Hoby Milner Bio
Hoby Trey Milner, born on January 13, 1991, in Fort Worth, Texas, is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently signed with the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB). A left-handed reliever, Milner has built his career through a series of stints across the league, including the Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Angels, Milwaukee Brewers, and Texas Rangers, establishing himself as a dependable bullpen arm over more than a decade in professional baseball.
Known for his journey through the minor leagues and his persistence in reaching the majors, Milner has carved out a role as a versatile relief pitcher. His career, which began with his selection in the 2012 MLB draft, has taken him across multiple organizations and cities, showcasing his resilience and adaptability within the sport.
Early Life and Background
Hoby Trey Milner was born on January 13, 1991, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Yvonne Milner and Brian Milner, a former catcher for the Toronto Blue Jays. Growing up in a household with deep ties to professional baseball, Milner was exposed to the rigors and rhythms of the sport from an early age. His first name carries a unique origin, inspired by a character from the television series Baywatch.
Milner attended R. L. Paschal High School in Fort Worth, where he distinguished himself as a multi-sport athlete. In addition to playing baseball, he served as the punter and kicker on the school’s football team, demonstrating his athletic versatility. Following his high school career, Milner was selected by the Washington Nationals in the 44th round of the 2009 MLB draft. Opting not to sign with the organization, he chose to further his education and baseball career.
He went on to attend the University of Texas, where he played college baseball for the Texas Longhorns. During his time in Austin, Milner continued to refine his skills as a pitcher, setting the stage for his eventual transition to the professional ranks.
Path to Baseball
Milner’s path to professional baseball was solidified during his junior year at the University of Texas. The Philadelphia Phillies selected him in the seventh round of the 2012 MLB draft, marking the beginning of his journey through the Phillies’ minor league system. He made his professional debut that same year with the Low-A Williamsport Crosscutters and the Single-A Lakewood BlueClaws, where he posted a combined 7-3 record and a 2.50 ERA.
Over the following seasons, Milner progressed steadily through the Phillies’ affiliates. He spent 2013 with the High-A Clearwater Threshers, recording a 12-7 record and a 3.83 ERA across 26 games. In 2014, he pitched for the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils, where he achieved a 10-6 record and a 4.21 ERA with 86 strikeouts. The 2015 season brought a pivotal mechanical change, as Milner transitioned from an over-the-top delivery to a sidearm delivery, a transformation that would later define his role as a reliever. By 2016, he was pitching for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs and Reading, recording a 5-4 record and a 2.49 ERA in 49 games, earning him a spot on the Phillies’ radar for a major league call-up.
Hoby Milner Career
Early Career (2012-2016)
Milner’s early professional career was defined by steady development within the Philadelphia Phillies organization. After being drafted in the seventh round of the 2012 MLB draft, he quickly established himself as a reliable arm in the minor leagues. His progression from Low-A Williamsport to Triple-A Lehigh Valley showcased his ability to adapt and improve at each level. During the 2015 season, his transition to a sidearm delivery marked a turning point, allowing him to generate a different angle and movement profile that proved effective against both left-handed and right-handed hitters.
In December 2016, Milner was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the Rule 5 draft, but he was returned to the Phillies in March 2017. His strong minor league performance, including a 2.49 ERA in 49 games in 2016, positioned him as a prospect on the verge of a major league opportunity. The Phillies’ investment in his development paid off when he received his first call-up to the majors in mid-2017.
Philadelphia Phillies Breakthrough (2017-2018)
Hoby Milner made his Major League Baseball debut on June 24, 2017, pitching one inning and allowing one run against the Arizona Diamondbacks. His initial appearances were promising, as he recorded a stellar 2.01 ERA across 37 games, demonstrating poise and effectiveness out of the bullpen. This strong start cemented his presence in the Phillies’ relief corps and gave the organization confidence in his long-term role.
The 2018 season, however, proved more challenging. Milner struggled to a 7.71 ERA in 10 games before being designated for assignment on July 8. On July 14, 2018, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays for cash considerations, marking the end of his initial stint with the Phillies and the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
Tampa Bay Rays (2018-2019)
Milner joined the Tampa Bay Rays midway through the 2018 season, where he pitched to a 6.75 ERA in four games before being designated for assignment on November 20. He opened the 2019 season with the Durham Bulls, the Rays’ Triple-A affiliate, working to regain his form. On August 20, 2019, the Rays selected his contract, and he made his season debut that same day, pitching two innings and allowing one run while striking out one batter. Despite the brief return to the majors, Milner was optioned back to Triple-A Durham the following day to make room on the roster. On October 31, 2019, he was outrighted off the 40-man roster and elected free agency.
