Cubs MLB Roster

Cubs Organizational Depth Chart
40-Man Roster Info

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

42 players are at MLB Spring Training 

31 players on MLB RESERVE LIST are ACTIVE at MLB Spring Training, and nine players are on OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT to minors. 
11 players are MLB Spring Training NON-ROSTER INVITEES (NRI) 

Last updated 3-17-2024
 
* bats or throws left
# bats both

PITCHERS: 17
Yency Almonte
Adbert Alzolay 
Javier Assad
Jose Cuas
Kyle Hendricks
* Shota Imanaga
Caleb Kilian
Mark Leiter Jr
* Luke Little
Julian Merryweather
Hector Neris 
Daniel Palencia
* Drew Smyly
* Justin Steele
Jameson Taillon
Hayden Wesneski 
* Jordan Wicks

NRI PITCHERS: 5 
Colten Brewer 
Carl Edwards Jr 
* Edwin Escobar 
* Richard Lovelady 
* Thomas Pannone 

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

NRI CATCHERS: 2  
Jorge Alfaro 
Joe Hudson 

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

NRI INFIELDERS: 3 
David Bote 
Garrett Cooper
* Dominic Smith

OUTFIELDERS: 5
* Cody Bellinger 
Alexander Canario
# Ian Happ
Seiya Suzuki
* Mike Tauchman 

NRI OUTFIELDERS: 1 
* David Peralta

OPTIONED:
Kevin Alcantara, OF 
Michael Arias, P 
Ben Brown, RHP 
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF 
Brennen Davis, OF 
Porter Hodge, RHP 
* Matt Mervis, 1B 
Keegan Thompson, P 
Luis Vazquez, INF 

 



Minor League Rosters
Rule 5 Draft 
Minor League Free-Agents

Someone Left the Cash Out in the Rain

Carlos Pena crushed a three-run HR, Starlin Castro tripled, singled, scored a run, and knocked-in another, and Geovany Soto drove-in two runs with a wind-blown double, as the Cubs took a 7-4 lead after the top of the 4th inning in Cactus League action at damp and windy Tempe Diablo Stadium, in a game that was called due to rain after 3-1/2 innings before it was an official game.  

Hoping to nail-down the 5th starter's job, Andrew Cashner got the start for the Cubs and pitched all three innings prior to the game being called. He allowed four runs (earned) on seven hits and two walks, with two strikeouts and a GIDP. He threw 67 pitches (only 38 strikes). needing 22 pitches to get through the 1st inning when the Angels scored twice, 20 pitches in a scoreless 2nd inning, and 25 pitches in another two-run Angel uprising in the 3rd. The damage could have been even worse (and the pitch count even higher), but the Angels ran themselves out of both the 1st and 2nd innings (runner thrown out trying to advance from 1st to 3rd on a two-out single in the 1st, and a strike-out & CS DP to end the 2nd).The Angels original lineup featured most of their starters (Aybar, Kendrick, Hunter, Wells, et al), but most of them left after only one AB, so Cashner actually struggled in the 2nd and 3rd innings against a minor leaguer lineup. 

Cashner had all kinds of problems throwing strikes today, and while the gusty winds and light drizzle that fell for much of the game was probably a contributing factor, it really is not all that unusual for Cash to throw a high number of pitches-per-inning. The thing about Cashner is that he throws harder when he knows he is going to pitch just one inning, and can rely more on his high-velocity four-seamer to rack up strikeouts instead of throwing a two-seamer/slider/change-up combo that might or might not result in him throwing fewer pitches, but certainly will make him more hittable. Personally, I'll take the one-inning "let-it-all-hang-out" Cashner with the 98-100 MPH unhittable gas who goes aggressively after hitters, rather than the starter Cashner who tries to mix-up his pitches and induce ground balls like a hundred other run-of-the-mill MLB pitchers.   

Given Cashner's performance today, I would say the jury is still out regarding the Cubs 5th starter. I guess it could be Cashner (although his high pitch counts will burn out a bullpen if it's not rested), or Carlos Silva or Braden Looper (despite neither pitcher looking like someone you would want on the hill starting a game every 5th day), or maybe Casey Coleman (who threw in a game at Minor League Camp last Saturday) will get the job by default.  

The Cubs got on the scoreboard in the top of the 1st inning against Angels reliever Francisco Rodriguez (who made the start today, probably because of the wet conditions), as Kosuke Fukudome walked and Starlin Castro lined a single to left to start the game. After Marlon Byrd flied out to CF, Carlos Pena whacked a towering three-run HR high & far over the RF fence, with the ball last seen hopping merrily in the direction of eastbound I-10.

The Cubs scored twice more in the 2nd against RHP Kevin Jepsen when Darwin Barney reached on an E-4, and after Fukudome forced Barney at 2nd, Castro roped a triple into the left-center alley to score Fukudome, before Byrd singled to score Castro.

