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

Cubs Lay Gooz Egg

Matt Brown crushed a bases-loaded double to turn a 4-2 deficit into a 5-4 lead, as the Angels rallied to defeat the Cubs 6-4 at Dwight Patterson Field at HoHoKam Park this afternoon, in a game many of you probably watched on WGN-TV.

box score

Aaron Heilman got the start for the Cubs, and was hit hard, allowing five hits, including two singles, two doubles, and a triple (and a walk plus a strikeout), in just two innings of work (26 pitches - 19 strikes, 0/4 GO/FO). But thanks to a timely Paul Bako pick-off of Chone Figgins at 2nd base in the top of the 1st, Heilman allowed just one run, produced by a two-out RBI single sliced to LF by Joe Saunders (who as an American League pitcher, almost never hits in a game) in the top of the 2nd inning.

Carlos Marmol returned to action with the Cubs after his meltdown versus Team Netherlands in the WBC earlier in the week, and he had a bit of a rough and tumble outing in the top of the 3rd (24 pitches - only 13 strikes), allowing a lead-off triple to Maicer Izturis (a hit that would probably have been just a double if Milton Bradley could have somehow bent his 75-year old body over far enough to cut the ball off in the gap) and hitting two batters to load the bases with one out, before rallying himself to strike out the final two hitters of the inning (Terry Evans and Peter Bourjos) to leave the bases drunk and the Angels (once more) frustrated. 

Meanwhile the Cubs weren't doing much offensively, although Bradley did lead-off the bottom of the 2nd with a ringing double to the fence that he (for some misguided reason) decided to try and stretch into a triple (ignoring 3rd base coach Mike Quade's stop sign), but got thrown out instead. Apparently MB is not familiar with the old baseball axiom, that you never make the first or last out of an inning at 3rd base. This could be a very long year...

Kevin Gregg worked an 11-pitch 4th inning, and had an easy 1-2-3 inning (two fly outs after striking out pitcher Joe Saunders), David Patton worked a 1-2-3 nine-pitch 5th (two pop ups and a GO), and Randy Wells struck out the side (Matt Brown, Terry Evans, and Peter Boujos - all looking) in the top of the 6th (as the Cubs bullpen retired 11 batters in a row at one point mid-game).

Down 1-0, the Cubs mounted a four-run rally in the bottom of the 6th against Angels reliever Matt Palmer. Bobby Scales walked to lead-off the inning, and then Alfonso Soriano ripped a double down the LF line to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. Andres Blanco sliced an RBI single to left to score Scales and send Soriano to 3rd, and then Derrek Lee roped a line-drive single to center to score Soriano and send Blanco to 3rd. Milton Bradley reached base on an E-5 RBI bobble, and after Aramis Ramirez flied out to left, Reed Johnson lined a single to LF to re-load the bases. THen PH Micah Hoffpauir plated the final run of the inning on an RBI ground out dribbler to 1st. 

Protecting a 4-1 Cub lead, Angel Guzman entered the game in the top of the 7th, and had a dreadful 30-pitch inning,.He loaded the bases on a single and two walks with one out in the inning, but then got a big bases-loaded strikeout (Adam Pakovich) that gave him a chance to get out of the inning unscathed. But Gooz apparently had spent his stuff to get the clutch punch-out, as Matt Trumbo lined an RBI single and Matt Brown crushed a three-run two-out double to give the Angels a 5-4 lead.

Esmailin Cardidad worked the 8th, striking out two, but also allowing an unearned run on a double and an infield single + E-6 throwing error by Andres Blanco, before stranding a runner in scoring position to end the inning.

Neal Cotts worked a quick eight-pitch 9th, allowing a lead-off single before closing the inning out with a pop up and a nifty 3-6-1 DP.

But the Cubs could not produce any more offense after the four-run 6th, and the Angels left the park with a 6-4 victory.

It appears that with Heilman's mediocre two-inning outing today, Sean Marshall has solidified his tenatative spot in the starting rotation. 

