Cubs MLB Roster

Cubs Organizational Depth Chart
40-Man Roster Info

40 players are on the MLB RESERVE LIST (roster is full), plus one player is 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 3-28-2024
 
* bats or throws left
# bats both

PITCHERS: 13
Yency Almonte
Adbert Alzolay 
Javier Assad
Jose Cuas
Kyle Hendricks
* Shota Imanaga
Mark Leiter Jr
* Luke Little
Julian Merryweather
Hector Neris 
* Drew Smyly
* Justin Steele
* 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: 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 

10-DAY IL: 1 
Patrick Wisdom, INF 

15-DAY IL: 1 
Jameson Taillon, P 

60-DAY IL: 1 
Caleb Kilian, P 

 



 

Minor League Rosters
Rule 5 Draft 
Minor League Free-Agents

Roll It!

Nelson Perez went 2-3 with a triple, an RBI, a walk, and two runs scored and 17-year old Dominican LHP Jeffry Antigua pitched four strong innings, leading the EXST Cubs to a 9-4 sinking of the EXST Mariners in a Beat-the-Heat "Rush Hour Special" (9 AM start) at Fitch Park Field #3 this morning.

This was the final game of Extended Spring Training, although Cubs players who were assigned to EXST will reconvene at Fitch Park next week along with high school, JC, and college players selected and subsequently signed by the Cubs out of this week's Rule 4 Draft, plus any Non-Drafted Free-agents (NDFA) the Cubs might sign in the days after the draft.

Then it's up to Cubs VP of Player Personnel Oneri Fleita to decide who goes to Boise, and who stays at Fitch Park (AZL Cubs). And Oneri will not have a lot of time decide, either, because the Boise squad will leave for Idaho a week from tomorrow. 

Simultaneous to the EXST game on Field #3, Angel Guzman (rehabbing at Fitch Park after undergoing "Tommy John" elbow surgery last September) and Manolin DeLeon (RHP recently arrived from the Cubs Dominican Academy) squared-off in a two-inning (30 pitches for each pitcher, 15 pitches per inning) "simulated game" on Field #2, facing several players (John Contreras, Bryan Jost, Junior Lake, Jose Made, George Matheus, Jeffrey Rea, and Cesar Salazar) who were not in the starting lineup in the EXST game.  

Guzman was very sharp, throwing 94 MPH fastballs, nasty curves, and a first-class change-up to the tune of 22 strikes and only eight balls in his two innings of work. With EXST now over, Guzman could go out on a 30-day MLB DL rehab assignment to perhaps someplace like Daytona very soon

DeLeon, who was a very recent addition to the EXST Cubs roster, is basically in game shape, having spent the past month at the Cubs Dominican Academy preparing for the Dominican Summer League season. The 21-year old DeLeon was the DSL Cubs co-closer in 2007, and he could very well be a co-closer (with Rogelio Carmona and/or Israel Camacaro) for the AZL Cubs in 2008.  

After the simulated game, ex-OF (now RHP) Andres Quezada threw his first "live" BP session on Field #2. Quezada is still a ways behind the other two recently converted position players, ex-C (now RHP) Jake Muyco and ex-OF (now LHP) Luke Sommer, but at least "Q" is finally getting some work against "live" hitters.   

Oneri Fleita was in attendance at Fitch Park again today, sitting high atop the tower between the four fields, from where he could simultaneously watch both the "sim game" on Field #2 and the EXST game on Field #3. And he certainly made his presence known, too!  

In true Larry Himes fashion, Oneri went ballistic not once but twice, the first time when he noticed 2B Jeffrey Rea (who is at Fitch Park rehabbing from a quad strain) hitting in the simulated game while dressed only in a t-shirt and shorts (not an unusual outfit for an "off-field" workout at EXST, BTW, especially for a rehab guy who is only cleared to take BP).

ONERI: (yelling at Rea): "Where's your fucking uniform?! You think you're a coach? This isn't Mississippi State! Get the hell off the field!"  

At first I don't think Rea knew that Oneri was yelling at him (in particular). He just stood there behind the batting cage, leaning on his bat and talking to the other hitters. I think that's what really got Oneri mad, because that's when he mentioned "Mississippi State" (Rea played college ball at MSU). 

See, Rea is a nice kid, but he is very quiet and serious. I've never seen him joke around with the other players, and he really seems to study the game closely when he sits on the bench. You could see he was embarrassed and a bit puzzled by Fleita's rant as he trotted to the clubhouse. 
 
