Cubs sign former Yankees pitching prospect who was part of Andrew Miller trade

The New York Yankees prospect tree from countless Brian Cashman trades spans wide, and we've already seen a number of former Bombers find new homes this offseason. Another joined the list earlier this week.

Right-handed pitcher Ben Heller signed a minor-league contract with the Chicago Cubs after his last two stints with the Atlanta Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates. Heller only pitched 31 games in New York as he was limited by injuries and the lingering effects of Tommy John surgery. As a result, the Yankees cut him loose after the 2020 season.

Heller, back in 2016, was among the prospects that arrived in New York via the blockbuster Andrew Miller trade with the then-Cleveland Indians. Yup, the Yankees traded one of the best relievers in baseball for ... Justus Sheffleld, Clint Frazier, JP Feyereisen and Heller. Frazier was the only one to make an impact in the Bronx, and it lasted about 75 games.

Heller was the next most tenured Yankee, believe it or not. Sheffield appeared in three games, was held out of rumored Manny Machado trade packages, and was then sent to Seattle for James Paxton. Feyereisen never saw the field for the Yankees and was traded to the Brewers in Sept. of 2019.

Very good use of assets for one of the most impactful left-handed relievers in the game at the time. Miller was an absolute stud for five years after rediscovering his form, but then fell off a cliff with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Yankees News: Former prospect Ben Heller signs with Chicago Cubs

But back to the main point. Heller is now a Cub after an up-and-down eight-game showing with the Pirates in 2024. Though it's a small sample size, Heller gave up way too much contact but managed to boast an average fastball velocity of 96 MPH. Perhaps Chicago sees something promising there. The right-hander also struck out 55 batters in 33 innings with the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate.

Everyone's looking for the next best cheap reliever, and the Cubs, who are on a shoestring budget, are the latest to take a shot on Heller, who became a pro in 2013 but has logged just 62 innings since his MLB debut in 2016.

At the very worst, the 33-year-old can provide depth at Triple-A. At the very best? He's one of the last guys in your bullpen soaking up innings in a meaningful manner. Best of luck to Heller, who has yet to see his full potential maximized.