Clubs around the league often look for seasoned depth as camp approaches, and while Chicago didn’t have glaring infield holes, it still made a low-risk addition. After bringing in three-time All-Star Alex Bregman, the Cubs already feel comfortable with their regular infield group and even intend to give former top prospect Matt Shaw time in the outfield.
Still, they bolstered their depth chart by signing veteran infielder Owen Miller to a minor-league contract, per the transaction log.
Miller, 29, saw limited MLB action last season, appearing in just nine games for the Colorado Rockies. Across parts of five big-league seasons with Cleveland, Milwaukee, and Colorado, he’s totaled 303 games. Offense hasn’t been his calling card he owns a career .629 OPS but his ability to handle every infield spot, plus some outfield work in 2023, adds to his appeal.
At Triple-A Albuquerque last year, Miller hit .277 with a .758 OPS and 11 homers in 102 games, though those numbers came in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. If he reaches Chicago at some point, it would likely be in a do-it-all reserve role. His defensive flexibility makes him useful insurance in case injuries hit the roster.
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