CHICAGO — In a move that has both shocked and sparked heated debate among Cubs fans, the Chicago Cubs have officially signed veteran shooter Shelby Miller, who recently underwent surgery on Tommy John and will miss almost the entire 2026 season, to a multi-year contract. This wasn’t a “normal signing”—it was a huge gamble on the future that fans didn’t anticipate.

According to AP Sports, Miller agreed to a two-year, $2.5 million contract with the Cubs, a significant commitment for a 35-year-old who had just undergone surgery and was almost certainly unable to play this season.

This isn’t Miller’s first appearance in the Cubs’ roster—he had a brief stint in 2021, playing only three games before being moved out.

But now, the Cubs are placing their faith in him once again. They don’t need Miller right now — they need him from 2027 onwards, after he’s fully recovered from a serious elbow injury. This is a long-term strategic decision, aiming to transform a former All-Star into a key player for the bullpen in the future.

Shelby Miller is more than just an ordinary shooter — he’s a phenomenon who was highly anticipated from the start of his career. Drafted in the first round in 2009, he debuted in MLB in 2012 and was shortlisted for Rookie of the Year the following season.

Over the years, he’s transitioned from starter to reliever, and the 2025 season was a particularly bright one: he played 48 games between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Milwaukee Brewers, recording a 2.74 ERA and 10 saves until he tore his elbow ligaments and had to undergo surgery.

Cubs fans even joked that Miller has a “strange connection” with the team — he was traded away in the Dansby Swanson deal, and now he’s re-signed with the Cubs after more than a decade.

Experts generally agree that Miller is almost certainly not going to play for the Cubs in the 2026 season. This means the effectiveness of the contract will only truly be assessed in 2027 or later when he can fully return after Tommy John.

Some fans reacted skeptically on social media, questioning whether investing in a player who suffered a serious injury at age 35 was the right decision. Comments reflected surprise, even doubt: “Is this really the right choice?!” or “We’re betting on a name past its prime.”

With the Cubs’ rotation and bullpen undergoing significant changes, retaining a seasoned pitcher like Miller—albeit a long wait—is seen as a strategic investment. The Cubs currently have several pitchers on the verge of becoming free agents, and such a contract helps the team retain at least one familiar arm for the foreseeable future.

Furthermore, the Cubs possess top-tier medical facilities and a robust injury rehabilitation system, so committing to Miller’s reintegration into baseball is a well-calculated move. As modern sports increasingly value rehabilitation and career extension, signing players after TJ is becoming a more carefully considered option for teams—and the Cubs have decided to follow that path.

Miller will receive a salary for two years, but will only be able to contribute on the field after his recovery. The Cubs have already prepared a roadmap for him throughout his recovery—a rare occurrence in MLB contracts, especially for players with complex injury histories.

Besides Miller, the Cubs also signed several other pitchers, such as Kyle Wright and Vince Velasquez, on minor league contracts with invitations to participate in Spring Training — showing they are strengthening both the future and present of their pitching force.

This reunion, while fraught with complications, also opens up a series of interesting stories about team-building strategy:

Will a former star with a rich history be revived after surgery?

A contract whose effects will only be seen next year?

A team that “dares to be different” from the rest of MLB?

Shelby Miller may not be the number one pitcher immediately — but betting on him is a clear signal that the Cubs aren’t afraid to take risks for big opportunities.

And when the 2026 season unfolds without Miller, Chicagoans will only have one question: Will this wait be a complete success in 2027?

The story of Shelby Miller and the Cubs has only just begun!