Cubs MLB Roster

Cubs Organizational Depth Chart
40-Man Roster Info

40 players are on the MLB RESERVE LIST (roster is full) 

28 players on MLB RESERVE LIST are ACTIVE, and twelve players are on OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT to minors. 

Last updated 3-26-2024
 
* bats or throws left
# bats both

PITCHERS: 15
Yency Almonte
Adbert Alzolay 
Javier Assad
Jose Cuas
Kyle Hendricks
* Shota Imanaga
Caleb Kilian
Mark Leiter Jr
* Luke Little
Julian Merryweather
Hector Neris 
* Drew Smyly
* Justin Steele
Jameson Taillon
* Jordan Wicks

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

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

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

OPTIONED: 12 
Kevin Alcantara, OF 
Michael Arias, P 
Ben Brown, P 
Alexander Canario, OF 
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF 
Brennen Davis, OF 
Porter Hodge, P 
* Matt Mervis, 1B 
Daniel Palencia, P 
Keegan Thompson, P 
Luis Vazquez, INF 
Hayden Wesneski, P 

 



 

Minor League Rosters
Rule 5 Draft 
Minor League Free-Agents

A's Not Laughing at Ha Trifecta

CF Jae-Hoon Ha had three hits, scored three runs, and made three circus catches in the outfield, leading the EXST Cubs to a 13-5 drubbing of the EXST A's at the Oakland A's Minor League Complex at Papago Park in Phoenix this morning.  

The 18-year old Ha singled and scored in the 1st, 5th, and 7th, and made a sliding catch in left-center in the 3rd, a dip-glove knee-high running catch in right-center in the 5th, and a leaping over-the-shoulder catch at the centerfield fence that took away a two-run home run in the bottom of the 6th. (On the latter play, Ha received a 9.9 from all the judges except the one from North Korea, who inexplicably gave him a 2.5).

The top five hitters in the Cubs lineup reached base an amazing 18 times (combined) today, scoring 11 of the Cubs 13 runs. Besides Ha's offensive contributions, lead-off hitter Logan Watkins reached base four times on a HBP, two walks, and a single, and scored three runs, DH Matt Cerda reached base four times on a double, a single, and two walks, scored three runs, and knocked in three more, clean-up hitter John Contreras had three hits, drove in three, and scored a run, and Sean Hoorelbeke reached base all four times he batted on a walk, two singles, and a double, and he also scored a run.

23-year old Dominican RHP Andres Quezada (converted from outfielder to pitcher a year ago) got the start for the Cubs and worked three solid innings, allowing just one run on three hits, while striking out two. I suspect Quezada could get a promotion to Peoria at any time.

And 20-year old Venezuelan RHP Robert Hernandez (at EXST rehabbing from a sprained ankle suffered the last week of Minor League Camp) worked two innings, but pitched a lot better than his line might otherwise indicate. Hernandez--pitching in front of friends and family from Venezuela--was the victim of shoddy Cubs defense in the bottom of the 5th, including two high pop ups that fell in the "Bermuda Triangle" between SS-LF-3B that SS George Matheus decided he just HAD to try to catch (even though an outfielder probably would have had an easier play) before losing both in the sun,,and a fielding miscue at 3B by the usually sure-handed Jose Made. (Made had an especially poor game, making two errors at 3B, and going 0-4 at the plate, including a strikeout and a GIDP).

Although he allowed two easy pop ups to fall for hits, Matheus did make one outstanding defensive play earlier in the game, ending the bottom of the 1st inning with a spectacular diving catch of a line drive headed toward CF, and then turning it into a 6-3 DP, saving Quezada a run.  

18-year old RHP Adam Spencer (one of three teenaged Australian recruits at Cubs EXST) had a roller-coaster ride in the bottom of the 6th, allowing one run on a double and an RBI single, but (as Jack Brickhouse used to say) "It sure could have been worse!" Spencer was the beneficiary of the Ha HR take-away catch, plus another fine play, this one a running over-the-shoulder catch in right-field foul territory by the sometimes defensively-challenged 1B Sean Hoorelbeke.

RHPs Carlos Rojas and Manolin DeLeon each threw one inning, and while Rojas struggled to get through the 8th and allowed two runs (a walk, then a triple, and then an F-8 sac fly), EXST Cubs closer DeLeon had an easy 1-2-3 bottom of the 9th. Like Quezada, DeLeon could be the next pitcher to leave Fitch Park for Peoria (or Daytona).

