Cubs MLB Roster

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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

Game 66 Recap: Cubs 0, Braves 2

A Loss, or a Metaphor?
W - Vazquez (5-6)
L - Dempster (4-5)
S - Soriano (6)
Things to Take from This Game

 

1. An Evening Full of Singles and Scoring Opportunities...
The Cubs had 9 hits off of Vazquez, all of them singles, and another hit off of Soriano in relief. 

 

2. ...That Leads to Nothing but a lot of Getting Left Stranded on Second Base.
The Cubs left 12 men on base.  Perhaps most confounding was the decision to let Blanco bat with the bases loaded and two outs in the sixth. 

 

3. But at Least there are Consolation Prizes?
We can be happy that Dempster had a fine performance, gutting out 6.2 innings in the Atlanta heat.  He still had some control problems, but other than McLouth, the Braves struggled to do much against him.  And that has to make up for some of the frustration at getting shut out, right?

 

The futile details, below.

Game Recap
Inning 1 - Top
  •  Wow, we have a funky lineup tonight.  It works, initially, with Theriot leading off the game by singling sharply to the left of the shortstop.
  • Then, not so much, as Fukudome grounds into a 4-6-3.  I miss it as I'm synching up my mlb.tv.
  • Fox singles to left. I miss that, too. Ok, now back on it.
  • Wow, Len with a FanGraphs.com reference, saying that Dempster and Vazquez get more swings and misses than anyone in the game. (By percentage, I take it?  Wasn't fully explained.  In any case, go Len!)
    • (researching... Ok, this is what Len is referencing.  Indeed, he's correct.)
  • Lee with a sharp single in front of McLouth in center, extending the hit streak. Fox to second.
  • 3-2, 2 out pitch to Hoffpauir, a big off-speed curve and he swings over and in front of it.
Inning 1 - Bottom
  • Dempster strikes McLouth out on a slider, I think, diving inside toward his knees.  Nasty pitch.  McLouth also lost a bat into the stands, earlier in the AB. 
  • Kelly Johnson with an easy bouncer to Fontenot at third.
  • Jones walks on an outside fastball
  • McCann sends a lazy fly to Hoffpauir, easy inning for Dempster.  Three hits, no runs.
Inning 2 - Top
  • Larry Rothschild is away at a funeral, Lester Strode is tonight's pitching coach.
  • Big looping curve to Fontenot.  It's up in the zone and he singles to center.
  • Blanco slices one to left, where Garret Anderson makes a bit of an awkard catch right on his hip.
  • Three quick strikes to Dempster, the last one a fastball on the outside corner, looking.
Inning 2 - Bottom
  • Dempster's kid will be leaving the hospital soon, reports Len.  Here's to good news. 
  • 3-2 count to Anderson, he flies out to Fox in left.  Len cheers for a hop as the ball's in the air, but no, just a plain old catch.
  • Kotchman with a soft liner to Fontento
  • Len reminds us that we can vote for the All Star game starters.  I'm sorry, but there's no way I'm voting for Soriano to overtake Beltran for the third outfield spot.
  • Francouer grounds to Theriot, who makes a bad throw to Lee.  Lee with the nice pick at first.
Inning 3 - Top
  • Theriot with another single into center.
  • 0-2 to Fukudome, k's swinging at a fastball.
  • Fox with a soft fly to Francouer
  • 3-1 to Lee, he drives a fastball to deep right center, but McLouth tracks it down.
Inning 3 - Bottom
  • Diory Hernandez (who!?!?) the shortstop hitting .192 with a leadoff walk.  Vazquez with a perfect bunt up first to advance him. 
  • Cubs have five hits, no runs.  McLouth gets the Braves' first hit, singling softly to center, and it scores Hernandez. 0-1 Braves
  • and McLouth gets a nice jump, steals second.  A high breaking pitch, throw is a bit to the right side of the bag.  Theriot catches it way in front of the bag.  31st consecutive successful steal for McLouth.
  • and now Johnson walks.  Soto out to talk with Dempster.
  • Full count to Chipper.
  • Hit and run, Chipper K's and Soto nails the previously unnailable McLouth at third.  Soto suddenly 7 for his last 11 in stolen base attempts. Nice way to get out of a big jam.
Inning 4 - Top
  •  Hoffpauir grounds to Johnson
  • Soto K's swinging
  • Fontenot with a bouncer back up the middle, Hernandez comes over to get it and makes a nice running throw.
Inning 4 - Bottom
  • Curve in the dirt, McCann tries to check his swing, but on appeal it's strike three.
  • Anderson lines a double just out of Hoffpauir's reach, bouncing up against the right-field wall. 
  • Kotchman chops back to Dempster, who catches Anderson off of second.  Dempster runs right at him, driving him back to second.  Flips to Theriot, who chases him toward third, before flipping to Fontenot for the out.  Kotchman holds at first.  Nice play.
  • Francouer lines one just out of Fukudome's left, is able to stretch it into a double.  Runners at 2 and 3, 2 outs for Hernandez.  Len and Bob note that Dempster is taking a lot of time, laboring in the Atlanta heat.
  • Fastball just off the corner, full count to Hernandez.  Comes back with a nice slider for called strike three.

