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, ten players are on OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT to minors, two players are on the 15-DAY IL, and two players are on the 10-DAY IL

Last updated 4-17-2024
 
* 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
Keegan Thompson
Hayden Wesneski 
* Jordan Wicks

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

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

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

OPTIONED: 10 
Kevin Alcantara, OF 
Michael Arias, P 
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF 
Jose Cuas, P 
Brennen Davis, OF 
Porter Hodge, P 
* Luke Little, P 
* Matt Mervis, 1B 
Daniel Palencia, P 
Luis Vazquez, INF 

10-DAY IL: 2 
Seiya Suzuki, OF
Patrick Wisdom, INF 

15-DAY IL: 2
* Justin Steele, P  
Jameson Taillon, P 

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




Minor League Rosters
Rule 5 Draft 
Minor League Free-Agents

Where's Banks When You Need Him?

Submitted by Mike Wellman on

 

Baseball here, baseball there; baseball, baseball everywhere…

Friday night I got home from work as quick as I’m able, changed outfits and headed to the ballpark, arriving in the second inning of game one as the I-Cubs dug into the first of four games with the Nashville Sounds in barely 24 hours.

We went with a group of friends and sat at one of the picnic tables in the leftfield corner so I had neither my usual vantage point nor perspective. On the first pass of the cart-mounted mortar we scored an I-Cubs t-shirt. While Rodrigo Lopez labored to preserve the bullpen I worked my way through a lineup of hot dog, nachos, peanuts, soda and lemonade, looking up only at the crack of Tony Rizzo’s bat to watch #18 jump the center field wall. I seem to recall him later singling in the middle of a game-winning seventh (i.e., last) inning rally that first tied and ultimately won the first episode of the weekend marathon. It would not have been a good thing had the opener of the quad-stacker extended into extras.

Game two opened with me indigested, Corey Patterson penciled in as the Sounds’ leftfielder (batting seventh) and Rafael Dolis flirting with a pair of blondes along the short bullpen wall. While I fasted the Sounds cruised to a split of twinbill numero uno. Rafael went unscored upon later in the evening but I wonder if the same could be said for the two blondes.

I stayed away from the ballpark Saturday, opting instead for a day at the races; even dropping a couple of bucks I bet to show on a longshot named “Big Z” in the eighth race. Meanwhile, back at the ballpark, Iowa and Nashville split again with the I-Cubs taking the opener behind a complete-game 1-0 shutout authored by Brooks Raley before dropping the nightcap, 3-2. I was afraid the teams might be reduced to playing tee-ball at some point in their fourth game in two days but thanks to pretty sturdy starters both pitching staffs survived.

Yesterday I took a daytrip to Target Field to watch the big club become a 20-game winner. Try to think of their winning percentage as a batting average.

The Twins’ playground has already depreciated into just another with all the obnoxious bells and whistles that ensure a start-to-finish sensory bombardment whenever you dig deep enough to finance an outing to a big league venue. When they posted the lineups on the skyscraping Jumbotron before the game the Cubs’ struck me as a list of MLB’s Nine Least Wanted when I saw the names on that scale. Heart of the order = DeJesus, Soriano, Baker. Ye gods...

Dempster didn’t disappoint, outpitching Liriano to enable a rare win over an opposing southpaw. Castro seemed hobbled in scoring his third run of the day but he gamely shuffled back out to man his position and finish the game. Maybe he’s just tired. I know I am. Remember the flip side of the Meat Loaf hit: One Outta Three Ain't Good.

While the Cubs were salvaging the finale in Minneapolis the same stout breeze that was at our backs driving north was escorting Rizzo’s 19th and 20th over and out back home in Des Moines. Brett Jackson tagged one, too, operating out of the two-hole I noticed, just ahead of Rizzo. He’s been batting sixth against lefties of late while staying in his customary leadoff spot versus righties. Yesterday’s starter for Nashville was a right-hander. Jackson also swiped his 12th base. His 80 whiffs lead the PCL.

Tonight the I-Cubs open a series at home against the division-leading Omaha Storm Chasers, hoping to close the ten-game gap that separates the two clubs.