Here is today's abridged box score (Cubs players only). Note that Jose Guevara was assigned as the bullpen catcher, but he did get an AB in the top of the 8th as DH #3 (and lined a single to left).: 

LINEUP  
1. Logan Watkins, 2B: 1-2 (HBP, BB, BB, 1B, P-6 - 3 R, 1 PO)
2. Jae-Hoon Ha, CF: 3-5 (1B, F-7, 1B, 1B, 6-3 - 3 R)
3. Matt Cerda, DH #1: 2-3 (1B, BB, BB, 2B, K - 3 R, 3 RBI)
4. John Contreras, DH #2 - C: 3-5 (6-3, 1B, 1B, 1B, L-8 - 1 R, 3 RBI)
5. Sean Hoorelbeke, 1B: 3-3 (BB, 1B, 1B, 2B - 1 R)
6. Jesus Morelli, RF: 1-4 (1-U, K, 5-3, 1B - 1 R, 2 RBI)
7. Alvaro Sosa, C - DH #2: 1-3 (BB, 4-3, K, 3B - 1 R, 1 RBI)
8. George Matheus, SS: 1-4 (FC, 1B, 3-U, E-5 - 1 CS)
9. Sean Williams, LF: 1-4 (5-3, 1-3, 1B, K)
10. Jose Made, 3B: 0-4 (K, 6-3, 6-4-3 GIDP, F-9)
11. Jose Guevara, DH #3: 1-1 (1B + E-7)

PITCHERS:
1. Andres Quezada - 3.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 2 K, 3/4 GO/FO
2. Robert Hernandez - 2.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R (0 ER), 0 BB, 2 K, 2/2 GO/FO
3. Adam Spencer - 2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 1 K, 2/3 GO/FO
4. Carlos Rojas - 1.0 IP, 1 H, 2 R (2 ER), 1 BB, 0 K 1/2 GO/FO
5. Manolin DeLeon - 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 0/2 GO/FO

ERRORS (2):
Two errors by 3B Jose Made, both while attempting to field grounders, and one of the errors resulted in an unearned run scoring.  

ATTENDANCE: 10 (mostly The Robert Hernandez Fan Club)

Comments

0 for 3 with 2 BB's including an IBB in the 7th w/ runners on 2nd/3rd and the score 2-0 in favor of the Nats at the time.

Submitted by Hagsag on Wed, 05/13/2009 - 4:16pm.
Phil, is Ha doing any catching these days

===================================

HAGSAG: Jae-Hoon Ha is playing only outfield at EXST (and he has played all three OF positions). I believe his catching days are very likely over.

BTW, he does have a bit of problem with his throwing mechanics. While he has a strong-enough arm, sometimes he double-clutches (mostly when playing CF) because he can't seem to find the cut-off man, and other times he gets excited and hurries too much and throws the ball almost right into the ground (a la Jacque Jones).

Of course, outfield is a new thing for Ha. Couple that with the culture shock of being only 18 and playing baseball in a country where he doesn't know the language very well, and it's not hard to understand how he might have some difficulties. But it's good that he has fellow Koreans Dae-Eun Rhee, Hak-Ju Lee, and Su-Min Jung, plus coach Min Kyu Sung (who played college ball in the U. S.) in camp with him.

Freel in line up tonight. Lou said nothing wrong with Soto, even though bottom hand flying off bat during hitting. Lou said "his hand pronates with swing." Lou must have word of the day calander. Cubs were 18-14 at this point last year.

How does Hak-Ju Lee look, AZ? He had an injury I think. Is he recovered? I've read various reports he's supposed to be special but I can't really attribute those.

Submitted by Old and Blue on Wed, 05/13/2009 - 6:46pm.
How does Hak-Ju Lee look, AZ? He had an injury I think. Is he recovered? I've read various reports he's supposed to be special but I can't really attribute those.

=================================

OLD & BLUE: 18-year old Korean bonus baby SS Hak-Ju Lee had Tommy John surgery last year and has been limited to DH duties at EXST (so far).

He put on some muscle during the off-season (he used to be kind of a scrawny slap hitter, but now he's driving the ball) and it looks like he may have grown an inch or two as well. and since this all happened when he was only 18, I speculated here at TCR a few weeks ago that he may eventually outgrow SS and could possibly end up in CF.

Anyone else see the Blackhawks player in the stands before the game (I forget his name). He was with one of the most drop-dead gorgeous girls I've ever seen. Someone needs to do some investigating into this matter.

MANNY: You are freaking out too early, man! You have done similar freaks the entire season, as if you are awaiting for the "L" the moment anything goes bad. The team has more talent than you are giving it - even with the injuries. Remember: its 9 innings. Yesterday they were behind with Harden 2-0, and they came back - Harden recovered...Marshall gets behind early EVERY game...but settles down soon!

[ ]

In reply to by The E-Man

E-Man: "you are awaiting for the "L" the moment anything goes bad." This is the Cubs we are talking about, right? :) I just hate falling behind early and it seems to me they have been doing that a lot lately. This is a huge stretch in my mind as if they can handle things with Z and ARam out, that could very well propel them to the top of the division. Theriot with 5 HR's? Man, whatever he is doing (PED's, wheaties, getting it on with Fontenot, etc.) I hope he keeps doing it.

