Cubs MLB Roster

Cubs Organizational Depth Chart
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

Slumpbuster

Top of the 7th, two on and two out and Derrek Lee steps up to the plate and I'm thinking to myself, "Well, at least he can't hit into a double play here". (Sigh).

The Cubs find themselves just one game ahead in the Central and their offense hasn't been able to buy, rent or even lease a big hit. Besides hoping for the comforts of Wrigley, I'm not sure what they can do to get out of this funk. I'm usually not a big fan of catering to the hot hand, when that hot hand usually doesn't do much, but it might be time to let Mike Fontenot move up to the two spot for a few games until he cools off. His 1.240 OPS in July needs to be somewhere where it can do a little more damage and Fukudome and his .555 July OPS can figure out why he's no longer awesome at the bottom of the order.

Otherwise, I think the a team-wide slumpbuster (see definition #3) might be in order.  My source at Sky Harbor airport  is keeping an eye out to see if Rosie O'Donnell, Kirstie Alley, and Camryn Manheim show up for a little team remedy.

Comments

I am wearing my stupid "Believe" bracelet until they win. 24/7. Sleep, shower, sex, skydiving. This is not leaving my wrist until they win.

[ ]

In reply to by Brick

Yes I am overreacting. This is the Cubs!!!Our margin for error is very small. Look at all the bastard teams catching up. Let's just have every freaking player go up to the plate and bunt. This is the equivalent to what I do when my golf driver and I are on the outs: I drive with my putter. That'll show 'em! RRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Slumpbuster suggestions: Grace Slick, Lizzie Grubman,Kirstie Alley, or one of those haggard-looking Olsen twins (though a player could end up testing positive for BMP).Let's get some runs!!!

Too bad Mama Cass isn't around anymore...

I'd like to think that I'm just a nervous nelly here but.... The Cubs have lost 5 out of their last 6 games and have scored a total a total of 6 runs in those losses. Is it just an abberation? The Brewers went balls to the wall with their deals in pursuit of a division crown, etc. The Harden+ deal was great and stands to pay huge dividends, but with the deadline looming should the Cubs consider adding someone(s)? Would it make sense to try to find a right handed counter part for Fuku? I'm not talking about a full blown platoon or any thing...just maybe a player with some pop that could step in every 4th game or so. Even with his frigid bat over the last months, I still love Fuku's glove, spead and arm in right. Of course a deal for Brian Roberts could free up DeRosa to spell Aram, Fuku, Soriano and Roberts himself. Then again, again I wouldn't want DeRosa to take much of a cut in playing time. Hell. I don't know. I just want the old Cubs back. You know the ones that score runs. If it takes a deal or two to get things going, then fine. Just score some damn runs.

[ ]

In reply to by Chris

Fuku's right-handed counterpart is DeRosa or Reed Johnson...they've been a bit busy filling in for Soriano though. But now he's back, it's like making a deal at the deadline (I will now shoot myself for using that line).

[ ]

In reply to by Chris

5 of 6 could be an abberation. But they've gone 13 - 17 over their last 30, which looks a lot like a trend. Granted, that's been without Soriano. Here's hoping he gets hot in a hurry.

[ ]

In reply to by Timmer

What's with the arbitrary 30 games? The Cubs are 2 games under .500 since losing Soriano. As Lou said yesterday, he's our biggest home run threat and his absence was bound to catch up with us.

I still don't see the point in bringing Soriano back after two rehab games. He should be down there for a week, at least. I understand that the Cubs need him. But they don't need him rusty. That is not going to help them any more than playing Derosa in left will....

[ ]

In reply to by Jace

all the minor league rehabbing in the world don't get you ready for major league pitching. There's going to be an adjustment period either way and the sooner he can get it over, the better.  I think 4 games is the max I've seen for a hitter on a rehab assignment. With a lefty on the mound and if he feels ready, it can't hurt with the way we're hitting.

[ ]

In reply to by Jace

a little fuel for your rant...

"He probably needs more at-bats than what we're giving him," said Piniella, repeating his sentiments from Monday. "It's been a long time. But, what do we do, leave him here? I don't know. Let's see what happens after his 4 or 5 at-bats in Tucson, and then we can make a determination."

looks like he'll be activated for tonight's game...I assume Hoffpauir is on his way out.

I wonder if they're going to do anything about Lieber and Eyre... Seems like Hart could be sent down for one of those guys...

Rockies seem to want a top starting pitching prospect ready for the majors for Fuentes. Asking about Clay Bucholz, Ian Kennedy, Jon Niese, Wade Davis... Reds (?), Mets, Dodgers, Brewers, White Sox asking about Huston Street...

"I still don't see the point in bringing Soriano back after two rehab games." If the club were doing well right now, I'd agree with you. But with the tremendous suck going on right now offensively, I don't see a reason not to put him back in the lineup. The club has nothing to lose with this move, unfortunately.

Batting averages so far on this road trip: Rammy .000 (0-for-20) Lee .143 (3-for-21) Soto .053 (1-for-19) Big 3 combined: .067 (4-for-60) Every hitter has slumps -- these guys will come out of it. Hopefully starting tonight.

