Former Newark star Ben Cowles claimed by Cubs

by TYLER HATHAWAY

The Chicago Cubs have claimed infielder and Newark native Ben Cowles off of waivers from the Chicago White Sox, according to an announcement by the team.

Cowles, who was a 10th-round selection by the New York Yankees in the 2021 MLB Draft, is returning for another stint with the Cubs after the team traded for him back in July of 2024. He spent his 2025 season at the Triple-A level, finishing with a .235 batting average, nine home runs, and 18 stolen bases. He has yet to play in the majors.

A two-time Finger Lakes East Player of the Year, Cowles hit .512 with an on-base percentage of .650 for the Reds in 2018. He earned Section V Class B Player of the Year as well as Class B First-Team All-State honors.

He went on to the University of Maryland where he was a Third Team All-American selection after his junior season when he led the Big Ten with 18 home runs and ranked second in the conference with 51 RBI. He posted a team-high OPS of 1.041.