1st, allowing the Cubs to add one more pitcher to the active roster. Left-handed options on the 40-man roster include Antoine Kelly, Braxton Garrett, and Jordan Wicks, and the team is also hoping Justin Steele can contribute as a bullpen option as he returns from elbow surgery.
Aldo Soto
With a journalism degree from Eastern Illinois University and a decade of Cubs reporting, my work has appeared on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and the Pinwheels and Ivy Podcast. I cover Cubs news and analysis for Sports Mockery, including roster moves, game breakdowns, and prospect development.
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