Chicago Cubs Hire Steve Miller for International Scouting
The veteran scout joins the Cubs organization following a 13-season tenure with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Baseball
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The Chicago Cubs have hired Steve Miller to lead their international scouting department as part of a broader organizational shuffle. The move follows the departure of former general manager Jared Banner, who recently accepted a leadership role with the Baltimore Orioles.
Why it matters
The hiring addresses a critical internal need for the franchise, as the club has struggled to develop consistent pitching talent through its international pipeline. Strengthening these operations is a key step in the team's ongoing effort to improve its player development results.
Steve Miller brings extensive industry experience, having spent 13 seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays and 7 years as a scout for the Toronto Blue Jays. His background is expected to bolster the department currently supported by special assistants Louie Eljaua and Alex Suarez.
The players
Steve Miller
He is a veteran scout who previously spent 13 seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays and 7 years with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Jared Banner
He is a former executive for the Cubs who was named general manager of the Baltimore Orioles on October 12, 2026.
Louie Eljaua
He currently serves as a special assistant for the Cubs with a focus on international acquisitions.
Alex Suarez
He serves as a special assistant to the Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations.
The details
In October 2026, the Chicago Cubs reorganized their international scouting department to better address pitching development deficiencies. This transition coincides with broader personnel moves, including the recent trades of prospects Jefferson Rojas and Moisés Ballesteros to the New York Mets and Los Angeles Angels for players Clay Holmes and Ryan Zeferjahn.
Timeline
October 2026: The Cubs began reorganizing their international scouting department.
October 12, 2026: Jared Banner was named general manager of the Baltimore Orioles.
2021: Jared Banner pushed to acquire Pete Crow-Armstrong.
Season Trajectory
This departmental reorganization follows a period of aggressive prospect acquisition initiated by the 2021 Pete Crow-Armstrong trade. The front office's movement of players like Jefferson Rojas and Moisés Ballesteros highlights a shift toward immediate roster adjustments as the team navigates its long-term development goals.
The acquisition of Clay Holmes and Ryan Zeferjahn indicates the team's pivot toward immediate bullpen reinforcement over prospect depth. Followers of the organization should monitor how these new pitching arrivals integrate into the active roster for the upcoming season.
The takeaway
The addition of an experienced international scouting lead suggests the organization is prioritizing a more robust pipeline to solve persistent development gaps. Fans can expect continued changes within the front office as the team looks to balance its immediate needs with long-term goals.
Further reading
Find more updates and team personnel news in the Chicago Baseball section.
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