Cubs MLB Roster

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40-Man Roster Info

40 players are on the MLB RESERVE LIST (roster is full) 

28 players on MLB RESERVE LIST are ACTIVE, and twelve players are on OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT to minors. 

Last updated 3-26-2024
 
* bats or throws left
# bats both

PITCHERS: 15
Yency Almonte
Adbert Alzolay 
Javier Assad
Jose Cuas
Kyle Hendricks
* Shota Imanaga
Caleb Kilian
Mark Leiter Jr
* Luke Little
Julian Merryweather
Hector Neris 
* Drew Smyly
* Justin Steele
Jameson Taillon
* Jordan Wicks

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

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

OUTFIELDERS: 4
* Cody Bellinger 
Alexander Canario
# 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 

 



 

Minor League Rosters
Rule 5 Draft 
Minor League Free-Agents

Wood Back to Kerry the Cubs

UPDATE #2: The deal is for $4.2 MM with the potential to earn another $3.45 MM in incentive clauses. Last year the incentive clauses in his contract were (according to Cot's Baseball Contracts):
$2M based on games: $0.3M for 40 g, $0.35M for 45 g, $0.4M for 50 g, $0.45M for 55 g, $0.5M for 60 g $2M based on games finished: $0.2M for 25 GF, $0.25M for 30 GF, $0.3M for 35 GF, $0.35M for 40 GF, $0.4M for 45 GF, $0.5M for 50 GF $0.75M based on days on active roster: $0.25M each for 90, 120 & 150 days on active roster
so expect something similar. UPDATE: The official press release... Our faithful readers are telling us that ESPN 1000 and Bruce Levine are reporting that Kerry Wood will resign with the Cubs on what sounds like an uber-cheap one year, four million dollar deal. I imagine there will be plenty of incentive clauses in there. I'm sure details will leak out soon enough but Hendry keeps his record in tact for keeping ballplayers that he wants to keep and the Cubs get another bullpen power arm with huge upside. Chances are that Wood, Marmol and Howry will compete for the closer duties this spring.

Comments

I don't think that this was an "uber-cheap" deal. From what MLB Trade Rumors said (I know... not so reliable), Wood was being offered 2 yr deals worth 5-6 million. If that is true, that would mean the Cubs offered more per year than those other deals. Wood hasn't pitched more than a healthy month in a few years now. Don't get me wrong - I like the deal, and would have done it in a second if I had been in charge. But there couldn't have been many teams willing to guarantee much money to a guy who has proven that he cannot stay healthy.

This is good. Assuming he pitches like he did last year, we're looking at one of the best bullys in the NL. Again. Without Dempster this time.

Just wish they would cut ties with Wood, but oh well, as long as they are not counting on him for anything, it won't be a disaster. Cue all the Wood for closer talk...

I like the deal, if Wood can stay healthy. I am sure that the contract has some nice incentives.

mannytrillo — November 26, 2007 @ 12:17 pm Just wish they would cut ties with Wood ---------------------- I understood this logic when we were penciling him as a starter, but why does this line of thinking still exist now that Hendry has made clear his role will be in the pen?

Okay, well, this is what I was expecting, so I can't really say that I am excited, but I am happy that it got done. On to Fukudome... and I wouldn't be all that bummed about picking up another SP....

LNL: "I understood this logic when we were penciling him as a starter, but why does this line of thinking still exist now that Hendry has made clear his role will be in the pen?" While you make a point, the fact that talk will very soon turn to Wood for closer, again makes expectations rise and he is still very injury prone, and personally I am tired of expecting Wood to help this team again.

Even given Wood's history, 1 yr/$4m is cheap. Look at what those silly Pale Hose just paid for Linebrink! Four years, $19m! The Wood deal is cheap not only because of the salary, but because of the length: long-term reliever deals bite the team more often than not. Having said that, Wood walks a few too many people for my liking to come in with the game on the line, but even so this bullpen looks pretty good. Marmol for closer. :) Oh and ESPN.com shows the Wood deal on their "transactions" page now.