 


 

Tags
Iowa Cubs update

Comments

Submitted by Rob G. on Mon, 06/11/2012 - 06:19 pm

Joel Sherman tweet: I hear the ‪#Cubs‬ won out for Jorge Soler. ‪#Yankees‬ tried, but didn't get him. and Goldstein: Source told me last night that he didn't think the Cubs had a ''choke point" on Soler, and would one-up any bid until he was theirs.

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Submitted by crunch on Mon, 06/11/2012 - 06:53 pm

who's ready to pay $15m+ for castro? not only can i not believe reyes got the deal he got with MIA, i'm blown away by how many people were calling it awesome. yeah, he's great for a SS...for a SS...for a SS...but he got slugger money. it's not as bad as theo's folly of paying a LF'r with leadoff skills like he's a 40hr 120rbi guy, but it's still a lot of money to pay just for position scarcity and i hope theocorp is done with that.

Submitted by Jace on Mon, 06/11/2012 - 06:39 pm

Okay, well, not exactly something to do cartwheels about, but at least its another prospect to watch in the Boise/Peoria box scores. It does feel good to beat out the Yankees, regardless of what it is. What is the over/under on his ACTUAL age? I put it at 23...

Submitted by Rob G. on Mon, 06/11/2012 - 06:27 pm

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=17319 While the focus on the Cubs system is firmly on the Triple-A team and the prospects that will arrive in Wrigley this year, Alcantara has turned into a pop-up guy in the system. With five hits over the weekend, the 20-year-old Dominican is now batting .291/.315/.417 in 60 games this season. There are some holes in his game, in particular an overly-aggressive plate approach and sloppy throwing mechanics that have contributed to 22 errors, but he's a line drive hitter with a quick bat, plus speed, and the tools to remain at short. Scouts see Alcantara as a good utility player, at the very least, and many give him a chance to be an everyday player if he continues to progress. Prior struck out four batters on Friday, and in three appearances for the PawSox, he has now recorded 10 whiffs over 4 2/3 innings while allowing three hits and two walks. His fastball has gotten up to 93 mph, and one insider noted its deception as well; hitters are clearly having a difficult time picking the ball up out of his hand. He's 31 years old, however, and hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2006. Prior could have easily hung them up years ago without any guilt, but there he is, in Rhode Island and missing bats. I don't think there's a player in the minors I'm rooting for more.

Submitted by Rob G. on Mon, 06/11/2012 - 06:46 pm

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=17320 On a scouting level, Soler has a classic right-field profile. He's athletic, with at least average speed, and has decent instincts in center, which should serve him well in right, as well as a plus or better arm. His calling card offensively is raw power that has earned 70+ scores from scouts, but opinions are his pure hit tool are quite varied. There is clearly some swing and miss in his game, but he's shows the ability to make adjustments in international play. There is some stiffness to his swing, but it clearly has worked for him so far. In the 2011 draft, Soler could have been a top ten pick. In the 2012 draft, he certainly would have been among the top eight, and likely top five.

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Submitted by The E-Man on Mon, 06/11/2012 - 06:56 pm

Well, he will not ecome arb eligible until he starts on the 40-man I believe. Thats gonna take some time. Then, it is the following: Player with less than 6 yrs service time is eligible 1. Witout a contract coming up 2. hes been tendered an offer by his xurrent team by the tender deadline, and he cannot... 3. agree with the current team on a new deal AND 4. meets this: - has been on a roster or on the DL for at least 3yrs - 2 yrs mlb service time (but less than 3), Has to be among top 17% for cumulative playing time in majors among his peers, and on a mlb roster for at LEAST 86 days in the previous season.

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Submitted by crunch on Mon, 06/11/2012 - 06:13 pm

he'd have to be protected after this season anyway. ...and the 40-man roster management has been...interesting. no matter what anyone thinks of r.flaherty he instantly became the #1 bat target in the Rule 5 as soon as he wasn't protected...and that showed itself to be true. that's what was wierding out most people. he probably still belongs in AAA, but that's BAL's issue now. at least the cubs took casey weathers off the 40-man because he had no business there to begin with.

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Submitted by tem99 on Mon, 06/11/2012 - 06:42 pm

Until they prove otherwise, I'll defer to the current front office about the 40 man roster and who to keep on and leave off as it's impacted by the signing of the Solers and Concepcions of the world. Because while there are the occassional Abreus and Santanas to be found, they're more typically largely fungible "assets" that have minimal impact. Or in other words, is there really a difference between Flaherty and Cardenas?