[ ]

In reply to by billybucks

Soto has hit a lot of balls hard during that 1/19 streak that didn't fall in. Lee is problematic. He seems to be having some wrist problems. He was in obvious pain after a swing a few games ago. His last home run was June 20th. Way too many GIDP's. POWER OUTAGE The trouble with Arams' O/20 is he already had a recent 0/22 (2008-06-26 2008-07-04 ). Both streaks are uncharacteristic career nadirs. NOT GOOD

[ ]

In reply to by garsky

article also says...

"...with as many as five invited to continue in the sales process, and given greater access to business data.

Of the five to 10 offers fielded for just Wrigley Field, the source said three were deemed promising enough to be asked to continue in the process."

Five bidding on everything, 3 just on Wrigley...I suppose it all can change, but interesting.

[ ]

In reply to by garsky

woah. that's a top tier shakeup. wonder what happened there...wonder if they wanted him to sell his chunk of MIL to continue and he refuse...wonder if it's aliens. i bet it's aliens.

But Soriano will not be replacing those guys that are struggling. He will be replacing DeRosa, mostly, who might end up playing 2B, which would mean we might be removing Fontenot, and replacing him in the batting lineup with Soriano. Whether you see it as replacing Fontenot (.341 in July, 3B last night) or DeRosa (1-2, 2B, 2 BB last night), either way it is unlikely to be a positive offensively. I understand that there is going to be a period of time where Soriano is going to need to adjust to MLB pitching. I am just saying that this doesn't seem to be the time when the Cubs can afford to let him kick off thew rust, especially when he hasn't exactly been lighting it up in only 2 games in the minors.

[ ]

In reply to by garsky

or let DeRosa play RF some in place of Fukudome

adding one of your 3 best hitters after sitting out 6 weeks can only be a good thing...

I don't see Ramirez sitting tonight against a LHP. I wouldn't be upset if he did, but I don't think it's likely.

He's one of you best 3 hitters when his timing is on. He's been out for 6 weeks, and had 5 AB's TOTAL in the minors. I hope I'm wrong, but I foresee many a K in Soriano's near future...

What was up with Lou last night in that Q & A session they showed before the game? I have never heard him struggle so much just to get through each sentence...

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

he was already at a game last year making fun of himself. i think it was in TB or FLA or something...some kind of "pan the camera around the crowd" in-between-inning thing and he was there for comic relief. they played a "im so lonely" song when it came around to him. wonder how much he got paid for that.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

wow...that's a great article. i dont even CARE about the whole bartman thing. im still a little shook up at a SS error by a guy who barely made errors while making other nice plays look easy all regular season...and losses coming vs. our 3 strongest pitchers...IN A ROW. that one had me beginning to end...even better piece considering there was a strong story built out of a few brief words in a parking lot ambush interview. the courtroom sketches are nice, too. ha.

Time for the slumping Cubs drinking game: Drink whenever: * Cub hitter gets an out by swinging at the first pitch * Cub hitter strikes out (if on a would-be ball 4, chug) * Cub hitter gets an out without advancing the runner (if runner is on 3rd with less than 2 out, chug) * Cub hitter hits into a DP (if DLee, chug rest of drink and then slam a second one) * Cub commits an error or WP (more than one in the same inning, chug) (if committed by a player not in his natural position, chug) * Cub pitcher walks the leadoff guy in an inning (if he scores, chug) * Opposing pitcher gets a hit before any Cub player does (chug) * Cubs pitcher out hits all the position players (chug) ... I have to get back to work before I can finish this. Needless to say, this team will get you hammered!

Yeah, nohit, with those rules, I would guess that if played on this road trip, I'd be drunk by the end of the first inning, probably out of commission by the 4th.

It's not really relevant now, but Kirstie Alley was HOT when she started on Cheers.

[ ]

In reply to by Tito

Your Chicago Cubs the year Kirstie Alley replaced Diane on Cheers: # Pitchers 48 Jay 39 Ron Davis 33 Frank DiPino 44 Drew Hall 50 Les Lancaster 37 Ed Lynch 31 Greg Maddux 41 Mike Mason 49 Jamie Moyer 47 Dickie Noles 21 Scott Sanderson 46 Lee Smith 40 Rick Sutcliffe 42 Bob Tewksbury 34 Steve Trout # Catchers 34 Damon Berryhill 7 Jody Davis 1 11 Jim Sundberg # Infielders 17 Mike Brumley 12 Shawon Dunston 10 Leon Durham 6 Keith Moreland 16 Paul Noce 28 Luis Quinones 18 Wade Rowdon 23 Ryne Sandberg 19 Manny Trillo # Outfielders 8 Andre Dawson 24 Brian Dayett 20 Bob Dernier 30 Darrin Jackson 1 Dave Martinez 36 Gary Matthews 22 Jerry Mumphrey 25 Rafael Palmeiro 29 Chico Walker

Wooo!! Gee, it sure is nice to have that 0-4, 1K boost he provides!! Yippee!!

Well, that's good. A double! That's something at least...

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.