Right-handed pitcher Ben Heller underwent Tommy John surgery back in March, ending his season immediately. The 33-year-old was in Cubs camp down at spring training after he signed a minor league deal, but following the surgery Heller was released by the organization in May. However, the Cubs are giving Heller a second chance.
According to the team’s official transactions page, Heller has agreed to a minor league deal and has returned to the Cubs. The right-hander has 58 MLB appearances with the Yankees, Braves and Pirates. Heller made his MLB debut back in 2016.
Heller is hoping to come back from what is now the second Tommy John surgery of his career. Heller had the elbow surgery for the first time in 2018, sidelining him until the following season.
The Milwaukee native and 2013 draft pick has a 4.68 ERA in 62 innings in the big leagues.
In 2024, Heller was a strikeout machine at Triple-A in the Pirates system, posting an insane 42.3 K%, punching out 63 batters in 37 innings. The righty struggled in a limited sample size in the majors with the Pirates, but he still had 15 strikeouts in 12 innings and put up a 3.60 ERA in his final six appearances that covered 10 innings.
Here’s to a speedy recovery for Heller. The Cubs have a great track record, especially recently, bringing in under the radar pitchers and turning them into productive MLB relievers. Hopefully that will be Heller’s story too in 2026.
Cubs Sign Ben Heller
It’s that time again to talk about your favorite type of offseason acquisition as the Chicago Cubs have signed right-handed relief pitcher Ben Heller to a minor league contract. Oh yeah, reclamation project baby!
The team officially announced a few minor league deals, including Heller who will be in camp once spring training begins in February.
#Cubs have agreed to minor league contracts with invitations to major league spring training with RHP Ben Heller and C Carlos Pérez.
— Taylor McGregor (@Taylor_McGregor) January 8, 2025
I still don’t understand why these deals get some fans so riled up because as we always have to point out, there is literally no risk…it’s all a high reward if a guy suddenly figures it out with your team. And hey, the Cubs actually have some success stories in recent years with these exact type of signings. Fun!
Not so fun? Heller was really bad in 2024, as the righty was lit up for 11 earned runs in two innings of work in his first two appearances with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was demoted to Triple-A shortly after, but rebounded nicely with a 3.60 ERA in 10 innings out of the bullpen in August.
So yeah, I don’t expect anyone to get excited over Heller’s 11.25 ERA in 2024.
Source: RHP Ben Heller is signing a minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs
— Andrew Destin (@AndrewDestin1) December 30, 2024
Heller, 33, went 0-1 with an 11.25 ERA across 12 innings with the Pirates in 2024
HOWEVER! It’s not like Heller has been a complete bust his entire career. There’s a reason the 33-year-old is still around and believe it or not prior to his 2024 stint with the Pirates, Heller recorded a 3.06 ERA in 50 innings pitching for the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves. That being said, those 50 innings were spread across five seasons from 2016-23.
Heller has dealt with several injuries throughout his career, including Tommy John surgery and a bum shoulder cut his 2024 campaign short at the end of August.
So, why are the Cubs kicking the tires on Heller? Well, during his time at Triple-A this past season the right-hander struck out 55 batters in 33 innings. That’s a ridiculous 40.7 K% or 15 strikeouts per nine innings, while holding opponents to a .168 batting average.
Here's Ben Heller's supination-dominant splitter grip that is absolutely filthy:
— Tread Athletics (@TreadHQ) December 13, 2024
Averages on the year:
✅ 86 mph
✅ -2.5" vertical break (!)
✅ 11.2" horizontal break
✅ 45% whiff%
This compares to Logan Webb & Devin Williams' CH depth. pic.twitter.com/epgV8UU7tt
He’s put up crazy strikeout numbers with multiple organizations, but Heller has not been able to fully translate that success in the majors. Arm injuries have also interrupted his progress. Heller’s MLB strikeout numbers have been much more pedestrian, averaging 8.85 K/9 and a 21.3 K%.
Heller’s longest run in the majors came with the Braves in 2023. He made 19 relief appearances and recorded a 3.86 ERA with 16 strikeouts and 11 walks in 18.2 innings.
Ben Heller's 3Ks in the 8th.
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 17, 2023
Welcome back! pic.twitter.com/EmZZw93tT3
So, add Ben Heller’s name to the list of relief pitchers who will show up to spring training, looking to impress the Cubs and potentially earn a precious spot on the Opening Day roster. If Heller gives the Cubs any positive results in 2025, then that’s a win.
