Chicago Cubs

Justin Steele

SP

Steele has been out all season while recovering from UCL revision surgery and a flexor strain. He is physically ready to pitch now, having made four rehab appearances this month, but the Cubs have decided he's not a fit for their playoff roster. Steele could earn consideration in subsequent rounds, if his team advances.

Shelby Miller

RP

Miller has been on the shelf all season while working his way back from the second Tommy John procedure of his career, but the Cubs no longer believe it's worth pushing him to join the team's bullpen before the end of the year. The 35-year-old will now look to get healthy for the start of the 2027 campaign and provide stability to a Chicago bullpen that hasn't been very reliable this season.

Ben Brown

RP

Brown has been out since June with a stress reaction in his neck, and he had been cleared to face live hitters before suffering a setback last week. Now set to remain out for the rest of the season, he'll close the book on what seemed to be a promising 2026 campaign in which he posted a 1.85 ERA and 0.94 WHIP with a 65:19 K:BB over 68 innings.

Phil Maton

RP

The Cubs have yet to decide whether to build Maton up for a late-season return or shut him down for the year, though the team is expected to make a decision within the next week or so. In the meantime, the Cubs will stash him away on the 60-day IL to free up a 40-man spot for Gabriel Arias, who was claimed off waivers from the Mets on Wednesday.

Riley Martin

RP

Martin has been shelved since late April with a left flexor strain. He's had difficulty recovering from his throwing sessions, and if that continues, surgery will become an option. Even if Martin doesn't go under the knife, he won't be a candidate to pitch again in 2026.