The Joe: "Got any more cruises lined up Manny?" Not until next November. It won't be on Princess though i can tell you that.

I like Kerry Wood and I would love to see him excel in a Cubs uniform. However, how in the world did Wood cure what ails him with his arm? If I recall he was all set for an opeartion and then he was able to pitch. I love the guy and I hope that woody can pull it together. He showed some promise in 2007 but he could easily be on the disabled list as well in 08. I just hope the Cubs at a minimum have an option for year 2, otherwise if Wood has a good year in 08 he will be wearing some Yankee pinstripes in 09.

Rob G.: "because Manny has to complain about something…" I am not complaining about the signing. I just wouldn't have signed him again. I just hope Hendry or anyone starts counting on him to be closer.

I just hope the Cubs at a minimum have an option for year 2, otherwise if Wood has a good year in 08 he will be wearing some Yankee pinstripes in 09. If Kerry wanted to go somewhere else or if the Cubs didn't want to keep him, he would have been gone either last year or this year.

I would've liked to see another year added to this deal, but on the whole...very happy to see KW back.

Chris H.: "Even given Wood’s history, 1 yr/$4m is cheap. Look at what those silly Pale Hose just paid for Linebrink! Four years, $19m! The Wood deal is cheap not only because of the salary, but because of the length: long-term reliever deals bite the team more often than not." Good point, that 1 year is nice. If he gets hurt again, then the Cubs can just cut ties. The deal is very fair for the Cubs and a good contract by Hendry as long as there are not tons of easily acquired incentives.

"and why do 2nd place teams get any playoff money?" I dunno. Maybe they help put pressure on the 1st place team? :-) LEVINE also reported today than a three year offer was made to Matsui - he feels it would be an upgrade and force DeRo into the "SuperSub" role...FWIW

There’s no way to know exactly how the negotiations progressed, but given the choice between 1/4 or 2/6 for KW, give me the latter. The reward (high-quality power relief pitcher and a lifetime Cub to boot) far outweighs the risk (Kerry Wood syndrome). If he isn’t hurt in 2008, he’s going to get paid well, especially if he proves he can save games. Glad to have you back, Kid K.

While I am amazed at my feeling of happiness over this deal, the fact is that Kerry showed himself last year to be a valuable bullpen presence. His performance in Florida was the highlight of the series (not that there was much competition). He has clearly shown himself to be a player with something resembling integrity and loyalty to who brung him and invested so much in him early on. For sure, a player who is "wants to be a ____" is overrated, but when you get that attitude and the ability Kerry showed last year, for $4 million over a year, it's a good day. I believe that we will see the exact opposite play out with Prior. Regardless of his ability, I don't think he wants to be here. I personally am glad that Wood turned out to be the tentative success story.

Well, so who becomes the setup men and the closer now? I'd like to see Howry and then Marmol setting up in the 7th and 8th, with Wood closing.

they'll probably battle it out in spring training... if they continue to use Marmol in 1+ inning situations though, he's probably better suited as a set-up guy that can come in as early as the 6th..

upgrade? Matsui's line away from Coors has been pathetic in his career. Trade for Infante and trying to sign Matsui, maybe it wasn't all Dusty that loved those crappy middle IF's.

In relation to the possibility of the Matsui signing, since it appears that the Cubs want Matsui at least partially to get a Japanese presence on the team in preparation for going after K-Fuk, does anyone know if K-Fuk has declared whether he's staying in Japan or not?

I may be in the minority but I would have prefered 2/6 over 1/4 (if those are real numbers associated with real choices). I think would will be a decent reliever. I don't think his risk of injury is that different at this point than many other relievers while the upside (again, as a reliever) is pretty high. Let him setup and if he is real steady, I am sure he has the mentality maybe to close some day.

Yeah, the Matsui thing makes no sense to me at all. That Hendry keeps collecting crappy infielders tells me he should be fired, or at least made to explain why he likes them so much. Matsui is a downgrade from DeRosa IMO.

It'd be pretty ironic if it turned out they hated each other. Hendry: See, K-Fuk, we got you a friend to play with. K-Fuk: But he's a douchebag. Hendry: Fuck. K-Fuk: What?

