Cubs MLB Roster

Cubs Organizational Depth Chart
40-Man Roster Info

40 players are on the MLB RESERVE LIST (roster is full), plus two players are on the 60-DAY IL 

26 players on MLB RESERVE LIST are ACTIVE, twelve players are on OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT to minors, one player is on the 15-DAY IL, and one player is on the 10-DAY IL

Last updated 4-18-2024
 
* bats or throws left
# bats both

PITCHERS: 13
Yency Almonte
Adbert Alzolay 
Javier Assad
Colten Brewer
Ben Brown
Kyle Hendricks
* Shota Imanaga
Mark Leiter Jr
Hector Neris 
* Drew Smyly
Jameson Taillon 
Keegan Thompson
* Jordan Wicks

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

INFIELDERS: 7
* Michael Busch 
Garrett Cooper
Nico Hoerner
Nick Madrigal
Christopher Morel
Dansby Swanson
Patrick Wisdom

OUTFIELDERS: 4
* Cody Bellinger 
# Ian Happ
Seiya Suzuki
* Mike Tauchman 

OPTIONED: 12 
Kevin Alcantara, OF 
Michael Arias, P 
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF 
Jose Cuas, P 
Brennen Davis, OF 
Porter Hodge, P 
* Luke Little, P 
* Miles Mastrobuoni, INF
* Matt Mervis, 1B 
Daniel Palencia, P 
Luis Vazquez, INF 
Hayden Wesneski, P 

10-DAY IL: 1 
Seiya Suzuki, OF

15-DAY IL: 
* Justin Steele, P   

60-DAY IL: 2 
Caleb Kilian, P 
Julian Merryweather, P
 




Minor League Rosters
Rule 5 Draft 
Minor League Free-Agents

Coco Crisp Soon To Be a Cub?

Submitted by Rob G. on

One of our readers, chifan, says he heard on the radio that the Cubs and Red Sox are close to a deal that would send Sam Fuld and Jason Marquis to the Red Sox for Coco Crisp. I've also seen the same radio rumor mentioned on a few other message boards as well, so keep your eyes and ears open.

Crisp is signed through 2009 with a 2010 team option that, if bought out, would mean he's owed $11 MM over that time. Marquis is owed $16.25 MM through 2009, so the money is probably close enough for two of the leagues richest teams.It would be a shame to lose Fuld, but it seemed like he was losing out to Felix Pie for the center field job.

Crisp stopped hitting the second he put on a Red Sox uniform, but can "go get 'em" in the outfield, turning in a particularly masterful season last year with the glove, even if the arm is sub-par. He has expressed his desire to start (as most ballplayers do), so if this deal goes through, we'll see how Lou manages his playing time versus the youngster Pie.

 

Tags
Jason Marquis
Cubs Trade Rumors
Sam Fuld
Coco Crisp

Comments

Submitted by Tony S. on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 03:58 am

I haven't followed real close, but weren't there some clubhouse-type concerns about Crisp? That said, he's a heckuva vet to fill that 4th OF slot. Naysayers will say we've already got a younger, cheaper defensive stud in CF who can't hit.....

Submitted by 10man on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 03:42 am

Both Crisp and Marquis have told their ballclubs that if they won't be starters then they would rather be sent somewhere else that they can start. If this trade is real, then Marquis would probably have a better chance of doing so than Crisp. That is unless Pie totally falters in CF...

Submitted by Cubster on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 03:17 am

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/833297,CST-SPT-cubnt09.art… After getting two hits in his first game back from the cracked bone in his right middle finger, Soriano declared the finger ''perfect'' but said he still has a mental block over pushing his legs at top force seven months after tearing his quadriceps while running the bases in a game against the Mets. ...''I'm still a little scared because today's only my second game,'' said Soriano, who estimated he ran at only 85 percent effort Saturday, even on what looked like a hard sprint on an infield single in the fourth. ''I think after I start playing every day, I'll feel more comfortable and can run 100 percent.'' ...And although he has done enough rehab work and therapy since then to be cleared for full torque, he said, ''I have it in my head like I did last year. It's because of my mind, not my leg.''

