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

The Week Ahead: Week Four

Submitted by Rob G. on
No recap on last night's game; instead let's take a moment to remind ourselves how lucky we are to be seeing Greg Maddux's late-career resurgence. An ERA of 0.99 is just silly, and wonderful. Coming up this week, the Cubs start an 8-game homestand with the Marlins and the Brewers. Most of last week's irrational exuberance left when Derrek Lee did, but those who believe in team character should expect the next few weeks to show us What This Team Is Made Of. Florida Marlins Know Your Enemy: Fishstripes, Maverickball (minors) Monday: Jason Vargas vs. Carlos Zambrano Tuesday: Dontrelle Willis vs. Sean Marshall Wednesday: Scott Olsen vs. Undecided I've seen Undecided pitch some pretty good games, and some pretty bad ones. Right now the candidates for Wednesday seem to be Angel Guzman and Rich Hill, and I'm in the Guzman camp mostly because I already know what Rich Hill can do and it isn't that impressive. Guzman might be more of the same, or he might not be, but we don't know and that's more interesting. The Cubs will face three lefties in this series, which is both unusual and potentially troubling. Dusty had Todd Walker in the lineup against Mark Mulder, but I have to assume we'll see the debut of the Mike Restovich experience at some point in this series. If it has to happen, let's hope it happens when Marshall, who is more of a flyball pitcher, is on the mound. Milwaukee Brewers Know Your Enemy: Al's Ramblings, Brewers Bar Friday: Dave Bush vs. Glendon Rusch Saturday: Doug Davis vs. Greg Maddux Sunday: Chris Capuano vs. Carlos Zambrano Looks like the Cubs will miss Ben Sheets this go-around, which is good. The Brewers are an exciting young team, which means they're likely to have more weekends like this last one, where they beat the Reds 11-0 on Saturday and then lost by the same score on Sunday. At least it's always interesting. With Kerry Wood's setback last week (he cut a simulated game short of Thursday due to "pain under his right arm"), I'm resigning myself to Rusch staying in the rotation a bit longer. Wade Miller was transferred to the 60-day DL, which means he can't come back until June 1st -- I do wonder why the Cubs chose to push him to the 60 instead of Mark Prior, who is theoretically after Miller on the comeback trail?

Comments

Submitted by Ryno on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:44 am

If it has to happen, letís hope it happens when Marshall, who is more of a flyball pitcher, is on the mound.J *sigh*... is Lee's arm still broke?

Submitted by jacos on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:00 am

I've seen Cubs lineups shut down by "undecided". Hopefully Pie is brought up so the hitting machine that refuses to walk know as Jock Jones can sit next to Dusty and talk about the evils of base on balls.

Submitted by Bleeding Blue on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:08 am

Again for what its worth, Cubs.com has Angel Guzman listed as Wednesday's probably starter. Its will also be a day game after a night game, so going up against a lefty, I'm expecting both Todd Walker and Michael Barrett will be out of the lineup, but Jones who should be platooned will certainly be in the lineup. Looks like I picked a great one for my first trip to Wrigley of 06.

Submitted by 433 on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:24 am

I know that in making the moves last week, the Cubs needed to put someone on the 60 day DL. Is it potential good news that it was Miller and not DLee that was put there, or am I reading too much into that?

Submitted by 433 on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:41 am

More to the point: by putting Miller and not DLee on the 60 day DL, the Cubs essentially stated that it's more likely that Lee will be ready before June 20 than it is that Miller will be ready before June 1. In other words, the Cubs feel that there is a greater than 0% chance that Lee will be back before June 20 (i.e. if there was zero chance he would be ready before June 20, he would have been the one put on the 60 day DL). This may tell us more about Miller's progress than it does about Lee's prognosis, but it's interesting. In the words of the immortal Lloyd Daubler: "So you're saying there's a chance....yes!"

Submitted by Bleeding Blue on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:47 am

I'd say the decision says much more about Miller than it does about Lee. We now know for sure now that we won't see Miller until June 1st - no hope of a Mid-May that was talked about earlier. Of course, since None of the injured pitchers has even done a rehab start and we're almost into May, this really isn't a shock. Yeah, there is a slight chance that Lee could come back before mid-may. But most likely, if and when Miller join the team, they will simply move Lee to the 60 man retroactively.

Submitted by 433 on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:55 am

I guess another (simpler) way to look at it is that it's interesting that Lee wasn't put on the 60-day DL in the first place, regardless of Miller's condition. Like BB said, Lee could be dropped on the 60-day at any time, so it's not as though it's good news necessarily. So, we know two things: (1) At least when the 60-day DL move was made last week, it was more likely that Lee would return before June 20 than it was that Miller would be ready before June 1, and (2) The likelihood of Lee returning before June 20 has (so far) outweighed the value of an extra spot on the 40 man roster.