And then in the bottom of the 1st inning of the EXST game on Field #3, Josh Vitters scored standing up on a two-out RBI single to LF by Carlos Perez, but Vitters just barely beat the throw to the plate and almost got knocked off his feet, failing to slide because on-deck hitter Kyler Burke didn't get into position near home plate to coach the runner. So Vitters scores and gets a high-five from Burke, and then Burke ambles up to the plate for his AB.  

ONERI: (yelling at Boise manager Tom Beyers, who was the EXST game manager today): "Get a fucking pinch-hitter up there, Tommy! If he can't coach the runner, he can't play! The runner can't score standing up like that! That's how guys get hurt!"

And so Kyler Burke gets this classic "WTF?" look on his face, and walks slowly back to the bench with his head down, as Junior Lake has to hurriedly run over to Field #3 from Field #2 (where he was hitting in the sim game) to pinch-hit for Burke. (Lake had a "WTF?" look on his face, too). 

I think the f-bombs yelled at the top of his lungs are what really put it over the top, especially since the Cubs players at Extended Spring Training are continually being told to maintain a "professional demeanor" at all times.  

Here is today's EXST Cubs abridged box score (Cubs players only)... 

LINEUP:
1a. Dwayne Kemp, 2B: 1-3 (3B, R, 2 K)
1b. Jose Made, 2B: 0-1 (K)
2. Starlin Castro, SS: 1-3 (RBI, R, BB)
3a. Josh Vitters, 3B: 0-1 (2 R, BB, HBP)
3b. John Contreras, 3B: 1-1
4. Nelson Perez, LF: 2-3 (3B, RBI, 2 R, BB, K)
5. Carlos Perez, DH-C: 1-3 (RBI, BB)
6a. Kyler Burke, RF: 0-0
6b. Junior Lake, PH: 0-1
6c. Cesar Salazar, RF: 1-3 (RBI, 2 R, SB)
7. Robinson Chirinos, C-DH: 2-4 (2B, RBI, R, SB)
8a. Drew Rundle, 1B: 1-3 (3B, RBI)
8b. Bryan Jost, 1B: 1-1 (2B)
9. Kevin Soto, CF: 0-4 (K)
10. Marwin Gonzalez, DH #2: 0-4

PITCHERS:
1. Jeffry Antigua - 4.0 IP, 3 H. 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 1 K, 1 GIDP, 1 PO (7/2 GO/FO)
2. Israel Camacaro - 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R (0 ER), 0 BB, 3 K, 1 HBP, 1 WP
3. Jake Muyco - 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K (4/2 GO/FO)
4. Arik Hempy - 1.0 IP, 1 H, 2 R (0 ER), 1 BB, 1 K

ERRORS - 4
1. Robinson Chirinos, E-2, made errant throw to 1st base on swinging bunt roller in front of home plate.
2. Josh Vitters, E-5, bounced throw past 1st baseman with two outs and runner at 2nd base, allowing runner to score.
3. Jose Made, E-4, missed catch on what should have been an easy 6-4-3 game ending DP, all runners safe.
4. Starlin Castro, E-6, on very next play after Made's error, Castro missed catch on what should have been at least a 3-6 FC at 2nd base.

OUTFIELD ASSIST:
Kevin Soto threw out runner 8-5 trying to advance from 1st to 3rd on a single to CF. 

WEATHER:
Temperature in the 80's, partly cloudy and breezy.   

ATTENDANCE:

Comments

Sarge Fleita? The Big Toe of Extended Spring Training! To paraphrase John Winger: An army without leaders is like a foot without a big toe. And Sergeant Fleita is always gonna be here to be that big toe for us. I think that we owe a big round of applause to our newest, bestest buddy, and big toe... Sarg Fleita http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083131/quotes

AZ Phil: Thank you for all your insight -- I have read this site for a long time (though I just registered today to ask a question) and your insight always gives me a better perspective on the Cubs minor leagues. Quick Question: Baseball America reported that the Cubs signed Hak Ju Lee, a SS from Korea and the MLB approved the contract just last week. Is this the same SS discussed before who is going to the Australian baseball camp? If so, why did it take so long for MLB to approve the contract? Also, more open ended question: As opposed to international signees, fans are aware of many of the Rule 4 draft players, as they are covered more closely and typically play in the US minor league system. Of the foreign players you have seen this year, did any one (or hopefully more) stand out as being players who will become top prospects in the next few years? Thank you again for all your insight.

AZ Phil: how is the conversion of Jake Muyco going (from catcher to pitcher). Particularly in terms of how many pitches he's working on and his control to this point. Does he have to potential to be Marmol-lite?

great report Phil...thanks as always.