K-Fuk hasn't officially declared anything with respect to playing in Japan or the US. I really hope the Cubs can execute a full court press on this guy. I know Hendry doesn't actively try to find guys with OBP, so any chance to accidentally wind up with one should not be missed.

+5 for Joe on comment #40.... Kaz probably slept with Fuk's girlfriend in high school.

I really hope the Cubs can execute a full court press on this guy. I know Hendry doesn’t actively try to find guys with OBP, so any chance to accidentally wind up with one should not be missed. As has been pointed out by others... Fukudome and Matsui had pretty similar numbers in Japan. So it is a bit amusing to hear people complaining about Matsui but excited about Fukudome like he a sure upgrade.

I thought he was like Hideki? Am I wrong? I wouldn't mind a Hideki-like player, personally.

I should have clarified that a bit more, but he was somewhat better than Kaz, but not as good as Hideki: In Japan: Fukudome: .305/.397/.543 Kaz Matsui: .309/.361/.486 Hideki Matsui: .304/.413/.582 I guess he falls somewhere in-between the two Matsui's.

Fukudome will probably come at a premium. I can't help but think we could find a better use for the money. Regarding 1/4 vs 2/6, I would wager that Wood preferred the 1/4 in the event he truly is back, he can cash in next year instead of risking another injury in the second year and not landing a fat contract. I think he signed for the hometown/loyalty discount, but his pound-of-flesh was the one-year deal. I'm sure Hendry was easily willing to give him one year as it mitigates risk, and that's how it got done.

I see. I had just thought I'd heard the Hideki comparison before, and thought maybe I was mistaken.

I'd gladly pay $4mil/year for this: "Overall in 2007, Wood tossed 18 scoreless appearances and allowed one run or less in 21 of 22 appearances, as six of his nine runs allowed came in two outings. He limited opponents to a .207 batting average and struck out 24 batters in 24.1 innings. He finished the campaign with eight consecutive scoreless appearances covering 9.2 innings, striking out 13 and walking only three in that span."

People may say that Matsui and Fukudome had pretty similar numbers in Japan, but is that really the case? Matsui year-by-year OPS: 1996: .664 1997: .793 1998: .812 1999: .871 2000: .932 2001: .861 2002: 1.006 2003: .914 Matsui lifetime (Japan) OPS: .847 Fukudome year-by-year OPS: 1999: .810 2000: .796 2001: .792 2002: .943 2003: 1.005 2004: .936 2005: 1.020 2006: 1.091 2007: .963 Fukudome lifetime (Japan) OPS: .940

1. Congratulations to Phil Rogers who just wrote that the Kerry Wood seems unlikely to re-sign with the Cubs. 2. I still think the bullpen needs a right-hander, either to close or replace whoever becomes a closer.

Several reports have indicated the Cubs are very interested in signing the Japanese star. Fukudome is scheduled to meet with his U.S. agents at Octagon on November 29th but a report out of Japan last week indicated Fukudome might not make a decision until around the first of the year. Fukudome is weighing his options on whether he should stay in Japan or make the move to the Major Leagues. One report indicated there is a 50-50 chance he will make a change. Fukudome fits the description of the type of player Lou Piniella is looking for to man right field next season and beyond. From all of the scouting reports, Fukudome is a very good defender with a strong arm, very patient at the plate with enough power to project him hitting between 25-30 home runs a year in the majors, some have said he would be a good number two hitter in most lineups. Have the Cubs put all of their 'eggs' in the Fukudome basket like they did with Rafael Furcal a couple of years ago? If the Cubs are not able to land Fukudome does Jim Hendry have a back-up plan?

UGH. I sure hope not (Jenkins). Like we need a free-swinging K-prone guy.

ESPN.com is reporting that the Kerry Wood deal is $4.2m, with an additional $3.45m possible in incentives. Hmm. That...sounds a bit pricey, depending on what the "incentives" are.