Inning 5 - Top
  • Interesting.  LouPa wanted to give Theriot a night off, but with Reed Johnson ailing, he wound up needing to put Fox in left, instead of third.  The plan had been to have Fox, Blacno and Fontenot at 3rd, Short and 2nd.  But no go.
  • Blanco singles into left-center.
  • Dempster pops a bunt foul, McCann runs for it, slides, and crashes head and knees first into the padding of the wall.  Shaken up, seems to be ok. Eventually, Dempster gets down the bunt back to Vazquez.
  • Theriot cues one out to Johnson at second, Blanco to third.
  • 1-2 to Fukudome, he watches a fastball sail past that, someone, is called a ball. phew.
  • 3-2 curve to Fukudome, he flies out to Francouer.  We've had a few chances to get to Vazquez, and turned up nothing.
Inning 5 - Bottom
  •  Vaquez K's swinging at a slider out of the zone.
  • McLouth grounds back to Dempster.
  • 3-0 to Johnson, fastball over for the strike.  Eventually loses him to the walk.
  • Chipper with a solid liner to right-center, Fukudome gets over, but Jones makes it in to second.  Johnson holds at third.  two outs for McCann.  Dempster better be pitching around him to get to Anderson...
  • A lot of sliders later, full count, and Dempster gets a slider up.  McCann lines it hard to Lee, who makes the catch.   Phew.
Inning 6 - Top
  • Fox flies toward the left field line, Anderson gets it.
  • Full count to Lee.  Eventually rolls out to short.
  • Hoffpauir bounces one back up the middle, just to the right of Johnson.  (Check that, Johnson take out with leg cramps, Martin Prado in.)
  • and Cox and a trainer are coming out to check with Vazquez. BJB had been mentioning that Vazques was looking a bit tired this inning, and he does look kind of spent right now.  Bullpen starts warming up.
  • Soto singles up the middle as well, this time just left of the bag.  8 hits, all singles for the cubs.  Runners at 1 and 2, 2 outs.
  • 3-0 count to Fontenot.  Slider for a strike, walks on the next pitch.  Loaded for Blanco.
  • We learn Bradley is 3-18, Soriano 2-9 against Vazquez.  Perhaps why Blanco gets to hit.  I dunno, I think it would be worth bringing someone in for this AB...
  • ball 1 to Blanco.  Fastball down the middle for a strike.  Fastball outside, 2-1.  Blanco flies the next one to straight-away center, inning over.  8 LOB through 6.
Inning 6 - Bottom
  • Ripping off the Sausage Race, in Atlanta they have the Tool Race.   There are just too many possible jokes here.
  • And as long as we're pointing things out for others to joke about, the Drill wins, but wow, the drill bit is.... limp.
  • Anderson singles past Theriot, diving to his right. 
  • Kotchman weakly singles to second, Blanco gets the force to Theriot, but too slowly hit to get Kotchman at first.
  • Francouer reaches for a slider and just does feather it over Dempster's head, into center for a single.
  • Hernandez rolls right to Theriot, who starts a nice 6-4-3.
Inning 7 - Top
  • Dempster has thrown 105 pitches, and Miles was coming out to pinch hit.  But Dempster seems to have talked his way into staying in, so down 1-0 in the 7th, Dempster leads off the inning. 
  • Six pitches later, called strike three.
  • Theriot with another one back up the middle, this time Prado gets to it, makes the out.
  • Fukudome walks.
  • Full count to Fox, he chops one into the left-side hole.  Hernandez gets to it, makes a strong throw, but Fox just does beat the throw at first.  (Or does he?)
  • That chases Vazquez after 116 pitches, Peter Moylan in.
  • Lee with a lazy fly out to Francouer. 10 stranded in the game.

