Reports: Cubs, LHP Hoby Milner agree to 1-year deal

Field Level Media|published: 12/11/2025, 4:02pm EST

Aug 24, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Hoby Milner (41) pitches against the Cleveland Guardians during the ninth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Left-handed ground-ball specialist Hoby Milner is joining the Chicago Cubs' relief corps, agreeing to a one-year, $3.75 million deal, multiple media outlets reported Thursday.

Milner will reunite with Craig Counsell, who managed him with the Milwaukee Brewers from 2021-23 before taking over as Cubs skipper in 2024. In 2023, he posted a career-low 1.82 ERA and 0.964 WHIP.

Milner, who turns 35 on Jan. 13, was 3-4 with a 3.84 ERA in 73 appearances with the Texas Rangers and ranked in the 91st percentile in ground-ball percentage in 2025.

Spanning 366 relief outings and one start over nine big league seasons, Milner is 13-9 with a 3.82 ERA, one save, 321 strikeouts and 94 walks for the Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Angels, Brewers and Rangers.

--Field Level Media