[edit] Professional Career The Chunichi Dragons drafted Fukudome in 1998 in the first round as a shortstop. Manager Senichi Hoshino used Fukudome in 132 games in his rookie year, and Fukudome responded well, hitting 16 home runs, with a .284 batting average, contributing to his team's league championship. However, he also led the league in strikeouts, and had poor defense at shortstop. Fukudome was fast, and had a strong arm, but simply did not have the ability to field ground balls. He made several errors which led to his team's loss in the championship series, and was often taken out of games in later innings. He was converted to third base in his second year, but his fielding made little improvement, and his hitting dropped down as well. He was converted to outfield the next year, and played poorly at first, but gradually made improvements, becoming the regular right fielder. His natural speed and strong arm worked wonders from then on, and he has received 4 Golden Glove awards in the outfield. His hitting improved dramatically as well, and stopped Hideki Matsui's run for the triple crown in 2002, with the highest batting average in the league (.343). He hit .313 with 34 homers the next year, establishing himself as one of the best hitters in the league. In 2004, he joined the Japanese Olympic baseball team for the second time, winning a bronze medal in the Athens Olympics. He was chosen for the 2006 World Baseball Classic team, and pinch-hit for a two-run home run off Byung-Hyun Kim in the semi-finals against Korea. He pinch-hit again in the finals for a two-run hit against Cuba. In 2006, he batted .351 with 31 home runs and 104 RBIs, winning the Central League MVP award. His total performance in Japanese career resembles that of Akinori Iwamura, who is the current third baseman of the Tampa Bay Rays.

ESPN.com is reporting that the Kerry Wood deal is $4.2m plus another $3.45 possible in incentives. That sounds...a bit high, depending on what the incentives are. You don't think they're going to put him in the rotation, do you?

*Jenkins does hit lefthanded* Say, what's Jeromy Burnitz doing these days? Enough with signing washed-up ex-Brewer outfielders.

That sounds…a bit high, depending on what the incentives are. You don’t think they’re going to put him in the rotation, do you? I would guess that it has something to do with games finished, which would give essentially give him extra money for becoming the closer. I am sure there is an appearances incentive in there also.

Chris H — November 26, 2007 @ 1:57 pm ESPN.com is reporting that the Kerry Wood deal is $4.2m, with an additional $3.45m possible in incentives. Hmm. That…sounds a bit pricey, depending on what the “incentives” are. ======================== CHRIS: Probably Games, Games Finished (GF), MVP, Cy Young, Rolaids Relief Award, All-Star, and LDS, LCS,and WS MVP, and the number of days on active roster. The incentive threshholds for G and GF typically increase at ten game intervals starting at 40 or 50 G or GF. For pitchers, incentives cannot be connected to Saves, Holds, W/L, ERA, WHIP, K, etc. just like for position players, incentives cannot be connected to BA, OBP, SLG. AB, HR, RBI, SB, etc, although ASG and post-season awards, games played, games started, and PA are OK, as is time spent on active roster.

re: Allen's comment about Phil Rogers writing mere hours ago in his "whispers" section that it's unlikely the Cubs will sign Wood, you have to add that other Trib maroon Paul Sullivan in as Rogers' probable "source". Two lazy ass reporters with blimp-size egos.-- It was Sullivan who wrote a column on the 20th basically prefacing Rogers' BS. Wood's return in doubt Boston's interest may squeeze Cubs http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-071120c…

"Fukudome will probably come at a premium. I can’t help but think we could find a better use for the money." Dude - its gonna cost me 25% more this year for my season tickets. I say: spend, spend, spend. That is supposedly the reason for the raises...

Yeah, I am sick of people talking about what the Cubs are going to pay these players. I want a winner. Most of us here seem to know what the Cubs need. Go get it. Pay for it.

I thought it was a bit much, given his injury history. That said, I hope he kicks in Cactus League as a closer, as I snatched him up in my keeper league at the end.