Submitted by Hobart Mike on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 03:26 am

I don't know. I'm not coo-coo for coco puffs either. The Cubs bolstered with Kosuke. I'd like to see Lou stick with Pie in center. I think there are enough bats in the lineup to let Pie establish himself as an offensive tool. His defense and speed can contribute immediately. I know there are still Korey-memory shivers out there. I do feel that the lead-off spot is still a mystery if Soriano is to be moved out of that. I like that we have problems figuring out what our starting 5 will be. Remember two years ago what a mess that rotation was? I like what's shaping up. I am a bit concerned now that we would lose more in talent than we would gain in trades now. Think about how strong our position will be in July for trades to tweak things for a stretch run. Yes, we should contend in our division. We would have to fall flatter than last season's start to fall out of the division race this year. OK I'll stop with my blah blah blah. I'm getting excited for the start of the season:)

Submitted by Cubster on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 03:27 am

I realize the Reds would be unlikely to trade within the division but apparently Ryan Freel is available. http://www.journal-news.com/s/content/oh/story/sports/pro/reds/2008/03/… Marquis for Freel seems to be a match based on both clubs needs...just got to deal with the salary issues. Of course Chone Figgins (switch hitter plays everywhere DeRosa plays plus CF) would be an even better alternative, even over Roberts who IMHO is way too expensive from what is being asked (at least per the Baltimore Sun reports) If they do go for Crisp, it doesn't help the lack of lefty's in the lineup...it's only to help the lefty-righty platoon in CF and of course Crisp isn't going to be happy with a platoon.

[ ]

Submitted by garsky on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 03:39 am

If Figgins could play a decent SS I'd be making a full-court press on this guy. Much as I like Theriot, that's our biggest weak spot (by far). Unfortunately, Chone's only played 27 games there in his career, and all of 2 in 2007. Anybody see him play there?

Submitted by Ryno on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 03:38 am

Did anyone catch Lou's comments during the in-game interview on TV? It sounded like he's leaning Wood to close games out. Coco Crisp would be solid. He'd immediately become our best option in CF.

Submitted by Dusty Baylor on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 03:00 am

Wait.....we don't think that Pie could hit .268/.330/.382? For a much lower salary? Wow....I mean, I'd like him as the 4th OF...but blocking Pie with that? When in the bloody blue hell does the kid get a chance to get 450-600 AB's, and play CF for a full season?

[ ]

Submitted by Ryno on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 03:39 am

He's only 23, his best years are AT LEAST 3-4 years down the road, IMO. You can't really compare numbers to a legit big leaguer like Crisp. Maybe I'd feel different if Pie had a good swing, but it's attrocious. It is a big sweeping golf-style swing. That's where he gets his power, but also why he gets tripped up on big-league sliders. I really think he should trade that power for a shorter, compact swing and use his speed. If he stays in shape the power will come eventually.

[ ]

Submitted by garsky on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 03:43 am

Much as I hate to be agreeing with Dusty: amen, brother. Tho when I first heard this rumor I immediately figured it was mainly about getting rid of Marquis, but couldn't we pick up something we actually NEED? Having a veteran 4th OF is always a good thing, but not when he's agitating for a starting role. Go get Rajai Davis and Figgins.

[ ]

Submitted by CincyKid on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 03:06 pm

i agree with Dusty here. I think Pie can be a Curtis Granderson type player if we'd give him a whole season to get comfortable and just play without the pressure of a "Just in case" lurking over his shoulder or a platoon job. He's crushed in the Minors. Let him play. Coco is no upgrade over Pie in CF. Plus, Pie is 23 compared to Crisp at 29. Most players reach their peak or at least establishment by 27. Crisp is past that and the Red Sox realize it, Pie is ahead of schedule if you ask me despite the pressure we've put on him. We may have well signed a guy like Shannon Stewart if we want a guy like Crisp. Granted i'd love to see Marquis outta here, but not at the cost of blocking Pie.

Submitted by pd on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 03:39 am

He'd be a good 4th outfielder, and a ph option when he doesn't play. I can't stand Marquis, and would be very happy to see him gone. Fuld? like his scrappiness, but he will never amount to much of a major leaguer, so I am for the deal, providing he is a BENCH option. Pie has nothing left to prove in AAA, and has to be given 500+ AB's to develop in the show.