Submitted by Scott de B. on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:11 am

Curious that when a team wins 11-0 and then loses 11-0 the same day it's a sign of an 'exciting young team' yet if the Cubs did the same thing it would be 'same old Cubs.' Perception is everything. (And yes, I know the original comment was a bit of a joke).

Submitted by Chad on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:12 am

433: Lloyd Dobler played by John Cusack in Say Anything Lloyd Christmas played by Jim Carrey in Dumb and Dumber

Submitted by Mpls_Stephen on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:23 am

It will be interesting to see if our staff can take on a 4A sqaud...we'll find out with Florida. It'll be just as interesting to see if our verteran pitchers can exploit the holes of the Milwaukee offense. Sure they can put up good numbers, but all of them aren't polished by any means. Not seeing Sheets is a positive we need to take advantage of.

Submitted by aaronb on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:24 am

and christopher lloyd played Doc brown the inventor of the flux capacitor in back to the future

Submitted by JeffB on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:28 am

Question: Should Neifi Perez ever start a game? The reason to start him would be defense, but now we have Jerry starting most of the time. I can't believe there is a huge difference defensely. As for the offensive side, Neifi is hitting .200 w/ a .200 batting average, .240 slugging percent. Jerry is doing far better. So, the question again, why should Neifi start any games?

Submitted by Billy34 on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:36 am

I know this is redundant but: "Come on Dude, Nefi saved us last season."

Submitted by Rob G. on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:58 am

I think we'll see Neifi on most days that Maddux pitches, as long as he bats 8th, I'll survive.

Submitted by Chad on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:24 pm

Well Aaron we can go all day mentioning movie Lloyds but my point is that Lloyd Christmas said the quote not Lloyd Dobler.

Submitted by matt of america on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:48 pm

maybe he was thinking of High Fidelity (also starring Cusack) where he asks his ex-girlfriend if there's a chance they'll get back together, and she says she doesnt know, and he says, well if you dont know there must a chance, otherwise you'd say "no," and she says i guess there's a chance and he asks what percent chance did they have, and she answers: 9% Go Cubs!

Submitted by 433 on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:24 pm

Dang. Lloyd Christmas, of course. My bad, and thanks for the correction Chad. With the Derrek Lee thing I find myself feeling sort of spacey and not doing the "little things" like keeping movie characters straight... I'M INCARCERATED LLOYD

Submitted by Doug P. on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:26 pm

I actually wouldn't have minded facing Ben Sheets during the Brewers series. While the numbers don't show it very well against this year's crop of Cubs hitters, the Cubs have done rather well against Sheets in the past. Check out the 3-year splits on Sheets vs. the Cubs: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/splits?statsId=6618&type=pitching… He's 2-6 with a 4.33 ERA against the Cubs since 2003 (13 starts). Only St. Louis has done better against him in that time span.

Submitted by Chad on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:35 pm

Maybe so Doug, but we beat up Roy Oswalt real good a couple of times, yet I don't mind NOT facing him when we play the Astros.

Submitted by Lloyd McClendon on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:36 pm

Hey is anyone in chicago looking for a manager?

Submitted by billybucks on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:37 pm

He's Lloyd, He's Lloyd, He's Null and Void... For fun -- Corey vs. Jacque: Corey: 32AB,.156 BA,ZERO BB,7 K,.156 OBP, 1 HR, 4 SB JJ: 40 AB,.200 BA, 3BB, 12K, .250 OBP, 2 HR, 0 SB Actually, not so much fun, after all. Yuck.

Submitted by Lloyd of London on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:37 pm

did you guys happen to have DLee's wrist insured?

Submitted by aaronb on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:41 pm

Jack Jones pimps a flyball alot better than corey did. I love the batflip from a guy with a lower average than Neifi Perez.

Submitted by Ryno on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:47 pm

Uh, yeah, that'd be a lot cooler if he was at least batting in the mid-200's.

Submitted by Ryno on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:48 pm

I'll cut him some slack though, because I think he'll come around. He was doing pretty well in ST.

Submitted by Ryno on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:53 pm

6 of Jones' 8 hits this season have been in the last 5 games.

Submitted by billybucks on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:54 pm

Bob Brenley actually had a good insight into the meaninglessness of spring training stats. Batters are seeing a different pitcher every AB, so you can't get a read on a pitcher, pitchers can't adjust to what the hitter did in their prior AB, good pitchers are working more on location vs. going after a hitter's weakness, etc. It's nothing at all like the regular season. I'm liking him more the more I hear him.

Submitted by Horatio on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:58 pm

With so many lefties coming up, I can only hope that Dusty will start someone other than J. Jones in right.