Inning 7 - Bottom
  • Gregor Blanco pinch-hits for Moylan.  3-0 count, Dempster comes back for called strike three on a high curve.  Thanks for the help, ump. 
  • McLouth lines a fastball up over the plate into right, one-hopping the wall for a double.
  • Prado singles, McLouth to third.  LouPa comes out to check on Dempster, and leaves him in.  LouPa really trying to save the bullpen tonight, it seems.
  • Chipper drives one to the warning track in center, for an easy sacrifice fly.  0-2 Braves. Prado advances from first to second.  Marshall in to face McCann. 118 pitches, 8 hits, 4 walks, 6 K and 2 ER for Marshall.
  • McCann pulls one to Blanco's left, he makes a nice stop, throws him out.
Inning 8 - Top
  •  Mike Gonzalez in to pitch for Moylan.
  • Hoffpauir with a very, very high fly ball to center.  Too high to be a home run.< /Major League>
  • Soto wiffs at a slider, I think, that dips across the outside corner.
  • Fontenot grounds to Prado's left at second, makes the play.
Inning 8 - Bottom
  • Hart in to pitch.
  • Garret Anderson with a soft grounder to Fontenot.  Easy out.
  • Kotchman falls to his knees, trying to avoid a pitch near his feet.  Kind of funny.  Walks on a slider that misses the outside corner.
  • Francouer hits a soft fly into shallow right, and Hoffpauir makes a nice belly-flop dive for the catch.
  • And after turning the wrong way, Hoffpauir catches a drive from Hernandez at the warning track.
Inning 9 - Top
  • Diaz in to play left, and Rafael Soriano in for Gonzalez. Double switch.
  • Blanco swings and falls to a knee, but manages to single into left field.
  • Bradley hits for Hart, K's swinging at a pitch in the dirt.
  • Theriot also K's swinging at a tough slider.
  • Blanco takes second uncontested.  3-0 to Fukudome.  Walks.  Tying runs on base for Jake Fox, two outs.
  • Fastball strike 1 to Fox.
  • A bit of a hanging slider, Fox is out in front of it, strike 2.
  • Fastball on the low and outside corner, perfect pitch, called strike 3.  12 stranded for the night.
Inning 9 - Bottom
Parachat Recap
Inning 1
  •   Settling in.
  • Andrew, CincyKid rally the forces for a good parachat to recap...
  • Sawing him off at the bat knob.  Oh my.
  • The McLouth trade.
  • Braves' shabby treatment of Glavine.
  • CincyKid gets his first "oh,honey!" task of marriage.  In the middle of a Cubs game. 
Inning 2
  • Oh my. 
  • More on the Pirates
  • How hot IS it?
  • Drugs to take when going with the kids to see Transformers.
  • Remembering when we regretted trading away Willis, and knew that Lee was finished.
  • Is it too early to mention Dempster's pitching a hmm-hmm?
    • yes, damnit, that's why I called it a hmm-hmm and not a no-no, Cincy Kid.
      • damnit, now you made me do it.
  • Beltran onthe DL
  • Father's day gifts.
Inning 3
  • What did Andrew and AngelFanWife get Rob for father's day?
  • Jacos declares that Charlie Brown would be justified in smacking Lucy.
  • Newport.
  • Do I dress like Charlie Brown?
    • No.
  • It's Rob's birthday.  Way to have been born, Rob.  We're proud of you.
  • Rob and Al are Friends.
  • Torrance, CA.
  • Ammonia sniffing
  • Eamus-catuli's overly technical explanation of his connection to the porn industry.
  • I am very, very confused.
  • In the midst of all the talk about the porn industry, Ryno emits a curious *groan*

Inning 4
  •  No one cares about Whip's health
  • Is getting traded from Pittsburgh to Atlanta really an improvement?
  • Attempting to list Cox's couches [sic] that go on to manage
    • Sofa, so good!  Hah!  I crack myself up
  • Horror Punk.
  • Guys your age who are dead.
  • Eye shit.
  • The price of dairy is doubling?!
  • Chicago politics.
  • Bible tokers.
  • Hoffpauir deserves a head-start when he plays defense.
  • Craving some Anderson.
  • "If ballplayers were animals, Hoffpauir would be a holstein" - Ryno.
  • Milking ballplayers.
  • Remember when Hendry went after.....
    • Garret Anderson
    • Jason Schmidt
    • Jake Peavy