Submitted by Rob G. on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 03:12 pm

I would think Crisp would be a 4th OF type, getting most of his starts versus lefties or a spot start here or there to spell the corners. But if he gets hot and Pie doesn't, well yeah, you know what happens.

Submitted by The E-Man on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 03:06 pm

I believe I've read here that Coco Puff's numbers against LH pitchng are significantly better than Pie's. There is the pitching depth now to make the team better by adding Crisp. We will all be bitching about Jason Marquis in a couple of months, imo.

Submitted by The Joe on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 03:22 pm

Hells yeah, I'd take Coco Pebbles for Marquis and Fuld: A) Fuld doesn't start over Pie, this is good. I'd much rather the competition be Pie and Coco than Pie and Fuld. B)There's a bit of upside to Coco if he can regain his ability to hit - change of scenery and all that. C)If he doesn't start, he's one hell of a 4th OF'er. Especially considering the likelihood of an injury somewhere out there. It is the Cubs. D) Marquis' absence means a spot for Marshall who I'd much prefer. E) Fuld's 'value' is probably as high as it every will be in his entire life. Trade him for the 4th OF'er they've been looking for and lose Marquis' ass in the process. Good for me.

Submitted by The Joe on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 03:36 pm

Sean Marshall and his wife were selected as one of Arizona's finest couples (by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation). Also of note is the lovely couple, Dave Dodge and Patrick Greenwood. Must be old, but I thought it was neat, or funny, or something. http://www.cffaz.com/couples.html

Submitted by Brian on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 03:53 pm

The more I think about it, the more I think this is a great trade for the Cubs. We lose Jason Marquis. Ok he wasn't the worst pitcher in the world (as some people seem to think), but he's inconsistent and he's certainly not a whole lot better than Dempster or Lieber. He's not gonna be in the bullpen and he certainly isn't going back to the minors, so he really has no place on the team and his loss isn't a big loss to the team. If anything, it's a gain because we get rid of his huge salary. Then there's Sam Fuld. I like Sam and I think he's worked really hard to be a solid minor leaguer, but let's be honest, that's all he's gonna be. He's fast, he's a good defender, but his bat's not good enough. There's no question he's behind Pie on the depth chart, so his loss isn't a big deal either. I agree with Joe, his value now is the highest it will ever be, so trade him now. And we get Coco Crisp. I'm not saying this kid's great, but besides having a sweet name, he does have spectacular defense and could hit near the top of the order. True, he didn't hit that well last year. But he did hit very well in 04/05 and if there's any chance of him returning to that form, it's completely worth it to get him. Even if he doesn't return to form, he's still a great defender and an okay hitter (which is, by the way, exactly what we're looking for out of Pie). Getting Crisp would also make give Pie a much better person to compete with in center field, probably motivating him to get even better. I see Marquis and Fuld as no real losses to the team and Crisp as a gain (even if a small one) at the position that might be our weakest. So I think it's a great deal for the Cubs. Also, let's trade Gallagher, Cedeno, Veal and Ceda (yes, Ceda I think it's worth it) for Roberts (needed to get a Roberts reference in on this thread) this is an NL champion lineup: 2B Roberts RF Fukudome 1B Lee 3B Ramirez LF Soriano C Soto CF Crisp SS Theriot P Zambrano

Submitted by crunch on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 03:31 pm

it makes no sense for the cubs to aquire crisp given the problem crisp is complaining about wouldnt be filled by coming to the cubs...unless the cubs wanna flip pie for roberts later...which would make less sense unless the club has 15+m of payroll laying around to devote to the series of trades.

Submitted by mjkillshot on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 03:54 pm

I don't think Fuld is involved in any current trade; he's playing LF for the Cubs. Not sure they would risk an injury if a trade was near or done?

Submitted by mjmiller73 on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 03:40 pm

I agree with you, crunch. Crisp wouldn't be happier being the #4 OF for the Cubs than he is in that role for Boston.

Submitted by CPH2133 on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 03:08 pm

Is Fuld a Freel-esque player? Scrappy, makes the most of his talent but not a whole lot there? Not real familiar with him as a player.