The Cubs finished their scoring in the 4th against RHP Rich Thompson. Fukudome blooped a single to short CF to lead-off the inning, and Pena walked with two outs, before Geovany Soto hit a sky-high wind-aided fly ball over the centefielder's head for a two-run double (although Soto was thrown-out inexplicably trying to stretch it into a triple).

Comments

"Cruz, coming off May 2010 shoulder surgery, has been impressive and seems the leading candidate not only for a job but a key role, assuming he can stay healthy and handle pitching on back-to-back and, at times, three consecutive, days, which the Rays think he can." from the yahoo sports, TB, team, report. ow. that's, juan, cruz, btw.

Sam Fuld was three for three the other day with a double and a steal, and there is some recent commentary that he may make the Rays. I was thinking that if he was put on waivers, the Cubs could use a reserve outfielder. Anything but Reed Johnson. Anything, that is, except for Fernando Perez, who can go to Iowa and work on beating out those soft grounders to short. If he was only two steps faster, he wouldn't have to hardly hit the ball at all. Apart from Fuld, the Cubs traded another outfielder to the Rays who could have beaten out R. Johnson.

[ ]

In reply to by Dr. aaron b

Submitted by Dr. aaron b on Wed, 03/23/2011 - 11:17am. All of the NRI guys capable of playing outfield will go through waivers. Scott Moore Matt Camp Reed Johnson Bobby Scales and even Augie Ojeda My point was that there is about to be 100-160 guys sliding through waivers over the next week. If the Cubs aren't happy with the 5th OF spot. They can pick a replacement cheaper and easier now than at any other point of the season. ==================================== DR AARON B: NRI guys are signed to minor league contracts, so they are not placed on waivers when they are cut. What the Cubs can do is claim an OF off Outright Waivers who was on another club's 40-man roster but is out of options, or sign a player who had been on a 40-man roster with a non-guaranteed contract going into Spring Training who was released prior to Opening Day as a cost savings (as happened to Reed Johnson in 2008), or sign an NRI guy who was cut but who has an opt-out clause in his minor league contract that allows him to be a free-agent if he isn't added to his club's 25-man roster (and 40-man roster) by MLB Opening Day.

[ ]

In reply to by Dr. aaron b

"Finding a 5th outfielder will be the least of the Cubs issues this year." If you put it that way, then I suppose you win the poorly framed argument. But two of the Cubs' outfielders are untradeable mediocrities, and then you have Reed Johnson, who has been released by three teams now. That leaves Colvin and Byrd. The Cubs have a glaring need for a leadoff hitter, which can only be filled at this point using Reed Johnson's roster spot. Least of their issues . . .

[ ]

In reply to by The Real Neal

You have to get around the bases well, better than, say, Fukudome. It makes no difference what position you play, although usually the speed guys play up the middle (not catcher). You have to get on base, which Fukudome does--but not necessarily better than Fuld, who runs and defends better. I just think it's strange that we keep Fuld until he's 29, and when we finally have a need for him (however temporary), we give him away for nothing, for essayist Fernando Perez. Also, the Cubs should have pulled Guyer back when they agreed to give up Archer. Tampa may have cared about Archer and Chirinos but they weren't holding out for Guyer. (They may not have been holding out for Lee, either--who knows?) It just irks me to see a re-re-retread like Reed Johnson make this team. I care more about the roster--the composition of the team, and how many young players are on it--than I do about how many games the Cubs win in 2011.

[ ]

In reply to by DavidP

One way to ask a question is to propose an answer that sounds reasonable, and then ask, Is this what really happened? Aren't you curious about things that are hard to know? For example, we know that the Rays coveted Chirinos and that they wanted either Archer or McNutt in the deal. On the day before the Cubs gave in on Archer, what was the offer they had on the table? I'm guessing: Carpenter (?), Chirinos, Lee and Guyer. Still guessing: when they acceded to the Rays' demand for Archer, the Cubs could have pulled Guyer or substituted someone lesser. Instead they said, Give us Perez. The Rays countered, Okay, but give us Fuld. And thus 34-year-old Reed Johnson is on the 25-man roster.

i didn't realize this was an issue. There already have 4 OF's and trying to figure out where Colvin will get at-bats (and eventually Fukudome once he goes through his slump). Joey Gathright sure didn't get too many PA's, I wouldn't expect much from Perez or Johnson. Johnson can still hit lefties and probably a bit of a defensive upgrade to Soriano late in games. Perez is fast and I would assume be an asset defensively with that speed. Either one should work for the very limited role. With Colvin and/or Fukudome likely sitting on any given day, that's a decent bench bat that should be available. Without doing a thorough study, I would guess that most teams don't have more than one .800/high .700 OPS ready to come in a game for an at-bat. Bobby Scales could be the 5th outfielder if the Cubs are okay with Colvin or Fukudome manning a few innnings at center field once in awhile. At least he has a little pop in his bat.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

