Cubs to sign 35-year-old All-Star free agent with torn UCL: report

The Chicago Cubs are closing in on a contract with free agent reliever Shelby Miller, according to Robert Murray of Fansided.

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According to Murray, it’s a multi-year major league deal — a strong guarantee for a pitcher who posted a 2.74 ERA in 48 relief appearances last season before tearing the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

Miller underwent Tommy John surgery last September, effectively knocking him out for the entire 2026 season.

The multi-year deal ensures that Miller will be available to the Cubs once he’s cleared to pitch, which might not happen until 2027.

Miller struck out 29 percent of opposing hitters in 2025 while walking 8.1 percent. He was flashing a mid-90s fastball and a high-80s splitter before the injury. The Cubs are banking on him returning to form once he’s cleared to pitch.

Primarily a starter from 2012-16, Miller made the National League All-Star team as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals in 2015. A series of injuries ultimately sent Miller to the bullpen and sent him bouncing around the league — including a three-game stint with the Cubs in 2021.

In 152 games (one start) from 2021-25 with the Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, and Arizona Diamondbacks, Miller went 13-13 with a 3.75 ERA.

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