"with enough power to project him hitting between 25-30 home runs a year in the majors" I guess if you count spring training and batting practice those are reasonable numbers. Welcome back, Kerry. Now, trade Dempster, Marmol or Howry to help fix short or right and then fix short or right some other way, and we're ready for ST. For the various people who said 'I would have rather signed him to a 2 year, $6 million deal', please add that you would rather have had Santa Claus deliver your Easter eggs than the bunny. In a FA season that saw Torri Hunter get $18 million and Scott Linebrink get $4.75 million a year. The #2 pitcher, all time in K's per 9 innings was not going to sign a 2 year contract for $6 million, coming off as well as he pitched last year.

Ooh, Neal not calling any Cubs fans idiots for one week. While looking at the all time K/9 pitchers I clicked on a guy I had vaguely heard of, who finished 19th in the MVP votin for the AL in 1965. The AL MVP in 1965? Zoilo Versalles I sort of think I am dreaming this. Zolio scorched the AL to the tune of .273 .319 .462 in 1965. That was an OPS+ of 115, which isn't too shabby for a shorstop. Of course he played exceptional defense... unless you count the 39 errors he made. Most bizarre of all, BP gives him a 10.4 WARP1 on the year. I can't fathom how bad shorstops were in the AL in 1965 to come to those numbers.

according to Muskrat love... Wood's contract could pay him an additional $3.45 million in performance incentives based on games finished if he does end up pitching in the ninth inning on a regular basis. The right-hander received a lot of interest, including several multi-year offers.

"Muskrat love…" I just pictured an orgy involving Muskrat and every member of America. Shudder.

Recent comments

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Javier Assad started the Lo-A game (Myrtle Beach versus Stockton) on the Cubs backfields on Wednesday as his final Spring Training tune-up. He was supposed to throw five innings / 75 pitches. However, I was at the minor league road games at Fitch so I didn't see Assad pitch. 

  • crunch (view)

    cards put j.young on waivers.

    they really tried to make it happen this spring, but he put up a crazy bad slash of .081/.244/.108 in 45PA.

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Seconded!!!

  • crunch (view)

    another awesome spring of pitching reports.  thanks a lot, appreciated.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Here are the Cubs pitchers reports from Tuesday afternoon's Cardinals - Cubs game art Sloan Park in Mesa:

    SHOTA IMANAGA
    FB: 90-92 
    CUT: 87-89 
    SL: 82-83 
    SPLIT: 81-84
    CV: 73-74 
    COMMENT: Worked three innings plus two batters in the fourth... allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits (six singles and two doubles) walked one, and struck out six (four swinging), with a 1/2 GO/AO... he threw 73 pitches (52 strikes - 10 swing & miss - 19 foul balls)... surrendered one run in the top of the 1st on a one-out double off Cody Bellinger's glove in deep straight-away CF followed one out later by two consecutive two-out bloop singles, allowed two runs (one earned) in the 2nd after retiring the first two hitters (first batter had a nine-pitch AB with four consecutive two-strike foul balls before being retired 3 -U) on a two-out infield single (weak throw on the run by Nico Hoerner), a hard-contact line drive RBI double down the RF line, and an E-1 (missed catch) by Imanaga on what should been an inning-ending 3-1 GO, gave up another run in the 3rd on a two-out walk on a 3-2 pitch and an RBI double to LF, and two consecutive singles leading off the top of the 4th before being relieved (runners were ultimately left stranded)... threw 18 pitches in the 1st inning (14 strikes - two swing & miss, one on FB and the other on a SL - four foul balls), 24 pitches in the 2nd inning (17 strikes - three swing & miss, one on FB, two SPLIT - six foul balls), 19 pitches in the 3rd inning (13 strikes - seven swing & miss, three on SL, two on SPLIT, one on FB - three foul balls), and 12 pitches without retiring a batter in the top of the 4th (8 strikes - no swing & miss - four foul balls)... Imanaga throws a lot of pitches per inning, but it's not because he doesn't throw strikes...  if anything, he throws too many strikes (he threw 70% strikes on Tuesday)... while he gets a ton of swing & miss (and strikeouts), he also induces a lot of foul balls because he doesn't try to make hitters chase his pitches by throwing them out of the strike zone... rather, he uses his very diverse pitch mix to get swing & miss (and lots of foul balls as well)... he also is a fly ball pitcher who will give up more than his share of HR during the course of the season...   
     
