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

Cub Pitchers Mine Gold in Arizona Ball Fields

Five Cub pitchers combined to throw a two-hitter and Justin Bour drove-in two runs with an RBI single and a sacrifice fly, leading the Cubs to a 3-1 victory over the A’s Split Squad #2 in AZ Instructional League action at Papago Park Field #2 in Phoenix this afternoon.

Thanks to a GIDP, a PO, and a CS, Cubs pitchers faced only two batters above the minimum, and today’s pitching gem comes on the heels of the no-hitter thrown by five other Cubs pitchers on Saturday. (The Cubs did not play yesterday).

Cubs 7th round pick RHP Ben Wells (Bryant HS – Bryant, AR) got the start and threw two perfect innings with three strikeouts (the 18-year old Wells has exactly the same body-type as 1970’s Cubs pitching great Rick Reuschel), and 19-year old long & lanky (6’4 180) RHP Starling Peralta (considered one of the top two pitching prospects on this year’s DSL Cubs #1 squad) retired all eight men he faced, striking out five of them.

Cubs 2010 23rd round draft pick RHP Matt Loosen (U. of Jacksonville) left the game in the bottom of the 7th inning after being struck on the right side of the face by a line drive. He did not lose consciousness and he walked off the field under his own power.

Bob Dernier (outfield & baserunning instructor) and Mark Johnson (catching instructor) have joined the Cubs AZ Instructional League coaching staff at Fitch Park. Dernier spent the last month of the season as the Chicago Cubs 1st base coach.

Here is today’s abridged box score (Cubs players only):

LINEUP:
1. Evan Crawford, CF: 2-4 (2B, F-7, 3-1, 1B, R)
2. Logan Watkins, DH #1: 1-3 (1-3 SH, 2B, F-9, F-7, R)
3. Micah Gibbs, C-DH: 1-3 (BB, 1B, F-7, F-7)
4a. Justin Bour, 1B: 1-2 (1B, F-7 SF, F-8, 2 RBI)
4b. Ryan Cuneo, 1B: 0-1 (6-3)
5. Dustin Geiger, 3B: 1-3 (F-8, P-3, 1B, BB, R, CS)
6. Marco Hernandez, SS: 0-3 (K, K, 5-3 SH, 1-U)
7a. Reggie Golden, RF: 1-3 (K, K, 1B, PO)
7b. Oliver Zapata, RF: NO AB
8. Sergio Burruel, DH-C: 0-2 (E4, 3-1, BB)
9. Chris Huseby, LF: 0-3 (1-6 FC, L-5, 6-U FC)
10. Gioskar Amaya, 2B: 0-3 (K, K, K)

PITCHERS:
1. Ben Wells: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K, 21 pitches (14 strikes), 3/0 GO/FO
2. Ryan Hartman: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R (0 ER), 1 BB, 1 K, 1 GIDP, 30 pitches (16 strikes), 3/1 GO/FO
3. Amaury Paulino: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K, 1 PO, 35 pitches (19 strikes), 2/1 GO/FO
4. Matt Loosen: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, 8 pitches (5 strikes), 0/1 GO/FO
5. Starling Peralta: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K, 31 pitches (21 strikes), 1/1 GO/FO

ERRORS: (2)
SS Marco Hernandez E-6 (missed catch – two-base error allowed batter to reach base – eventually scored unearned run)
2B Gioskar Amaya E-4 (overthrow at 1st base attempting to complete DP allowed batter to advance to 2nd base)

CATCHERS DEFENSE:
Sergio Burruel: 1-1 CS

OUTFIELD ASSISTS:
RF Reggie Golden - threw out batter trying to advance to 2nd base on line single to RF

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

ATTENDANCE: 17 (mostly scouts)

WEATHER: Sunny with temperatures in the 90’s

Comments

AzPhil Can you give us some insight on how Wells and Peralta's stuff looked? Was Wells sitting low 90's, occasionally touching mid-90's? I admit, as of typing this right now, I'm blanking on Peralta.

[ ]

In reply to by toonsterwu

I asked AZ Phil this exact same thing after his first start. I obviously can't say anything about how he looked yesterday, but Phil said that his arm strength (i.e. velocity) wasn't quite back up to full strength yet because he hasn't pitched since May or June. Essentially, he is akin to a pitcher in the first week or two of spring training, trying to work his arm strength back up. I'm excited to see what the kid can do next year. I also was wondering about Peralta, though. I vaguely remember seeing the name when casually perusing a box score from one of the Cubs' DSL teams.

[ ]

In reply to by Hrubes20

I remember your question last time. I was curious if he showed a bit more this past outing. I'm very excited about Wells. As exciting as Golden is, and Reggie offers upside this system really doesn't have much of with the bat, Wells sounds like your proto-typical power arm workhorse type pitcher. I think too much was overstated pre-draft about how the kid only had the plus velo for a few outings late in the year - the kid was growing into his body and added inches and weight. Now, I didn't know he was 240 or more, which is a bit worrisome in some respects, but a pro training regimen could help. Add in that the reports were that his feel for his secondary stuff was good ... and I'm really fascinated.