So I am wondering about the following players specifically: Larry Suarez, Cedric Redmond, Francisco Acosta, Gian Guzman (as a pitcher), Angel Castro, Diego Encarnacion, Miguel Sierra, Carlos Morales, Carlos Henry, Joel Altagracia, Joseph Colon, Ryan Sontag and to a lesser degree Julio Pena, Oswaldo Martinez (rehabbing), Jeff Antigua, Rogelino Carmona, Marco Carrillo (rehabbing), Dionis Nunez, Jose Tineo, Angel Castro (released?), Ricardo Parra, Clark Hardman (retired?). Any ideas Phil? Thanks.

would Lou EVER consider platooning Lee and Hoff? Lee is below .200. it is middle-may, and he has a bulging disc. Also, don't think this is 3/44, Jayson Werth Stole for the Cycle yesterday! His theft of home was insane! Russel Martin was throwing the ball back to the pitcher! Werth is almost as good as Theriot!

Sweep Tomorrow vs Chad "Dumpster" Gaudin! AND yes the team is better with Hoffpauir right now, but its probably going to be a long way down the road for Lee not to play everyday.

Lou in post-game: "we're gonna rest some people tomorrow..." How 'bout some lineup guesses, boys? here's mine: freel theriot bradley HOFF johnson scales hill fonty demp

Why are we resting people? --- Top 10 reasons: Because DLee neck makes it hard to use the rear view mirror (Hoffpauir seems to be in the mirror) Because Soto pronates Because Bradley's having anxiety attacks waiting for the commish to reply Because Theriot still waiting on the steroid results from analyzing his pee Because Freel is still hamstrung Because Marmol refuses to use Chad Fox's stash of duct tape (but probably needs to start using it) Because they are waiting on Heilman's DEPENDS shipment Because Soriano's white hot and it's setting off fires in the locker room Because Reed Johnson needs more at bats to remain scrappy Because Angel Guzman is injury prone and Lou wants to get him more work so he can get hurt

Recent comments

  • crunch (view)

    in other news, it took 3 PA before a.rizzo got his 1st HBP of the season.

  • Eric S (view)

    With two home runs (so far) and 5 rbi today … clearly Nick Martini is the straw that stirs the Reds drink 😳

  • crunch (view)

    madrigal at 3rd...morel at DH.

    making room for madrigal or/and masterboney to get a significant amount of ABs is a misuse of the roster.  if it needed to get taken care of this offseason, they had tons of time to figure that out.

    morel played almost exclusively at 3rd in winter ball and they had him almost exclusively there all spring when he wasn't DH'ing.

    madrigal doing a good job with the glove for a bit over 2 chances per game...is that worth more than what he brings with the bat 4-5 PA a game?  it's 2024 and we got glenn beckert 2.0 manning 3rd base.

    this is a tauchman or cooper DH situation based on bat, alone.  cooper is 3/7 with a double off eovaldi if you want to play the most successful matchup.

    anyway, i hope this is a temporary thing, not business as usual for the rest of the season.  it will be telling if morel is not used at 3rd when an extreme fly ball pitcher like imanaga is on the mound.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    There are two clear "logjams" in the Cubs minor league pipeline at the present time, namely AA outfielders (K. Alcantara, C. Franklin, Roederer, Pagan, Pinango, Beesley, and Nwogu) and Hi-A infielders (J. Rojas, P. Ramirez, Howard, R. Morel, Pertuz, R. Garcia, and Spence, although Morel has been getting a lot of reps in the outfield in addition to infield). So it is possible that you might see a trade involving one of the extra outfielders at AA and/or one of the extra infielders at Hi-A in the next few days. 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    18-year old SS Jefferson Rojas almost made the AA Tennessee Opening Day roster, and he is a legit shortstop, so I would expect him to be an MLB Top 100 prospect by mid-season. 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Among the relievers in the system, I expect RHRP Hunter Bigge at AAA Iowa and RHRP Ty Johnson at South Bend to have breakout seasons on 2024, and among the starters I see LHP Drew Gray and RHP Will Sanders at South Bend and RHP Naz Mule at ACL Cubs as the guys who will make the biggest splash. Also, Jaxon Wiggins is throwing bullpen sides, so once he is ready for game action he could be making an impact at Myrtle Beach by June.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    I expect OF Christian Franklin to have a breakout season at AA Tennessee in 2024. In another organization that doesn't have PCA, Caissie, K. Alcantara, and Canario in their system, C. Franklin would be a Top 10 prospect. 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    The Reds trading Joe Boyle for Sam Moll at last year's MLB Trade Deadline was like the Phillies trading Ben Brown to the Cubs for David Robertson at the MLB TD in 2022. 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Javier Assad started the Lo-A game (Myrtle Beach versus Stockton) on the Cubs backfields on Wednesday as his final Spring Training tune-up. He was supposed to throw five innings / 75 pitches. However, I was at the minor league road games at Fitch so I didn't see Assad pitch. 

  • crunch (view)

    cards put j.young on waivers.

    they really tried to make it happen this spring, but he put up a crazy bad slash of .081/.244/.108 in 45PA.