Los Angeles Angels (2020)
On December 9, 2019, Milner signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Angels that included an invitation to spring training. His tenure with the Angels began under unusual circumstances, as his first pitch as an Angel allowed a walkoff grand slam to Matt Olson of the Oakland Athletics on Opening Day 2020. Over the course of the shortened 2020 season, Milner recorded an 8.10 ERA in 19 games. On December 2, 2020, he was nontendered by the Angels, making him a free agent once again.
Milwaukee Brewers Era (2021-2024)
Milner found stability and success with the Milwaukee Brewers, signing a minor league contract on December 17, 2020. He was selected to the active roster on May 15, 2021, and made 19 total appearances that season, logging a 5.40 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 21.2 innings pitched. The 2022 season marked a breakthrough, as he collected his first career win on April 13 against the Baltimore Orioles. He pitched in a career-high 67 contests for the Brewers, posting a 3-3 record and a 3.76 ERA with 64 strikeouts in 64.2 innings.
On January 12, 2023, Milner agreed to a one-year, $1.025 million contract with the Brewers, avoiding salary arbitration. He responded with one of his strongest seasons, making 73 appearances out of the bullpen and recording a 1.82 ERA with 59 strikeouts over 64.1 innings. In 2024, he made 61 appearances, compiling a 5-1 record and a 4.73 ERA with 64 strikeouts across 64.2 innings, solidifying his reputation as a reliable left-handed reliever.
Texas Rangers Era (2025)
On December 19, 2024, Milner signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Texas Rangers, bringing his veteran presence to the team’s bullpen. His time with the Rangers was brief, as he moved on to a new opportunity later in the year.
Chicago Cubs Era (2025-Present)
On December 11, 2025, Milner signed a one-year, $3.75 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, marking the latest chapter in his extensive MLB career. The move to Chicago represented both a fresh start and a continued opportunity to contribute as an experienced left-handed reliever.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Milner’s most notable career moments was his MLB debut with the Philadelphia Phillies on June 24, 2017, and his first career win, which came on April 13, 2022, against the Baltimore Orioles while pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers. His career-high 73 appearances in 2023 and a standout 1.82 ERA that same season underscored his durability and effectiveness as a reliever.
Hoby Milner Career Wins
Hoby Milner’s career wins have been accumulated primarily through his tenure with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he established himself as a dependable bullpen arm. His first career victory came in 2022, and he continued to add to his total through consistent appearances out of the bullpen.
Milwaukee Brewers Highlights
During his time with the Brewers from 2021 to 2024, Milner became a fixture in the bullpen. His 2024 season was particularly notable, as he compiled a 5-1 record across 61 appearances. In 2022, he recorded his first career win and went on to pitch in a career-high 67 contests, demonstrating his reliability and longevity as a reliever.
Hoby Milner Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Hoby Milner comes from a family with strong ties to professional baseball. His father, Brian Milner, is a former catcher who played for the Toronto Blue Jays, providing Hoby with early exposure to the sport at the highest levels. His mother, Yvonne Milner, raised the family in Fort Worth, Texas, where Hoby grew up and developed his athletic abilities.
Personal Life
Hoby Milner married Kathryn Milner in 2018. The couple has two sons, Leighton and Augustus. His unique first name was inspired by a character from the television series Baywatch, a detail that reflects his family’s connection to popular culture alongside their deep baseball roots.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season saw Hoby Milner begin the year with the Texas Rangers after signing a one-year contract in December 2024. His time with the Rangers was short-lived, as the organization chose to move in a different direction, making him a free agent once again. Despite the brief stint, Milner’s veteran experience remained attractive to teams in need of bullpen depth.
On December 11, 2025, Milner signed a one-year, $3.75 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, positioning him to contribute to a new organization as he entered the later stages of his career. The deal reflected his continued value as a left-handed reliever capable of handling high-leverage situations.
As Milner transitions to the Cubs, his extensive postseason experience and familiarity with the National League Central division make him a valuable addition to the bullpen. His ability to adapt to different teams and roles throughout his career suggests that he will remain a reliable presence in Chicago’s relief corps.