And Angel Guzman certainly didn't do himself any favors this afternoon, laboring through an interminable inning where he could not hold a three-run lead, while landing off-balance with almost every delivery. I know the Cubs don't want to lose Guzman (he is out of minor league options), but he has been clearly outpitched (so far) by Jose Ascanio, Randy Wells, David Patton, and Esmailin Caridad (among others). Gooz will have to step it up the last three weeks of Spring Training, or he will likely follow Michael Wuertz and Rich Hill out of town.

The Cubs next three games are all on the road. They travel to Tucson Electric Park tomorrow, where they will play the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Comments

AZ Phil's shortest writeup ever! Soto (DH) 0-2, 2 walks, 2 runs Peavy bombed 2 IP, 6 runs DeRosa 0-3, 2K's, 5 LOB Pudge 3-4...making his case.

I am not sure what was worse, watching the game, or listening to the announcing. When they were talking about Soto, the conversation went like this. Play-by-play (not sure who): "It's hard to believe that in the long, storied history of the Cubs they have only had 5 Rookies of the Year." Harold Reynolds: "Let's see, Jared Williams." PbP: "Jared Williams?" HR: "Yeah, Jared Williams, or, wait, Jerome Williams." PbP: "Jerome Walton" HR: "Oh yeah, I knew it was J W - ha ha" PbP: "Jerome Walton, three homeruns on opening day." HR: "Walton hit three home runs in one game?" PbP: "Yes sir, on opening day." HR: "No wait, that was that lefty guy, what was his name, Rhodes." PbP: "Tuffy Rhodes, yes I think you are right. The four other winners besides Soto were Billy Williams, Ken Hubbs, Jerome Walton, and Kerry Wood." Besides the stupidity of the discussion, the Cubs have won 1/12th of the NL RoY awards given out, which seems about right given the number of the teams in the league and the terrible level of play by the franchise since the award was given out in 1947.

From my untrained eye watching WGN today - - the Angels have talent. And, should win the AL West going away again. - Time to part with Gooz. Enough. Can't say "he wasn't given a chance" with him. - Andres Blanco - can't we do any better for a bu? - Hoff has chops at 1B, and I hope he's able to get 100 AB's in 2009 - Milton needs to get his head in the game and pick up signs - Cotts seems to have figured it out - at least in ST, and Lou is properly using him (mostly) - Heilman is an upgrade from Gaudin who's done. As AZ PHIL states, maybe Hendry can spin him into something worthwhile. - I am hoping Marshall can remember what he did in AZ when he's up as a 5th starter. If so, he could be a nice upgrade over Marquis. How many staffs in the division would be this deep? Really? - Jake who?

[ ]

In reply to by The E-Man

An injured Daryle Ward got 119 PA's last year, so Hoffpauir should be a cinch for that if he's on the roster and stays healthy. Guzman was pretty going pretty good when he got injured, and was pretty sharp last year, aside from two bad outings.

Unless something really changes over the next two weeks, I gotta think Patton has earned himself a job. Why would you want to lose him in favor of keeping someone like Guzman or Gaudin? Sounds like the Luis Rivas Era is over, thankfully. Esteban German Era will be short-lived, too. Maybe Hendry can spin some of the worthless trifecta of Guzman, Gaudin and Vizcaino into a useful reserve infielder. You know, if Lou would just pull his head out of his ass and move Lee down in his lineup, his announced lineup idea would be pretty sweet. Move Aramis up to 3 (where he belongs), Soto up to 5 (where his superior SLG will be put to good use) and drop Lee to 7 behind FonteGod. Of course, Lou will never do it, but Lee DID hit 6th and 7th with the Marlins and still managed to put some decent numbers on the board. In fact, as bad as Lee was in the 2nd half last year, I'd be GRATEFUL for one of his 270/370, 20 HR 80 RBI Marlins-type seasons at this point.