A couple of things. If the Cubs thought Perez was good defensively, that may have been another scouting lapse. He has two errors, neither of which I saw, but one was reported as a dropped fly ball. I did see him in a Sunday game against the Sox when he ran to the wall and then took his eye off the ball (Brenly's words) and missed it, apparently because he was afraid of the wall. You don't address the question of which of these five outfielders is any sort of leadoff hitter. We probably have a pretty deep disagreement about what constitutes a leadoff hitter. (I request that you resist the urge to inform me that there is no such thing.) At any rate, Fuld was a leadoff hitter according to my definition. So was Guyer, although Guyer could also hit in the middle of the order. Any real leadoff hitter on the roster could take starts away from Soriano, if not Byrd. I think the Cubs are disappointed in Perez, but that's their own fault. It was certainly a bad trade in regard to Guyer, Fuld and Perez.

[ ]

In reply to by VirginiaPhil

He has two errors, neither of which I saw, but one was reported as a dropped fly ball. I bet Mickey Mantle once dropped a flyball in a spring training game. I did see him in a Sunday game against the Sox when he ran to the wall and then took his eye off the ball (Brenly's words) and missed it, apparently because he was afraid of the wall. Fuld liked to crash in walls, so did Aaron Rowand. They got hurt a lot. Was it a Ho-ho kam game? If not, probably not that familiar with the White Sox park and I don't know how much outfield they take in spring training on away games. He's also coming off shoulder surgery (sort of), better chance making the team if he's not on the disabled list. You don't address the question of which of these five outfielders is any sort of leadoff hitter. Well, I'm sure the 5th outfielder isn't going to be one, not on any type of regular basis anyway. Fukudome is the best bet at the moment. At least he can get on-base, that's 3/4 of the battle. At any rate, Fuld was a leadoff hitter according to my definition. Can't leadoff from the bench.. So was Guyer, although Guyer could also hit in the middle of the order. can't leadoff from Triple A, Brett Jackson is the best leadoff option in the Cubs system. I don't know what the Cubs plan for 5th outfielder is at this point, Perez and Reed haven't hit much at this point and Matt Camp cooled off. Generally you want a guy that can play all 3 positions, but if they're basing it all off spring training offensive performance, Bobby Scales would be the choice. He's a terrible outfielder and all, but they should be covered with Fukudome, Colvin for center field if they want to pinch hit or rest Byrd. And there will be a waiver guys available in the next week to look at if they feel a need. 5th starter spot and if the offense can be in the top half of runs scored are the actual issues.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

"At least he can get on-base, that's 3/4 of the battle." Depends if the battle is mainly to increase your OBP. If it's to get around the bases, a walk gets you one quarter of the way. To me, the job of a leadoff hitter--who frequently (in theory at least) comes up with the bases empty--is to score a run with as few walks and hits as necessary behind you. If you get an XBH, you've made it easier. Same with a walk or a bunt single and a steal. Fukudome can get to first, but at that point he needs more help than is ideal.

Az Phil- Has anything interesting happened at minor league camp yet? I'm just jonesing for some updates on the minor league teams and I was just wondering how the minor leaguers are looking or maybe if guys are being moved down and such. I feel like that would be a really interesting read. Thanks for all you do.

Okay, sorry, to pimp the fantasy baseball league here, but we have one last opening and I want to get things wrapped up quickly... e-mail me if you want more info. $30 entry, draft is this sunday at 5pm eastern. E-mail me at [email protected] I'll reply to you from a different e-mail address.

apparently no roster decisions being made until tomorrow Barney is in the mix for 2b starting job Silva pitches tomorrow vs A's, Z will pitch in minor league camp where the air will certainly be better for him.

Firefox 4 is fast.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

Random browser question: If you have a crappy computer, does the browser make a difference for the user? I just assume everything runs slowly on the outdated machine I'm on at work.

action today... Colvin singled, 2nd on a WP, thrown out at home after a Byrd single to LF.

Those who were watching today, saw Jake Fox hit his 8th HR. The Orioles batted him NINTH.

[ ]

In reply to by navigator

MARK PRIOR worked the fifth inning for the Yankees. Struck out Markakis and Wieters, then got DERREK LEE to ground out on an 0-2 pitch... 3 up/3 down 10 K's in 6.2 IP, Yanks may change their minds about sending Prior to AAA

wow, steve lyons really needed to criticize Blake DeWitt. Chopper to third base, terrible throw by Baker to 2b takes him off the bag and Lyons goes nuts about his defense and how he has to figure out how to get a throw off there to turn the double play. Mind you Eugenio Velez is the one running down first base.