Inning 5
  •  Making a backwards K in parachat.
  • Moneyball, the Movie
  • Holy Moly, it's Chad.
  • Theriot's throws from short, compared to Dunston's.
  • Re-hashing some TCR drama between parachatters that took place in the comments, that I know virtually nothing about to begin with, and understand even less about, now that I've followed along in the re-hashing session.   It appears that they've kissed and made up.  Except I didn't see nearly enough kissing.
  • Explaining away Sosa's "false positive."  heh.
  • Hitting like leadoff men, sans the sub-.300 OBP and the power.
  • Time to retire the song "Jump"?
    • never.
  • Parachat flaunts its old-school street cred. Hilarity ensues.  Only no one seems aware that it's ensuing.
  • Pulling a Trans.
  • Jewdicious.  lolol  
Inning 6
  •  The Fatburger and Sliders.
  • Ryno misses steroids.
    • So do the A's
  • Paul Noce warns us about cocaine.
  • A's who've been linked to steroids.
  • "Marmol hit wells with a pie yesterday in the tunnel... only took 3 tries to hit him" - Crunch
  • The Girl from Ipanema
  • Most important AB of the game so far, and Parachat is telling jokes like "What did the Drummer get on his IQ test?  Drool."  Good grief.
  • Racing Tools.
Inning 7
  •  Panning the decision to keep Dempster in.
  • Recipies.
  • odd moving parings.
  • AC/DC.
  • the NY Punk scene of the 1970s.  Because it hasn't been discussed enough, by enough people who fit this profile.
Inning 8
  •  Clearly, I'm missing something about this photo.  It must be a pun on something I'm too young to know about.
  • Parachat degenerates into wanton obscurantism as an end unto itself.
Inning 9
  • Parachat is going to buy me a third monitor and an intern, so that I may watch all the allegedly hillarious things Whip, Crunch and Paul Noce are finding on youtube.  My cup runneth over.
  • If I stop recapping, the terrorists win.
  • I stop.
  • Crap.
Cubs' record in games recapped on the computer that isn't powered by hampsters drops to 2-2. 
Tags

Comments

i really hate lou pinella. was anyone shocked that dempster couldn't get out of the 7th? why didn't he bring in marshall to face chipper? chipper is a weaker hitter from the right side followed by 2 lefties. and he lets dempster hit for himself to lead off the 7th. genius. and jake fox batting 3rd? oh and why is soriano and bradley sitting on the same day? i get it if guys need rest but Jesus!

[ ]

In reply to by Chad

The Bullpen really needed a rest with all the work it had gotten recently. So in a 1 run game I can see why he would try to maximize Dempster's outing. Anyways it was going to be Miles PH'ing for him anyway. Do you think it was likely that he would get a hit? The most aggresious non call to the bench was the Cubs previous at bat not sending Bradley out there. Vazquez was having control issues that whole inning and Blanco is not a patient hitter, while Bradley is the most likely person on the draw a walk. My guess is that Vazquez would be hestiant to go 1-0 to him that the first pitch would be a fastball in the zone, which Bradley could have been able to turn into a 2-run double at the least.

thought make-up game meant exhibition game?

Totally off topic, but did anyone catch the CWS game last night? It was a lot more exciting than watching the Cubs game, that's for sure. Anyway, LeMahieu came up huge with a game-tying double in the 9th (and had a HR in the 7th as well). LSU went on to win in the 11th. I don't if he's going to be a good pro or not, but he sure is fun to watch as a college player.

In the Sun Times, Ramirez says he "couldn't be happier" where he is and that he hasn't had any setbacks. But the Tribune quotes him as saying he is going to be in pain throughout the rest of the season. Having some trouble reconciling those...

I just noticed I have 3 mentions in this recap. I'm honored and grateful. I'd like to thank my mom, my agent, and God... I love you all *tears up*

[ ]

In reply to by granolaCUB

That was a really long game. Really long. I moved down to right behind the 3rd base dugout and hit my knees on the dugout as I jumped up. When Hill hit that ball I swore repeatedly, "Holy Shit... Holy Shit... HOLY SHIT! That was the hardest hit... HOLY FUCKING SHIT! THE DUDE ON THE ROOF HAS THE BALL! HE HIT THE BALL ONTO THE FUCKING ROOF! I am pretty sure that has never happened before!" If that is the greatest play I ever witness in person then I will die a happy man. If there is a better play I personally witness then that will be simply epic.