Submitted by Rogers on Mon, 06/11/2012 - 06:46 pm

I assume he goes to Mesa for a couple of weeks and then reports to Boise or Peoria. This means AZ Phil will be seeing him every day for the next few weeks and I will be very interested in reading your thoughts Phil. Also, once the details of the contract become little more public I would like to see your thoughts on this arbitration thing and when the free agent clock starts ticking. A very interesting day for our Cubs.

Submitted by Rogers on Mon, 06/11/2012 - 06:01 pm

Phil, my mind is working after this 9 year deal. Could this be the loophole in the new agreement. I realize there are no Major League contracts on the new deal, but is to prevent the boys from saying to Boras, here's the deal. You realize we can only give you the maximum for the slot, but how about if at the end of 2013' if you meet minimum goals we agree to sign you to a Major League deal at much higher money. I would be nterestedin knowing if that is doable under the new deal.

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Submitted by Arizona Phil on Mon, 06/11/2012 - 06:42 pm

Mon, 06/11/2012 - 4:01pm — Rogers Phil, my mind is working after this 9 year deal. Could this be the loophole in the new agreement. I realize there are no Major League contracts on the new deal, but is to prevent the boys from saying to Boras, here's the deal. You realize we can only give you the maximum for the slot, but how about if at the end of 2013' if you meet minimum goals we agree to sign you to a Major League deal at much higher money. I would be nterestedin knowing if that is doable under the new deal. ===================================== ROGER: First-year international players (that is, players from outside the U. S. and Canada who have not previously signed a minor league or MLB contract) can be signed to a major league contract through July 1st. Starting on July 2nd, first-year international free-agents can be signed only to minor league contracts, unless the player is at least 23 years old and has spent all or parts of at least five separate seasons in a recognized foreign "major" league (but only a minimum of three years in a foreign "major" league for Cuban players age 23 and older). So as long as he signs by July 1st, the Cubs can sign Soler to a major league contract, and the bonus and salary do not count against the International Signing Bonus Pool (ISBP) that goes into effect on July 2.

Submitted by crunch on Mon, 06/11/2012 - 06:03 pm

rotowurld blurb "Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that Derrek Lee is still open to playing this season in the "right opportunity.""

Submitted by Cubster on Mon, 06/11/2012 - 06:23 pm

I-Cubs just tied the score 7-7 in the bottom 7th... BJax (batting 2nd) 1-4, 1 run, 1K Rizzo 3-4, 2runs, 4rbi, 1K, TWO HR's including a 3 run HR in the 5th and a ground rule double down the RF line that bounced over the wall. Vitters 2-3, 1 run, 1rbi, including a double and an intentional walk. Geo Soto caught 5 innings, 0-2 but scored on the 3 run blast by Rizzo. JJax pitching himself out of the last embers of prospect status: 3.2 IP, 11H, 7R (all earned), 3BB, 5K

Submitted by QuietMan on Fri, 06/15/2012 - 06:18 pm

Just putting this in here for archival purposes. It's sure to come up again in 5 years. Peter Gammons‏@pgammo The Braves were right there with the Cubs @$30M on Jorge Soler, with the White Sox and Yankes between $25M and the Cubs @ $30M

Recent comments

  • Sonicwind75 (view)

    I suspect Brown will spend some time in the bullpen due to inning restrictions.  Pitched only 93 innings last year and career high is 104 innings in 2022.  I would expect them to be cautious with a young player with his injury history.

  • Childersb3 (view)

    I wanted Almonte gone last week, but that was before Merryweather went down and Little got demoted. Almonte in his last 5 appearances has gone 4.1 IP with no ER or Runs. NO hits, 3 BBs and 8 SO. He did hit 96 with his 2S FB in AZ on Tues.
    I don't see Jed waiving him when we have injuries all over and guys with options that can be sent down.
    I probably won't like the move Jed makes, but he can't play the "let's hope no one wants his 1.7mil remaining deal and we can hide him in Iowa" card.
    That's why I think the current Bullpen stays as is and Wicks goes to Iowa.
    I don't like that, but that's the fix I see.
    We'll find out soon enough!!!

  • TarzanJoeWallis (view)

    Teheran minor league deal is done, per MLB.

