### Cubs Strengthen Bullpen by Signing Hoby Milner to One-Year Deal The Chicago Cubs have made a strategic move to enhance their bullpen by signing left-handed reliever Hoby Milner to a one-year contract worth $3.75 million. This decision comes as the Cubs aim to solidify their relief pitching after a playoff appearance in 2025, marking their first postseason run since 2020. Milner, who has a history with Cubs manager Craig Counsell from their time together with the Milwaukee Brewers, is expected to bring valuable experience and a unique pitching style to the team. His performance in the previous season with the Texas Rangers, where he recorded a 3.84 ERA over 73 appearances, further supports the Cubs' decision to add him to their roster [https://apnews.com/article/cubs-hoby-milner-ea8235dba7dacd11b340713c88742d9c]. ### Breakdown of the Cubs' Signing of Hoby Milner 1. **Contract Details** - Milner signed a one-year deal worth $3.75 million, with potential performance-based incentives [https://www.freedom969.com/national-sports/reports-cubs-lhp-hoby-milner-agree-to-1-year-deal]. - The agreement is pending a physical examination [https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/3424929/report-cubs-add-milner-to-bullpen-with-1-year-3-75-m-deal]. 2. **Player Background** - Hoby Milner, 34, has a career record of 13-9 with a 3.82 ERA across 367 games in the major leagues [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/reports_cubs_lhp_hoby_milner_agree_to_1-year_deal/s1_17044_43192344]. - He is known for his effective side-winding delivery, which has proven successful against both left-handed and right-handed hitters [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/hoby_milner_signs_with_cubs/s1_17396_43191854]. 3. **Performance Metrics** - In the 2025 season, Milner matched his career high with 73 appearances, achieving a 3-4 record and a 3.84 ERA [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/report_cubs_agree_to_deal_with_intriguing_left_handed_reliever/s1_17081_43191872]. - He held left-handed batters to a .208 batting average and a .526 OPS, showcasing his effectiveness as a ground-ball specialist [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/cubs_to_sign_hoby_milner/s1_13237_43191677]. ### Supporting Evidence for the Cubs' Decision - **Career Statistics**: - Milner's career ERA stands at 3.82, with a strikeout rate of 22.6% and a walk rate of 5.8% over the past four seasons [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/cubs_to_sign_hoby_milner/s1_13237_43191677]. - His ground-ball rate of 51.1% is notably above average, making him a valuable asset in high-pressure situations [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/hoby_milner_signs_with_cubs/s1_17396_43191854]. - **Reunion with Craig Counsell**: - Milner's previous experience under Cubs manager Craig Counsell during their time with the Brewers is expected to facilitate a smooth transition and enhance team chemistry [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/reports_cubs_lhp_hoby_milner_agree_to_1-year_deal/s1_17044_43192344]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Move for the Cubs In summary, the Chicago Cubs' signing of Hoby Milner represents a calculated effort to bolster their bullpen as they prepare for the upcoming season. 1. **Contract and Expectations**: The one-year, $3.75 million deal reflects the Cubs' commitment to improving their relief pitching [https://abc7chicago.com/post/sources-cubs-reliever-hoby-milner-reach-1-year-375m-deal/18276254]. 2. **Player Profile**: Milner's unique pitching style and solid performance metrics make him a promising addition to the Cubs' roster [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/hoby_milner_signs_with_cubs/s1_17396_43191854]. 3. **Future Outlook**: With the Cubs looking to build on their recent playoff success, Milner's experience and skills could play a crucial role in their bullpen strategy for the 2026 season [https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/3424929/report-cubs-add-milner-to-bullpen-with-1-year-3-75-m-deal].