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, 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 4-18-2024
 
* 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
Jameson Taillon 
Keegan Thompson
* Jordan Wicks

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

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

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

OPTIONED: 12 
Kevin Alcantara, OF 
Michael Arias, P 
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF 
Jose Cuas, P 
Brennen Davis, OF 
Porter Hodge, P 
* Luke Little, P 
* Miles Mastrobuoni, INF
* Matt Mervis, 1B 
Daniel Palencia, P 
Luis Vazquez, INF 
Hayden Wesneski, P 

10-DAY IL: 1 
Seiya Suzuki, OF

15-DAY IL: 
* Justin Steele, P   

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




Minor League Rosters
Rule 5 Draft 
Minor League Free-Agents

Roll It!

Submitted by Arizona Phil on

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: 4 

Tags
Extended Spring Training
Josh Vitters
Jeffrey Rea
Kyler Burke
Oneri Fleita
Angel Guzman

Comments

Submitted by Cubster on Wed, 06/04/2008 - 06:39 pm

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

Submitted by springs on Wed, 06/04/2008 - 06:16 pm

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.

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

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?

Submitted by Rob G. on Wed, 06/04/2008 - 06:25 pm

great report Phil...thanks as always.

Submitted by Ryno on Wed, 06/04/2008 - 06:52 pm

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...

[ ]

Submitted by crunch on Wed, 06/04/2008 - 06:02 pm

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.

Submitted by Ryno on Wed, 06/04/2008 - 06:17 pm

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

[ ]

Submitted by crunch on Wed, 06/04/2008 - 06:18 pm

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.

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

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 Arizona Phil on Thu, 06/05/2008 - 06:52 am

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 Arizona Phil on Thu, 06/05/2008 - 06:10 am

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

  • TarzanJoeWallis (view)

    I don’t see Tauchman as a weak link in any position. He simply adds his value in a different way.

    I don’t know that we gain much by putting him in the outfield - Happ, Bellinger and Suzuki and Tauchman all field their positions well. If you’re looking for Taucnman’s kind of AB in a particular game I don’t see why it can’t come from DH.

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Tauchman gets a pinch hit RBI single with a liner to RF. This is his spot. He's a solid 4th OF. But he isn't a DH. 

    He takes pitches. Useful. I still believe in having good hitters.

    You don't want your DH to be your weak link (other than your C maybe)

  • crunch (view)

    bit of a hot take here, but i'm gonna say it.

    the 2024 marlins don't seem to be good at doing baseballs.

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    Phil, will the call up for a double header restart that 15 days on assignment for a pitcher? Like will wesneski’s 15 days start yesterday, or if he’s the 27th man, will that mean 15 days from tomorrow?

    I hope that makes sense. It sounds clearer in my head.

  • Charlie (view)

    Tauchman obviously brings value to the roster as a 4th outfielder who can and should play frequently. Him appearing frequently at DH indicated that the team lacks a valuable DH. 

  • TarzanJoeWallis (view)

    Totally onboard with your thoughts concerning today’s lineup. Not sure about your take on Tauchman though.

    The guy typically doesn’t pound the ball out out of the park, and his BA is quite unimpressive. But he brings something unique to the table that the undisciplined batters of the past didn’t. He always provides a quality at bat and he makes the opposing pitcher work because he has a great eye for the zone and protects the plate with two strikes exceptionally well. In addition to making him a base runner more often than it seems through his walks, that kind of at bat wears a pitcher down both mentally and physically so that the other guys who may hit the ball harder are more apt to take advantage of subsequent mistakes and do their damage.

    I can’t remember a time when the Cubs valued this kind of contribution but this year they have a couple of guys doing it, with Happ being the other. It doesn’t make for gaudy stats but it definitely contributes to winning ball games. I do believe that’s why Tauchman has garnered so much playing time.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Miles Mastrobuoni cannot be recalled until he has spent at least ten days on optional assignment, unless he is recalled to replace a position player who is placed on an MLB inactive list (IL, Paternity, Bereavement / Family Medical). 