On a side note, Jay Jackson came through with another fantastic outing last night (okay, that's overstating it, I'd like to see him go longer more consistently). An interesting debate I was having with someone is how to view Jackson's "potential". That is, is he a potential "TOR" (say, a "2"), or is he more of a mid-rotation guy. To be honest, I've never found it all that interesting to draw that fine delineation (as I often use "2/3" as a numerical projection), but the comment had me thinking and I was curious what people thought about Jackson's potential as of now. Stuff wise, if his change keeps progressing, I think he's got that "TOR" #2 caliber stuff. Performance wise, it looks that way as well, provided he continues to refine his command. Anyhow, Jackson is certainly the most exciting guy in our system right now, IMO, and he's making the gap between Vitters and the rest very close (or maybe it should now be Vitters/Jackson, and maybe even Cashner, and the rest - Cashner had another solid outing today, 4 ip, 1 h, 4 K's).

[ ]

In reply to by The Real Neal

I don't expect Jackson to be anywhere near Harden or Oswalt when both were at the top of their game. When healthy, Harden was one of the most dominant arms out there, in the elite level. From 2001-2006, Oswalt was one of the top pitchers in the game. In Harden's case, health has always been an issue, and in Oswalt's case, I think father time has caught up a bit. Short of it is, I'm not expecting Jackson to be a "legit 1", as there are only about 10-15 of those guys in any given season. Whatever the delineation between a "2" and a "3" is, I don't claim to know how people draw that fine line(as I noted in the post). That said, the idea of Jackson being a potential top of the rotation guy versus a middle of the rotation guy, well, I'd make the argument that he is in the former. Again, all we're discussing is potential, but with 2 plus pitches and the makings of a solid 3rd pitch, no serious mechanical issues that have been noted, a healthy K rate in AA and an improving BB rate, I don't see why he wouldn't be considered for that.

[ ]

In reply to by toonsterwu

Well, you just don't know what wishcasting means. Athletic, comparatively short right handed pitcher with a very good fastball. Oswalt, for instance, didn't really take off until he hit AA age 22. Jackson isn't doing quite as well, but he's a little younger. He probably doesn't have the same fastball that Oswalt discovered that year, but it still seems to be a pretty good pitch.

[ ]

In reply to by Andy

from Sandberg's wikipedia page: "In 1990, Sandberg led the National League in home runs–a rarity for a second baseman–with 40. Sandberg was only the third second baseman to hit 40 home runs... Sandberg, Brady Anderson and Barry Bonds are the only players to have both a 40-homer (1990) and 50-steal (1985) season during their careers." Not very good company to share that record with.

Maybe this has been covered, but Peoria has six players, including three starters, on the East squad in the Midwest League all-star game tonight. Starters are Harrison, Vitters and Burke. Subs are Ridling, Carpenter and Buchter. Ridling won the HR derby yesterday.

back to the same old, with a DH... Sori, Theriot, Bradley, DLee, Hoffpauir (DH), Soto, Fontenot, Blanco and Z vs Granderson, Polanco, Cabrera, Thames, Kelly, Inge, Ordonez, Laird, Santiago and E Jackson (edit is my friend)

Gameday had Zumaya hitting 103 mph on his fastball. A majority of his pitches were at 100+. Unbelievable. Even more unbelievable, he throws an 85 mph change-up over the heart of the plate to Hoffpauir, who (after missing on the fastballs) clobbers it into the right field bleachers for a 2-run HR. Thank you, Micah Hoffpauir. Thank you, Joel Zumaya.

The thing that really sucks is now I can't even wish we still had Woody. Ah well -- Gregg did have 9 straigt outings without giving up a run. Last time was....when he served up a 2 run bomb to blow a win for Wells.

bwhahah...vlad cut his dreds today because he's been having trouble fitting his hair into his helmet. get a new helmet that's bigger with 10 lbs. less pine tar on it...or cut your hair...hmmm....

Blah blah blah, Kevin Gregg sucks... Kevin Gregg blows... blah blah blah... After you guys settle down I hope you'll realize blown saves happen. If Gregg makes a habit of it then we can talk.

Hendry is fucking idiot. Can't sign Wood, fine. Make Marmol the closer. If he can't hack it, trade later. i have this dream that through some bizarre set of circumstances i inherit the cubs tomorrow. first thing i do is go and fire lou pinella at home plate and pull Brenly out of the booth to manage the rest of the season. then i fire Hendry by twitter.

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).