The Chicago Cubs have added a unique arm to their pitching roster, signing left-handed pitcher Hoby Milner to a one-year deal. Known for his unconventional sidearm delivery and slower velocity, Milner brings a fresh dynamic to the Cubs’ bullpen.
Originally drafted in the seventh round by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2012 after playing at the University of Texas, Milner made his Major League Baseball debut in 2017. Since then, he has pitched for various teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Angels, Milwaukee Brewers, and Texas Rangers. His career showcases a solid trajectory, particularly highlighted by his impressive performance in 2023 with the Brewers, where he posted a remarkable 1.82 ERA.
In 2024, Milner moved to Texas, maintaining strong numbers with a 3.84 ERA, striking out 58 batters over 70.1 innings. His ability to generate outs using a mix of pitches has proven effective; he notably averaged 87.9 miles per hour on his four-seam fastball, complementing it with a sinker of similar speed. His sweeper is his most utilized pitch, thrown 35.1% of the time, yielding a .232 batting average against, with batters hitting just .154 when facing his four-seamer.
At 34 years old, the 6-foot-3 pitcher is poised to provide depth to the Cubs’ bullpen without the pressure of high-leverage situations. Milner’s dependable presence is anticipated to contribute to the team’s overall performance as they aim for a competitive edge in the upcoming season.