     

    And for a pitcher it's 15 days on optional assignment before he can be recalled, unless he is replacing a pitcher who is placed on an MLB inactive list (IL, Paternity, or Bereavement / Family Medical). 

     

    And a pitcher (or a position player, but almost always it's a pitcher) can be recalled as the 27th man for a doubleheader regardless of how many days he has been on optional assignment, but then he must be sent back down again the next day. 

     

    That's why the Cubs had to wait as long as they did to send Jose Cuas down and recall Keegan Thompson. Thompson needed to spend the first 15 days of the MLB regular season on optional assignment before he could be recalled (and he spent EXACTLY the first 15 days of the MLB regular season on optional assignment before he was recalled). 

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    Indeed they do TJW!

    For the record I’m not in favor of solely building a team through paying big to free agents. But I’m also of the mind that when you develop really good players, get them signed to extensions that buy out a couple years of free agency, including with team options. And supplement the home grown players with free agent splashes or using excess prospects to trade for stars under team control for a few years. Sort of what Atlanta does, basically. Everyone talks about the dodgers but I feel that Atlanta is the peak organization at the current moment.

    That said, the constant roster churn is very Rays- ish. What they do is incredible, but it’s extremely hard to do which is why they’re the only ones frequently successful that employ that strategy. I definitely do not want to see a large market team like ours follow that model closely. But I don’t think free agent frenzies is always the answer. It’s really only the Dodgers that play in that realm. I could see an argument for the Mets too. The Yankees don’t really operate like that anymore since the elder Steinbrenner passed. Though I would say the reigning champions built a good deal of that team through free agent spending.

  • Childersb3 (view)

    The issue is the Cubs are 11-7 and have been on the road for 12 of those 18.  We should be at least 13-5, maybe 14-4. Jed isn't feeling any pressure to play anyone he doesn't see fit.
    But Canario on the bench, Morel not at 3B for Madrigal and Wisdom in RF wasn't what I thought would happen in this series.
    I was hoping for Morel at 3B, Canario in RF, Wisdom at DH and Madrigal as a pinch hitter or late replacement.
    Maybe Madrigal starts 1 game against the three LHSP for Miami.
    I'm thinking Canario goes back to Iowa on Sunday night for Mastrobuoni after the Miami LHers are gone.
    Canario needs ABs in Iowa and not bench time in MLB.
    With Seiya out for a while Wisdom is safe unless his SOs are just overwhelmingly bad.

    My real issue with the lineup isn't Madrigal. I'm not a fan, but I've given up on that one.
    It's Tauchman getting a large number of ABs as the de factor DH and everyday player.
    I didn't realize that was going to be the case.
    We need a better LH DH. PCA or ONKC need to force the issue in about a month.
    But, even if they do so, Jed doesn't have to change anything if the Cubs stay a few over .500!!!

  • TarzanJoeWallis (view)

    Totally depends on the team and the player involved. If your team’s philosophy is to pay huge dollars to bet on the future performance of past stars in order to win championships then, yes, all of the factors you mentioned are important.

    If on the other hand, if the team’s primary focus is to identify and develop future stars in an effort to win a championship, and you’re a young player looking to establish yourself as a star, that’s a fit too. Otherwise your buried within your own organization.

    Your comment about bringing up Canario for the purposes of sitting him illustrates perfectly the dangers of rewarding a non-performing, highly paid player over a hungry young prospect, like Canario, who is perpetually without a roster spot except as an insurance call up, but too good to trade. Totally disincentivizing the performance of the prospect and likely diminishing it.

    Sticking it to your prospects and providing lousy baseball to your fans, the consumers and source of revenue for your sport, solely so that the next free agent gamble finds your team to be a comfortable landing spot even if he sucks? I suppose  that makes sense to some teams but it’s definitely not the way I want to see my team run.

    Once again, DJL, our differences in philosophy emerge!

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