Hickman: Lou is old school in too many ways. Giving a vet his "spot" for past successes, has bit him in the ass in crucial situations. Mark my words though, if we consistently see DP Lee for a long stretch, he will get moved in season.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

What's this mean, though? Aaron Miles becomes the backup against left-handed pitchers and also will fill in at shortstop and third, with Piniella saying both would get about 350 at-bats. I would think a regular 2B man would get more than 350 bats in a year. This sounds more like a platoon situation.

There's a video clip of an interview with Lou Pinella at Cubs.com that plays automatically when you open the website's main page. A funny little exchange goes on between the attractive, young female reporter and Lou about 0:44 into the videoclip: Interviewer Hazel Mae: Well, you've been around for decades and I don't want to date you, sir... Lou: (laughing) Ha ha, date me? Go on... Lou sounded like he was really saying "Date me? Go ahead -- be my guest..."

That's funny stuff Pepi, I missed it the first time. That interview was from the mlb network show 30/30 covering all 30 teams during spring training. Shows how they are using mlb network for cross promotion with the mlb websites. Should be cool watching when the season starts as they are promoting the special camera's they've set up at all the ballparks for in game coverage. Like sports center on steroids...oops maybe that's not what Bud Selig had in mind. ----------------- Hazel Mae is one of the two women reporters on the new mlb network. She had been on NESN with the red sox telecasts last year. http://mlb.mlb.com/network/personalities/?id=3686559 The other in Trenni Kusnierek who came from Fox Sports Net/Wisconsin and was with the brewers broadcasts last year. http://mlb.mlb.com/network/personalities/?id=3686539

Good fantasy draft, yesterday, by the by. Yahoo's new draft room, while a bit cluttered at first glance, is pretty awesome. It's much much faster. And now, it's totally on like hot wax.

it is VERY surreal to see ESPN2 interviewing castro's son about team Cuba (he's the team doctor)...reporter even asked a question about the option of more Cuban players in the US if the embargo is lifted (reply: roughly, they would welcome more opportunities for their players...not much said beyond that, nor did the question shock/anger/frustrate castro).

Snyder and Fontenot go back to back, followed by a So Taguchi double and a Wellington Castillo HR. 7-4 Cubs, 2 outs/top 8th...pitching change.

Will Castillo be the first player in big league history named "Wellington"? Are his parents aristocrats or what?

[ ]

In reply to by crunch

Wellington Douglas Devonshire III, was a player who played for the Cubs having come to the U.S. from England to escape WWI. Unfortunately, he never overcame infection from trenchfoot from the war, so while rounding 3rd one game, he just collapsed, and that was it. All made up, but fun for me.

[ ]

In reply to by Jim Hickmans Bat

A family walks into a talent agents office, a father, mother, son and and daughter. The agent says "No family acts." The father says "Wait we're different". They proceed to take their clothes off...... CENSORED After a two hours the agent says "MY God what do you call that!?!?!" The father said "The Aristocrats!"

and that was it. ---- Waiving Wendell's fault? ... ultimately, he didn't have a leg to stand on. I believe that was the first use of trenchfoot here on TCR. It won't be the last.

Figured there would be a parachat contingent for this USA v Holland game. I'll hang out a little bit.

Dang, Adam Dunn with a bit of the Caroyln Kennedy Syndrome... "You know.. you know.. you know.. you know.."

dan roan on wgn tonite "hoffpauer is a cinch to make roster" maybe we can trade gaudan for Ian Stewart (colorado)

[ ]

In reply to by The Real Neal

Actually, I think he means the major league roster. http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/1478359,CST-SPT-cubnt16.ar… Lou seems pretty intent on going with Hoffpauir and Gathright: "Hoffpauir's fine," Piniella said. "We're going to use him to rest Derrek [Lee] at first base and also use him some in the corner [outfield spots]. Another reason for an extra outfielder, too, is when you rest an outfielder, you need somebody to pick up Hoffpauir [for defense] late in the game." He also says in the article that you pretty much have to go with 12 pitchers. So as of now the only competition is for back-up catcher it would seem, with Miles backing up all 3 IF spots. And of course the bullpen needs to be sorted out.

I have Gooz., Deeds, Scales, Bako (my wish) How short-sighted not to sign Hank White. Sometimes Hendry, I just gotta say: Fuck You!