    JOE NAHAS
    FB: 90-92 
    SL: 83-85 
    CV: 80-81 
    COMMENT: Was called up from the Hi-A South Bend group at Minor League Camp for the day... relieved Imanaga with runners at first and second and no outs in the top of the 4th, and after an E-2 catcher's interference committed by Miguel Amaya loaded he bases, Nahas struck out the side (one swinging & two looking)... threw 16 pitches (11 strikes - two swinging)...   

    YENCY ALMONTE
    FB: 89-92 
    CH: 86 
    SL: 79 
    COMMENT: Threw an eight-pitch 5th (five strikes - no swing & miss), with a 5-3 GO for the first out and an inning-ending 4-6-3 DP after a one-out single... command was a bit off but he worked through it...   

    FRANKIE SCALZO JR
    FB: 94-95
    CH: 88 
    SL: 83
    COMMENT: Was called up from the AA Tennessee group at Minor League Camp for the day and worked the 6th inning... got the first outs easily (a P-5 and a 4-3 GO) on just three pitches, before allowing three consecutive two-out hard-contact hits (a double and two singles), with the third hit on pitch # 9 resulting in a runner being thrown out at the plate by RF Christian Franklin for the third out of the inning... 

    MICHAEL ARIAS
    FB: 94-96
    CH: 87-89
    SL: 82-83
    COMMENT: Was called up from the AA Tennessee group at Minor League Camp for the day and allowed a hard-contact double on the third pitch of the 7th inning (a 96 MPH FB), and the runner came around to score on a 4-3 GO and a WP... gave up two other loud contact outs (an L-7 and an F-9)... threw 18 pitches (only 10 strikes - only one swing & miss)... stuff is electric but still very raw and he continues to have difficulty commanding it, and while he has the repertoire of a SP, he throws too many pitches-per-inning to be a SP and not enough strikes to be a closer... he is most definitely still a work-in-progress...   

    ZAC LEIGH: 
    FB: 93-94 
    CH: 89 
    SL: 81-83 
    CV: 78
    COMMENT: Was called up from the AA Tennessee group at Minor League Camp for the day and tossed a 1-2-3 8th (4-3 GO, K-swinging on a sweeper, K-looking on another sweeper)... threw 14 pitches (11 strikes - one swing & miss - eight foul balls)... kept pumping pitches into the strike zone but had difficulty putting hitters away (ergo a ton of foul balls)... FB velo is nowhere near the 96-98 MPH it was a couple of years ago when he was a Top 30 prospect, but his secondaries are better...   

    JOSE ROMERO:  
    FB: 93-95
    SL: 82-84
    COMMENT: Was called up from the Hi-A South Bend group at Minor League Camp for the day and worked the 9th (14 pitches - only six strikes- no swing & miss) and allowed a solo HR after two near-HR fly outs to the warning track, before getting a 3-1 GO to end the inning... it was like batting practice when he wasn't throwing pitches out of the strike zone...

  • crunch (view)

    pablo sandoval played 3rd and got a couple ABs (strikeout, single!) in the OAK@SF "exhibition"

    mlb officially authenticated the ball of the single he hit.  nice.

    he's in surprisingly good shape considering his poor body condition in his last playing seasons.  he's not lean, but he looks healthier.  good for him.

  • crunch (view)

    dbacks are signing j.montgomery to a 1/25m with a vesting 20m player option.

    i dunno when the ink officially dries, but i believe if he signs once the season begins he can't be offered a QO...and i'm not sure if that thing with SD/LAD in korea was the season beginning, either.

  • crunch (view)

    sut says imanaga getting the home opener at wrigley (game 4 of the season).

  • crunch (view)

    cubs rolling out the who's who of "who the hell is this guy?" in the last spring game.

  • videographer (view)

    AZ Phil, speaking of Jordan Wicks having better command when he tires a bit, I remember reading about Dennis Lamp 40 years ago and his sinker that was better after 3 or 4 innings when he would tire a bit and get more sink with a little less speed on the pitch.  The key for Lamp was getting to the 4th inning.