The Cubs have a new left-handed reliever:

This seems a signing well in line with Jed Hoyer’s practice of recent years — sign a mid-range reliever who’s had some success in the past and hope to make something out of him, as the Cubs did in 2025 with Caleb Thielbar and Drew Pomeranz.

Milner, like Pomeranz, has a history with manager Craig Counsell. He pitched for the Brewers from 2021-24, so spent three years with Counsell in Milwaukee. One of those years (2023) was outstanding, as Milner posted a 1.82 ERA and 0.964 WHIP, good for 1.7 bWAR. The other two seasons Milner pitched for Counsell weren’t nearly as good.

Overall, Milner has a 3.82 career ERA in 367 games covering 341.1 innings, with 321 strikeouts and only 94 walks. He also has a history of keeping the ball in the ballpark (39 ca

See Full Page