Ninja about to blow the game with 1 out, Double, BB, infield single barney saves it for now by cutting off a single headed to left and keeping it in the infield

Alright, let me try this just to make sure I'm ready for the regular season... Well no doubt Ninja sucks, but it's not like the offense helped him out much.

Recent comments

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    That’s a fantastic deal for SF

  • crunch (view)

    SF snags b.snell...2/62m

  • Cubster (view)

    AZ Phil: THAT is an awesome report worth multiple thanks. I’m sure it will be worth reposting in an “I told you so” in about 2-3 years.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    The actual deadline to select a post-2023 Article XX-B MLB free agent signed to 2024 minor league contract (Cooper, Edwards, and Peralta) to the MLB 40-man roster is not MLB Opening Day, it is 12 PM (Eastern) this coming Sunday (3/24). 

    However, the Cubs could notify the player prior to the deadline that the player is not going to get added to the 40 on Sunday, which would allow the player to opt out early. Otherwise the player can opt out anytime after the Sunday deadline (if he was not added to the 40 by that time). 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Today is an off day for both the Cubs MLB players and the Cubs minor league players.  

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    For those of you keeping track, so far nine players have been called up to Mesa from the Cubs Dominican Academy for Minor League Camp and they will be playing in the ACL in 2024: 

    * bats or throws left 

    Angel Cepeda, INF 
    * Miguel Cruz, P
    Yidel Diaz, C 
    * Albert Gutierrez, 1B
    Fraiman Marte, P  
    Francis Reynoso, P (ex-1B) 
    Derniche Valdez, INF 
    Edward Vargas, OF 
    Jeral Vizcaino, P 

    And once again, despite what you might read at Baseball Reference and at milb.com, Albert Gutierrez is absolutely positively a left-handed hitter (only), NOT a right-handed hitter.

    Probably not too surprisingly, D. Valdez was the Cubs #1 prospect in the DSL last season, Cepeda was the DSL Cubs best all-around SS prospect not named Derniche Valdez, Gutierrez was the DSL Cubs top power hitting prospect not named Derniche Valdez, E. Vargas was the DSL Cubs top outfield prospect (and Cepeda and E. Vargas were also the DSL Cubs top two hitting prospects), Y. Diaz was the DSL Cubs top catching prospect, and M. Cruz was the DSL Cubs top pitching prospect. 

    F. Marte (ex-STL) and J. Vizcaino (ex-MIL) are older pitchers (both are 22) who were signed by the Cubs after being released by other organizations and then had really good years working out of the bullpen for the Cubs in the DSL last season. 

    The elephant in the room is 21-year old Francis Reynoso, a big dude (6'5) who was a position player (1B) at the Cardinals Dominican Academy for a couple of years, then was released by STL in 2022, and then signed by the Cubs and converted to a RHP at the Cubs Dominican Academy (and he projects as a high-velo "high-leverage" RP in the states). He had a monster year for the DSL Cubs last season (his first year as a pitcher). 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    DJL: The only players who definitely have opt outs are Cooper, Edwards, and Peralta (Opening Day, 5/1, and 6/1), and that's because they are post-2023 Article XX-B MLB free agents who signed 2024 minor league contracts and (by rule) they get those opt outs automatically. 

    Otherwise, any player signed to a 2024 minor league contract - MIGHT or - MIGHT NOT - have an opt out in their contract, but it is an individual thing, and if there are contractual opt outs the opt out(s) might not necessarily be Opening Day. It could be 5/1, or 6/1, or 7/1 (TBD).

    Because of their extensive pro experience, the players who most-likely have contractual opt outs are Alfaro, Escobar, and D. Smith, but (again), not necessarily Opening Day. 

    Also, just because a player has the right to opt out doesn't mean he will. 

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    I love the idea that Madrigal heads to Iowa in case Morel can’t handle third.

    The one point that intrigues me here is Cooper over Smith. I feel like the Cubs really like Smith and don’t want to lose him. Could be wrong. He def seems like an opt out if he misses the opening day roster

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Childersb3: Both Madrigal and Wisdom can be optioned without any restriction. Their consent is not required. 

    They both can be outrighted without restriction, too (presuming the player is not claimed off waivers), but if outrighted they can choose to elect free agency (immediately, or deferred until after the end of the MLB season).

    If the player is outrighted and elects free-agency immediately he forfeits what remains of his salary.

    If he accepts the assignment and defers free agency until after the conclusion of the season, he continues to get his salary, and he could be added back to the 40 anytime prior to becoming a free-agent (club option). 

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Phil, 
    Madrigal and Wisdom can or cannot refuse being optioned to the Minors?
    If they can refuse it, wouldn't they elect to leave the Cubs org?