[ ]

In reply to by toonsterwu

Submitted by toonsterwu on Tue, 10/12/2010 - 3:39pm. I remember your question last time. I was curious if he showed a bit more this past outing. I'm very excited about Wells. As exciting as Golden is, and Reggie offers upside this system really doesn't have much of with the bat, Wells sounds like your proto-typical power arm workhorse type pitcher. I think too much was overstated pre-draft about how the kid only had the plus velo for a few outings late in the year - the kid was growing into his body and added inches and weight. Now, I didn't know he was 240 or more, which is a bit worrisome in some respects, but a pro training regimen could help. Add in that the reports were that his feel for his secondary stuff was good ... and I'm really fascinated. ===================================== TOONSTER: The Cubs have brought Ben Wells along slowly for reasons previously mentioned, and while his fastball velocity is only in the high 80's (so far), he is getting swings & misses (and strikeouts) with both his slider and his splitter. He is definitely a projectable kid. A couple of other items regarding Cubs pitchers of which you may or may not have already been aware: LHP John Mincone had knee surgery, and RHP Jon Nagel had elbow surgery #2. And in case you were thinking "maybe another McNutt?"... here is 40th round draft pick LHP Brian Smith's line through three Instructs games: 2.0 IP, 10 H, 12 R (10 ER), 3 BB, 2 K, 2 HBP, 3 WP, 1 BALK

if anyone is having issues logging in(happened on Firefox for me, but not Safari), I recommend , seems to be a cookie/cache problem. You should erase them from your browser and try again. You can also try using a different browser.

Cox and Baker out in the first round, couldn't happen to 2 better guys. if Rays win tomorrow, I'm fairly certain that would be the first time I ever got all the LDS predictions correct. probably not a coincidence that all the favorites would win then.

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101012&content_id=15… Am I on crack? Who exactly is the fourth candidate that Ricketts has interviewed? Lou?!? Seriously, somebody help me. Musk-rat only mentions the three left that I know of, Ryno, Quade and Wedge. I saw the Davey Martinez link above, is he the fourth?? *edit Read the Martinez article, I haven't seen anything about them requesting (in writing) an interview with him, so that would be tampering (although I do like Davey Martinez)... Maybe he's our bench coach next year?? Rob G., Az Phil... Are either of you the fourth candidate??

Not to be contrarian given that this isn't 1970 and more is known about nutrition and training, but every time they tried to make Rick Reuschel lose weight he didn't pitch as well...sort of a variation on the Sampson not taking to haircuts from his girlfriend Dee. Reuschel wasn't about velocity though but he had one hell of a sinker. I'd love a more detailed history lesson from Az Phil's recollections about Big Daddy Reuschel. Better diet and exercise worked for Geo Soto though, so if pitching doesn't work out maybe the can convert him to catching. He's got the backstop part down already.
Reuschel was listed as 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, which made him a few pounds heavier than his franchise-mate from two generations earlier, Hippo Vaughn
--- June 4, 1970: Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 3rd round of the 1970 amateur draft. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Reuschel

Bruce Levine's latest post from earlier today:
Former Cleveland Indians manager Eric Wedge was the latest to be interviewed, meeting with Ricketts on Monday, according to major league sources. Triple-A Iowa manager Ryne Sandberg and interim manager Mike Quade have already had their interviews with Ricketts within the last two weeks. Quade met with Ricketts before returning to his winter home in Florida after the Cubs season ended on Oct. 3....At this point it's unknown if former Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin will meet with Ricketts.
http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/news/story?id=5676697

[ ]

In reply to by Cubster

I see said the blind man (stupid Muskie), Toon implied the same above... So I guess that makes Melvin the fourth man on the grassy knoll. Rob G., is there a pool started on this?? I'm thinking Wedge gets it, because JH will be afraid to go with someone un-seasoned..... (not that I particularly like that answer). Ultimately, I think about this just like hiring Rudy last year. If the new guy works, he'll get all the credit, if he doesn't, it's one more screwup on the list, but is it really his fault? Hard to say, he can only manage the pieces he's given... (standing by return fire....)

Recent comments

  • 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?

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    In my opinion, the biggest "affirmative" mistake the Cubs made in the off-season (that is, doing something they should not have done), was blowing $9M in 2024 AAV on Hector Neris. What the Cubs actually need is an alternate closer to be in the pen and available to close if Alzolay pitched the day before (David Robertson would have been perfect), because with his forearm issue last September, I would be VERY wary of over-using Alzolay. I'm not even sure I would pitch him two days in a row!  

    And of course what the Cubs REALLY need is a second TOR SP to pair with Justin Steele. That's where the Cubs are going to need to be willing to package prospects (like the Padres did to acquire Dylan Cease, the Orioles did to acquire Corbin Burnes, and the Dodgers did to acquire Tyler Glasnow). Obviously those ships have sailed, but I would say right now the Cubs need to look very hard at trying to acquire LHSP Jesus Luzardo from the Marlins (and maybe LHP A. J. Puk as well).