ONERI: (yelling at Boise manager Tom Beyers, who was the EXST game manager today): "Get a fucking pinch-hitter up there, Tommy! If he can't coach the runner, he can't play! The runner can't score standing up like that! That's how guys get hurt!" Awesome...

[ ]

In reply to by Ryno

ozzie guillen approves. btw...this is the kind of crap you put kids through in the minors (imo) so you dont have to do as much of it in the majors. its great its being done by a figurehead that the kids dont have to live/work with everyday that carries an aura of respect, too. if you have to do this crap in the majors with too much of your team you either got piss poor personnel development in the minors (see: TB and CIN where for years all they've cared about is play, not the humans behind it all suddenly discovering a world of fame, money, and the majority of the rest of the club who are weighing various levels of competitiveness vs. their peers in order to succeed.) or you're a team that buys other team's problems like the yanks. no, you're never gonna get a full team of "together" guys, though teams like CLE and COL try, but these guys in the low levels need to be experienced with someone who's their superior screaming stuff at them that they not only don't question, but accept it and move on.

Start the f***ing game already. I'm tired from last night.

[ ]

In reply to by Old and Blue

MAYBE I WILL!!!! actually, i wish i could afford it. well, i could but i'd never be able to have the type of property i want without a huge commute. sigh. go cubs. ...and enjoy your 11am day games.

AZ Phil: is it realistic to expect that Angel Guzman will be ready to help the team after the all star break or by August 1st? Thanks.

Submitted by Timmer on Wed, 06/04/2008 - 7:37pm.

AZ Phil: is it realistic to expect that Angel Guzman will be ready to help the team after the all star break or by August 1st? Thanks.

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

TIMMER: Provided there are no medical setbacks, I would expect Guzman to begin a 30-day rehab this month, and then get optioned to AAA in July. What happens after that is TBD.

Submitted by Cubster on Wed, 06/04/2008 - 4:37pm.

AZ Phil: how is the conversion of Jake Muyco going (from catcher to pitcher). Particularly in terms of how many pitches he's working on and his control to this point. Does he have to potential to be Marmol-lite?

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

CUBSTER: Jake Muyco had an excellent outing yesterday (Wednesday), and he is really starting to throw with confidence. He had good velocity and command of his fastball, and he was finally able to throw his change-up for strikes and got some snap on his breaking ball. He pitches VERY quickly and aggressively.

Of the three position players recently moved to pitcher, Muyco has a plus-fastball but occasionally struggles with his other pitches, Luke Sommer (who was a pitcher in HS) has a plus-curve and very good control but his fastball is a little short, and Andres Quezada just threw his first "live" BP yesterday (Wednesday).

While Quezada has apparently had some difficulty making the adjustement to throwing off a mound, Muyco and Sommer are progressing well and both should be able to pitch at Boise right away.

Recent comments

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    I think if you had ranked players by how much the team could ill afford to have them miss significant time, Steele would be right at the top of the list.

  • crunch (view)

    steele MRI on friday.  counsell expects an IL stint.

    no current plans for his rotation replacement.

  • hellfrozeover (view)

    I would say also in the bright side column is Busch looked pretty good overall at the plate. Alzolay…man, that hurts but most of the time he’s not giving up a homer to that guy. To me the worst was almonte hanging that pitch to Garcia. He hung another one to the next hitter too and got away with it on an 0-1. 

  • crunch (view)

    amaya blocked like 6-8 of smyly's pitches in the dirt very cleanly...not even an exaggeration, smyly threw a ton of pitches bouncing in tonight.

    neris looking like his old self was a relief (no pun), too.

  • TarzanJoeWallis (view)

    In looking for bright spots the defense was outstanding tonight. The “stars” are going to need to shine quite a bit brighter than they did tonight offensively though for this to be a successful season.

  • Eric S (view)

    Good baseball game. Hopefully Steele is pitching again in April (but I’m not counting on it). 

  • crunch (view)

    boo.

  • crunch (view)

    smyly to face the 2/3/4 hitters with a man on 2nd in extras.

    this doesn't seem like a 8 million dollar managerial decision.

  • crunch (view)

    i 100% agree with you, but i dunno how jed wants to run things.  the default is delay.  i would choose brown.

    like hellfrozeover says, could be smyly since he's technically fresh and stretched.

    anyway, on a pure talent basis....brown is the best option.

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Use pitchers when you believe they're good. Don't plan their clock.

    I'm sorry. I'm simply anti-clock/contract management. Play guys when they show real MLB potential talent.

    If Brown hadn't been hurt with the Lat Strain he would've gotten the call, and not Wick.

    Give him a chance. 

    But Wesneski probably gets it