  • TarzanJoeWallis (view)

    Based on Phil’s sound analysis it sounds like a no brainer for Almonte to be placed on waivers as today’s roster move. We shall see.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    I suspect Counsell/Hottovy will use the piggy-back extensively, with Taillon and Hendricks pitching as the "pig" (and with a very short leash) and some combo of Wicks, Brown, and Wesneski (whichever two do not start) as the "backers."  

    Keep in mind that Keegan Thompson has a minor league option available, and if Yency Almonte is not outrighted by 4/26 he cannot be sent to the minors without his consent after that date. Almonte is out of minor league options, so I am talking about him getting outrighted to the minors if he is not claimed off waivers, and if he is claimed off waivers, the Cubs save the pro-rated portion of his $1.9M salary, which helps lower the Cubs 2024 AAV.

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    Totally agree. The 26 man roster very rarely consists of the 13 best position players and 13 best pitchers.

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    Based on what Jed has done in the past, I’d say the plan is to

    -give Hendricks another few starts
    -give Taillon some runway ot get his season underway

    -Mix and match in the bullpen and see what sticks

    Jed usually doesn’t do a whole lot of waiver wire plays in-season, at least early in the season. He only reallly did that after he blew up the rosters in 21 and 22 because they needed bodies (guys like Schwindel, Fargas, etc).

    I think he’s a little handcuffed by a full 40 man in that he can’t really maneuver much with giving anyone showing ability at AAA (R Thompson/ Sanders/ Edwards etc). Brewer has the most tenuous grip there, and we will see what kind of chance he gets. Other than his spot, there isn’t a ton of 40 man wiggle room.

    I’m very curious to see what happens with Brown now that Taillon returns. Bullpen? Wicks to Iowa? 

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Pro teams have to play their "big money" guys if they are healthy and not "locker room" issues.
    The Cubs wanted to deal JHey off well before they bought him out. They just didn't want to pay him to play for someone else for that long. Jed did give him 20+mil to play for LAD last yr.
    Jed might also let Kyle walk at some point this year. Similar scenario to JHey, except Jed thought Kyle was going to be good/solid in '24!!
    You'd think Smyly is in the same book as well. Same with Neris (he's a 1yr vet RP, so he's not really in this convo too much).
    That's ~35mil between those three and those three are going to get opportunities until at least late June) over younger guys even if their performance is "iffy".
    But, Jed is going to play Taillon a lot. They have to try and justify that contract and hope a veteran works out.
    So, Taillon, Imanaga, and Hendricks are locks for the rest of April and probably May.
    Assad, Brown and Wicks handle the last spots until Steele is ready.
    Now, you're question has real merit when Steele comes back. That will interesting if Brown is still good and Hendricks is still bad. But Taillon is entirely safe as long as he's healthy.

    And the bullpen moves were "money" based as well. Smyly has actually been okay. But he hasn't been clearly better than Little. Little had one bad outing. But Smyly makes 9mil. If they needed another RHRP and one of Little and Smyly had to go, it was going to Little. But that doesn't mean Smyly is one of the best 13 arms for the team. 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Childersb3: I think there was an issue with Luke Little coming into a game with men on base. He seems to need a "clean" inning to be dominant. So he is a future closer and needs to be used in that role at AAA. Same goes for Michael Arias. He needs to come into a "clean" inning, and is a future closer and needs to be used in that role at AA. Porter Hodge is a more versatile pitcher, a better version of Keegan Thompson (multi-inning RP). But Little, Arias, and Hodge (probably in that order) are the Cubs top three RP prospects (all three are Cubs Top 15 prospects).

  • TarzanJoeWallis (view)

    So, let’s do a little war gaming. Taillon is back for tonight’s game. He pitched two rehab games, just a few innings each, and not especially sharp. Let’s face it, he hasn’t been lights out since the Cubs gave him the big contract. In other words, as flat out bad as Hendricks has been, the chances of Taillon being the savior don’t look exactly promising.

    If Taillon is equally ineffective or perhaps even worse, what’s the next move? Winning teams can often find a way to work around a dud fifth starter - kinda. Two dud starters make things much more difficult.

    I believe the biggest reason for the recent bullpen moves was dissatisfaction with the recent blowing of big leads and the recognition that the bullpen wasn’t all it was thought to be. In other words, they are exploring alternate options and configurations. If similar juggling becomes necessary (even more so than it already is), what kind of reasonable maneuvering do we think could be explored?

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