Submitted by blockhead25 on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:35 pm

so, which game are people more interested in tonight. Cubs or Bulls? I'm a much bigger Cubs than Bulls fan...but I really love watching these young, scrappy, Bulls playing their hearts out...they are a fun team to watch.

Submitted by Bob Sacamento on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:41 pm

If Cub fans needed any more proof that the bullpen has been taxed, Cubs ink Kerry Ligtenberg to a minor league deal.

Submitted by aaronb on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:51 pm

I agree. I would like to see restovich in right at least 2 of these fla games. If we dont see him this series, we wont see much of him

Submitted by Chad on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:04 pm

Blockhead, I disagree with you 100%. Not one player on that team that I care about or think is any good, except for Ben Gordon.

Submitted by blockhead25 on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:09 pm

Chad, I am not blown away by many individual players either, although I think Hinrich in particular plays a great all around game. But they play well as a team...I think one of their top 10 players has more than 3 years of experience or something like that. They aren't going to make it far, they are in the 2nd or 3rd tier...but it's just fun to watch a team with no big name all-stars competeing with the Shaq's and Wade's of the league.

Submitted by Chad on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:17 pm

I hate Kirk Hinrich. I feel that there is no room for skinny white guys in the NBA. And before you go John Stockton on my I will say that he is the rare exception to the rule.

Submitted by dave on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:26 pm

I feel that there is no room for skinny white guys in the NBA. Chad...I see that you know about as much about Basketball as you do baseball. I guess you have never heard of Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, Paul Gasol, Luke Ridnour, or shoot - even Wally Szczerbiak or Brad Miller. They are all skinny white guys are really damn good.

Submitted by dave on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:46 pm

Good point...add Nocioni (and of course Hinrich) that to the list.

Submitted by Rob G. on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:54 pm

Do people still watch basketball in Chicago? I find it impossible to get enthused about any team after living through the greatness of the 90's Bulls, sadly, nothing will ever touch it. Plus Dwayne Wade will crush the Bulls.....

Submitted by 433 on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:00 pm

Why aren't people talking about firing Dusty and pulling Brenly out of the broadcast booth to manage this team? I'd be all over that, and it could probably happen.

Submitted by IM Slacker on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:01 pm

Do people still watch basketball in Chicago? The Bulls were second in the league in attendance this year (behind Detroit). 21,188/game.

Submitted by dbt on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:03 pm

Nocioni isn't "good" but he is definately "scrappy", in that he plays as hard as possible and he's really good at getting into other player's heads. Udonis Haslem, for example, was thrown out (and suspended for tonight's game) after Noce hit him pretty hard a couple times including what looked like a knee in the stomach while Haslem was diving for a ball. (And lest this be misinterpreted -- I say, well done Sir.)

Submitted by mannytrillo on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:11 pm

433: "Why aren't people talking about firing Dusty and pulling Brenly out of the broadcast booth to manage this team?" Because at this early juncture, and considering the massive injuries the team has sustained already, it would be only pure speculation, with basically ZERO substantial value. I am not saying it couldn't never happen, but now, with the team having a record of 10-7, without Lee, Wood and Prior, it is way too early. Also, if Brenly is/was such a good maanger, why hasn't he managed anywhere now in 2 years? There were some Cubs fans clammoring for Grady Little last year at times too. Let's wait till at least the Cubs fall 10 games out of playoff contention before realistically thinking of firing manager. We are 17 games into teh season and the Cubs are doing pretty well considering. I know you hate Dusty, but come on....

Submitted by blockhead25 on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:13 pm

"Do people still watch basketball in Chicago? I find it impossible to get enthused about any team after living through the greatness of the 90's Bulls, sadly, nothing will ever touch it." It's completely and totally different. I think that's why I'm enjoying watching these games so much. There is truly nothing like the run the Bulls had in the 90's...it's something we will all talk about with our kids and grand kids. But it's nice to see the polar opposite to that run that was lead by sports icons of our generation and see a bunch of young guys whose names are completely unknown outside fans of the sport and Chicago...and watch them take a crappy season, turn it around in the last week, and really earn their stripes through hard work. In some ways, it is similiar to the Bulls in the mid 80's...they were coming off a stretch of terrible seasons and then this young kid from NC slowly began to turn the team around.

Submitted by blockhead25 on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:20 pm

although that double switch the other day was incompitent, and his explanation of it "I gotta do what I have to do" was even more idiotic...I think no matter what, Baker will make it through the year. If we did fall far out of the playoffs, I don't see getting rid of Baker now as solving the problem. I think when they re-upped Hendry that solidified Baker for the year. The key is next year. If the Cubs are below .500, injuries or not, I don't think Baker is back. If they do win 83-85 games...I think they will bring him back under the guise of continuity. If the Cubs win more than 85, he'll get credit for the team overachieving, and he'll get a 2 year extension without much question. As I said in the second half of last year, I'm ready to see Dusty go...but at this point, I don't see much advantage to booting him in mid season.