[ ]

In reply to by The E-Man

I gotta tell ya, whoever wins the back-up catcher race isn't going to make me lose any sleep. Nor would I be all that much happier with Henry. The difference between Henry's 65 OPS+ and Gabor's 62 OPS+ does not make me feel the need to wax poetic about arm tattoos and greasy mullets. Hey, if Bako is good enough to be Greg Maddux's personal catcher, then he's fine being the backup catcher on my team. EDIT: Although, Henry was Maddux's personal catcher in 2003 with the Braves, too, I guess.

[ ]

In reply to by Wes

a crazy amount of Internet blood has been spilled for Henry Blanco 83 OPS+ from last season in 128 PA's.

Sweet Jesus, it's Henry Blanco folks...everyone hated the signing when we first acquired him and then re-upped him again.

Internet blood has been spilled...it's Henry Blanco folks... ---- I thought it was Hank White? You're telling me he's Hank Red?

Recent comments

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    Yeah I am very disappointed Madrigal is starting. He has no business as a starter. He is AAA insurance, a back up at best. Sure his defense looks fine because he plays far enough in that his noodle arm isn’t totally exposed. It comes at the cost of 3B range.

    He’s garbage, and a team serious about winning would NOT have him starting opening day.

  • crunch (view)

    in other news, it took 3 PA before a.rizzo got his 1st HBP of the season.

  • Eric S (view)

    With two home runs (so far) and 5 rbi today … clearly Nick Martini is the straw that stirs the Reds drink 😳

  • crunch (view)

    madrigal at 3rd...morel at DH.

    making room for madrigal or/and masterboney to get a significant amount of ABs is a misuse of the roster.  if it needed to get taken care of this offseason, they had tons of time to figure that out.

    morel played almost exclusively at 3rd in winter ball and they had him almost exclusively there all spring when he wasn't DH'ing.

    madrigal doing a good job with the glove for a bit over 2 chances per game...is that worth more than what he brings with the bat 4-5 PA a game?  it's 2024 and we got glenn beckert 2.0 manning 3rd base.

    this is a tauchman or cooper DH situation based on bat, alone.  cooper is 3/7 with a double off eovaldi if you want to play the most successful matchup.

    anyway, i hope this is a temporary thing, not business as usual for the rest of the season.  it will be telling if morel is not used at 3rd when an extreme fly ball pitcher like imanaga is on the mound.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    There are two clear "logjams" in the Cubs minor league pipeline at the present time, namely AA outfielders (K. Alcantara, C. Franklin, Roederer, Pagan, Pinango, Beesley, and Nwogu) and Hi-A infielders (J. Rojas, P. Ramirez, Howard, R. Morel, Pertuz, R. Garcia, and Spence, although Morel has been getting a lot of reps in the outfield in addition to infield). So it is possible that you might see a trade involving one of the extra outfielders at AA and/or one of the extra infielders at Hi-A in the next few days. 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    18-year old SS Jefferson Rojas almost made the AA Tennessee Opening Day roster, and he is a legit shortstop, so I would expect him to be an MLB Top 100 prospect by mid-season. 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Among the relievers in the system, I expect RHRP Hunter Bigge at AAA Iowa and RHRP Ty Johnson at South Bend to have breakout seasons on 2024, and among the starters I see LHP Drew Gray and RHP Will Sanders at South Bend and RHP Naz Mule at ACL Cubs as the guys who will make the biggest splash. Also, Jaxon Wiggins is throwing bullpen sides, so once he is ready for game action he could be making an impact at Myrtle Beach by June.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    I expect OF Christian Franklin to have a breakout season at AA Tennessee in 2024. In another organization that doesn't have PCA, Caissie, K. Alcantara, and Canario in their system, C. Franklin would be a Top 10 prospect. 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    The Reds trading Joe Boyle for Sam Moll at last year's MLB Trade Deadline was like the Phillies trading Ben Brown to the Cubs for David Robertson at the MLB TD in 2022. 

  • 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.