Cubs Sign Former Brewer to One Year Deal

The Chicago Cubs signed former Brewer, LHP Hoby Milner to a one-year deal worth $3.75 million. Milner adds another familiar face for manager Craig Counsell, as the two spent parts of three seasons together in Milwaukee. This reunion follows the Cubs' signing of another Counsell veteran, Colin Rea, last year.

Milner pitched in 73 games for the Rangers in 2025, logging 70 1/3 innings and finishing with a 3.84 ERA. Milner is known as a control-focused, ground-ball pitcher whose skillset should pair well with the Cubs' stellar infield defense. He has a below-average walk rate for his career (6.5%) and posts a respectable strikeout rate (22.3%). Furthermore, according to baseballsavant.com, the lefty ranked in the 91st percentile in 2025 with a ground-ball rate of 53.8%. While he won't overpower hitters with his four-seam fastball and sinker in the high 80s, his sweeper and changeup induce weak contact, allowing the defense to easily convert plays.

The Cubs are getting a crafty lefty with a low arm slot whose style plays directly to the Cubs strength as a team. Milner is an experienced reliever, pitching in over 350 games; he has been relied upon heavily in recent years, making 274 appearances in the last four seasons. He offers an unorthodox look for opposing hitters. Coupled with other arms such as Daniel Palencia and Luke Little, who boast fastballs in the high 90s and low 100s, Milner should be a welcome addition to the Cubs bullpen.