Submitted by cubswinthepennant on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:21 pm

In other Chicago Bulls news, MARK PRIOR is scheduled to throw 40 pitches today.

Submitted by Chad on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:27 pm

OK, let me clarfy, 1. I am talking about skinny little white guards. They are good role players. There are always exceptions. Steve Nash is that exception. 2. The only good white guys in the league are NOT American. 3. Go ahead an make the best team of all the American/Non-American white guys in the league and I'll make a team of all black guys. We can play as many games as you want and at best you'll win 10% of the time. And Jacos, news flash, Larry Bird is no longer in the NBA. Nor is Pete Marovitch, Bob Cousey, George Mikan or Jerry West. Larry Bird, c'mon.

Submitted by 433 on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:27 pm

Blockhead and Manny, I tend to agree that Dusty won't be let go during this season. And to be fair about it, he probably shouldn't be. But I am still recovering from the double double switch, and his explanation for it ("I had no choice") -- I just can't get past it. I know that nobody should be defined by one mistake, but that did a lot to shake my confidence in the guy. Manny, you can call me a Dusty hater for jumping on him for his nutty moves (so, can I call you a Dusty lover?). But you have to agree that the double double switch was manager malpractice.

Submitted by Jordan on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:35 pm

The Cubs have a lot to overcome if they would like to be playoff worthy, and adding to that a manager's odd/incompetent/poor moves is insult piled upon injury. Scary thing is the Astros and Reds have offensive production on a scale we won't see this season, and catching the Astros by the time we get Lee/Prior/Wood/Miller/Insert-Savior-Here back it may just be too little too late. I know people are saying we're 10-7 so don't jump to conclusions. I'd say the same thing, we're 10-7 and at 17 games in, how can you be sure we're going to tread water like this for the duration of the first half? Dusty has proven over two years his inability to manage intracacies of the game...when is enough, enough?

Submitted by crunch on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:39 pm

J. Pierre cf R. Cedeno ss T. Walker 1b A. Ramirez 3b M. Barrett c M. Murton lf J. Jones rf N. Perez 2b

Submitted by mannytrillo on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:40 pm

433: "I know that nobody should be defined by one mistake, but that did a lot to shake my confidence in the guy." So that means, you do have confidence in him then...good. "so, can I call you a Dusty lover?" Why not, many others do. Join the fun... "But you have to agree that the double double switch was manager malpractice." As I have said in a previous post, I was not here the entire weekend as I was in Philly for a bachelor party, so I did not get to see any of the games only read the recaps on ESPN.com. So since I did not see them it is tough for me to comment on any moves, good or bad. In the recaps it was nothing more then a mention. But looking at teh play-by=play, Walker and Murton would of only goten one more Ab the rest of the game, but still, who know what would o fhappened if they were in teh game. Again, without seeing Fridays and Saturdays game, it is tough to really make judgement either way.

Submitted by crunch on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:41 pm

noofie is 3 for 3 with a double vs. vargas, btw.

Submitted by The Dude on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:51 pm

"So since I did not see them it is tough for me to comment on any moves, good or bad. In the recaps it was nothing more then a mention." I think the Chicago papers had stories online with the double-switch issue in their titles. The moves definately got more than a mention in the local media, but I understand your point in saying that since you didn't see the games it's hard to understand exactly what went on. They were definately pretty hard to justify though and Dusty's attempts at doing so didn't make too much sense.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:55 pm

The Dude: "They were definately pretty hard to justify though and Dusty's attempts at doing so didn't make too much sense." That wouldn't surprise me, as he ahs made double switches in the past that has made me scratch my head. Hopefully he can limit them to like once a month so we can keep our sanity...

Submitted by CUBBY on Mon, 04/24/2006 - 04:26 pm

somebody tell me that was just fine hitting by cabrera and that carlos didnt just serve that shit up...

Recent comments

  • Bill (view)

    A good rule of thumb is that if you trade a near-ready high ceiling prospect, you should get at least two far-away high ceiling prospects in return.  Like all rules-of-thumb, it depends upon the specific circumstances, but certainly, we weren't going to get Busch for either prospect alone.

  • Sonicwind75 (view)

    Right on schedule, just read an article in Baseball America entitled "10 MLB Prospects Outside The Top 100 Who Have Our Attention".  Zyhir Hope was one of the prospects featured. It stated that he's "one of the biggest arrow-up sleeper prospects in the lower levels right now."

     

    Not sharing to be negative about the trade, getting a top 100 prospect who is MLB ready should carry a heavy prospect cost.  But man, Dodger sure are good at identifying and developing young talent. Andrew Friedman seems to have successfully merged Ray's development with Yankees financial might to create a juggernaut of an organization.  

  • 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. 

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