Recent comments

  • crunch (view)

    happ, right hamstring tightness, day-to-day (hopefully 0 days).

    he will be reevaluated tomorrow.

  • Childersb3 (view)

    I guess I'm not looking for that type of AB 

    Just a difference of opinion

  • TarzanJoeWallis (view)

    I don’t see Tauchman as a weak link in any position. He simply adds his value in a different way.

    I don’t know that we gain much by putting him in the outfield - Happ, Bellinger and Suzuki and Tauchman all field their positions well. If you’re looking for Taucnman’s kind of AB in a particular game I don’t see why it can’t come from DH.

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Tauchman gets a pinch hit RBI single with a liner to RF. This is his spot. He's a solid 4th OF. But he isn't a DH. 

    He takes pitches. Useful. I still believe in having good hitters.

    You don't want your DH to be your weak link (other than your C maybe)

  • crunch (view)

    bit of a hot take here, but i'm gonna say it.

    the 2024 marlins don't seem to be good at doing baseballs.

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    Phil, will the call up for a double header restart that 15 days on assignment for a pitcher? Like will wesneski’s 15 days start yesterday, or if he’s the 27th man, will that mean 15 days from tomorrow?

    I hope that makes sense. It sounds clearer in my head.

  • Charlie (view)

    Tauchman obviously brings value to the roster as a 4th outfielder who can and should play frequently. Him appearing frequently at DH indicated that the team lacks a valuable DH. 

  • TarzanJoeWallis (view)

    Totally onboard with your thoughts concerning today’s lineup. Not sure about your take on Tauchman though.

    The guy typically doesn’t pound the ball out out of the park, and his BA is quite unimpressive. But he brings something unique to the table that the undisciplined batters of the past didn’t. He always provides a quality at bat and he makes the opposing pitcher work because he has a great eye for the zone and protects the plate with two strikes exceptionally well. In addition to making him a base runner more often than it seems through his walks, that kind of at bat wears a pitcher down both mentally and physically so that the other guys who may hit the ball harder are more apt to take advantage of subsequent mistakes and do their damage.

    I can’t remember a time when the Cubs valued this kind of contribution but this year they have a couple of guys doing it, with Happ being the other. It doesn’t make for gaudy stats but it definitely contributes to winning ball games. I do believe that’s why Tauchman has garnered so much playing time.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Miles Mastrobuoni cannot be recalled until he has spent at least ten days on optional assignment, unless he is recalled to replace a position player who is placed on an MLB inactive list (IL, Paternity, Bereavement / Family Medical). 

     

    And for a pitcher it's 15 days on optional assignment before he can be recalled, unless he is replacing a pitcher who is placed on an MLB inactive list (IL, Paternity, or Bereavement / Family Medical). 

     

    And a pitcher (or a position player, but almost always it's a pitcher) can be recalled as the 27th man for a doubleheader regardless of how many days he has been on optional assignment, but then he must be sent back down again the next day. 

     

    That's why the Cubs had to wait as long as they did to send Jose Cuas down and recall Keegan Thompson. Thompson needed to spend the first 15 days of the MLB regular season on optional assignment before he could be recalled (and he spent EXACTLY the first 15 days of the MLB regular season on optional assignment before he was recalled). 

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    Indeed they do TJW!

    For the record I’m not in favor of solely building a team through paying big to free agents. But I’m also of the mind that when you develop really good players, get them signed to extensions that buy out a couple years of free agency, including with team options. And supplement the home grown players with free agent splashes or using excess prospects to trade for stars under team control for a few years. Sort of what Atlanta does, basically. Everyone talks about the dodgers but I feel that Atlanta is the peak organization at the current moment.

    That said, the constant roster churn is very Rays- ish. What they do is incredible, but it’s extremely hard to do which is why they’re the only ones frequently successful that employ that strategy. I definitely do not want to see a large market team like ours follow that model closely. But I don’t think free agent frenzies is always the answer. It’s really only the Dodgers that play in that realm. I could see an argument for the Mets too. The Yankees don’t really operate like that anymore since the elder Steinbrenner passed. Though I would say the reigning champions built a good deal of that team through free agent spending.

Click HERE for the last 50 comments