The Toronto Blue Jays shored up their starting rotation for at least the start of 2026 with a reunion with a veteran pitcher.

The Blue Jays brought back Max Scherzer on a one-year deal, guaranteeing the team will have coverage on their rotation amidst injuries to starters Bowden Francis and Shane Bieber.

To make room for Scherzer's return, Toronto let go of a potentially intriguing prospect after a brief tenure with the organization.

The Blue Jays waived infielder Ben Cowles in a corresponding move to Scherzer's signing. He was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs on Sunday.

It was a brief Blue Jays tenure for Ben Cowles, as he has been claimed off waivers by the Cubs.

— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) March 1, 2026

Cowles was claimed off waivers by Toronto on Feb. 18 from, interestingly the Cubs. Chicago designated Cowles for assignment Feb. 15.

Cowles played in five Grapefruit League games this spring for the Blue Jays but failed to make an impression. He was unable to register a hit or draw a walk in nine at-bats and plate appearances and didn't draw a walk.

Cowles is just one year removed from being considered a top 15 Cubs prospect.

The 26-year-old infielder was originally picked by the New York Yankees in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Maryland.

After three years with the Yankees, New York traded Cowles and right-handed pitcher Jack Neely to Chicago in return for right-handed pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. on July 30, 2024.

There was originally some anticipation that Cowles could make his major league debut '25 with Chicago, but that ultimately didn't happen.

Instead the Cubs designated Cowles for assignment Sept. 1. He was claimed off waivers by the American League's Chicago representatives, the Chicago White Sox, on Sept. 3.

Cubs Ben Cowles has elite defensive chops. pic.twitter.com/mwdy16nGVa

— John Antonoff (@baseballinfocus) February 3, 2026

Last season, across 128 games across two of the Chicago franchises' Triple-A affiliate, Cowles slashed .235/.300/.371 with a .671 OPS and hit 30 doubles, four triples and nine home runs with 49 RBIs. He stole 18 bases in 26 opportunities.

Across his entire minor league career, the former Terrapin has posted a slash line of .258/.346/.409 with a .755 OPS and has hit 98 doubles, 14 triples and 39 homers with 207 RBIs.

Now that Cowles is back with the Cubs, he could potentially pick up where he left off with a franchise he has familiarity with.

As for Toronto, it will look to avoid any more serious injuries in a season that has legitimate championship aspirations. Scherzer's return will help the Blue Jays get closer to the goal of winning their first World Series since 1993.

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