Cubs MLB Roster

Cubs Organizational Depth Chart
40-Man Roster Info

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

42 players are at MLB Spring Training 

31 players on MLB RESERVE LIST are ACTIVE at MLB Spring Training, and nine players are on OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT to minors. 
11 players are MLB Spring Training NON-ROSTER INVITEES (NRI) 

Last updated 3-17-2024
 
* bats or throws left
# bats both

PITCHERS: 17
Yency Almonte
Adbert Alzolay 
Javier Assad
Jose Cuas
Kyle Hendricks
* Shota Imanaga
Caleb Kilian
Mark Leiter Jr
* Luke Little
Julian Merryweather
Hector Neris 
Daniel Palencia
* Drew Smyly
* Justin Steele
Jameson Taillon
Hayden Wesneski 
* Jordan Wicks

NRI PITCHERS: 5 
Colten Brewer 
Carl Edwards Jr 
* Edwin Escobar 
* Richard Lovelady 
* Thomas Pannone 

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

NRI CATCHERS: 2  
Jorge Alfaro 
Joe Hudson 

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

NRI INFIELDERS: 3 
David Bote 
Garrett Cooper
* Dominic Smith

OUTFIELDERS: 5
* Cody Bellinger 
Alexander Canario
# Ian Happ
Seiya Suzuki
* Mike Tauchman 

NRI OUTFIELDERS: 1 
* David Peralta

OPTIONED:
Kevin Alcantara, OF 
Michael Arias, P 
Ben Brown, RHP 
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF 
Brennen Davis, OF 
Porter Hodge, RHP 
* Matt Mervis, 1B 
Keegan Thompson, P 
Luis Vazquez, INF 

 



Minor League Rosters
Rule 5 Draft 
Minor League Free-Agents

Cubs Sign Kevin Millar

As spring training approaches, the Cubs are pulling out the heavy weapons to fill out their roster. Jerry Crasnick tweets that the Cubs will sign Kevin Millar to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training.

Year Age Tm G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS OPS+ GDP IBB
2004 32 BOS 150 588 508 74 151 36 0 18 74 57 91 .297 .383 .474 .857 117 16 0
2005 33 BOS 134 519 449 57 122 28 1 9 50 54 74 .272 .355 .399 .753 98 12 0
2006 34 BAL 132 503 430 64 117 26 0 15 64 59 74 .272 .374 .437 .811 111 14 3
2007 35 BAL 140 562 476 63 121 26 1 17 63 76 94 .254 .365 .420 .785 106 8 2
2008 36 BAL 145 610 531 73 124 25 0 20 72 71 93 .234 .323 .394 .717 89 8 3
2009 37 TOR 78 283 251 29 56 14 0 7 29 31 49 .223 .311 .363 .674 79 10 0
12 Seasons 1427 5382 4688 648 1284 296 15 170 699 564 838 .274 .358 .452 .810 110 117 17
BOS (3 yrs) 432 1725 1501 214 423 94 2 52 220 171 273 .282 .362 .451 .813 109 42 5
BAL (3 yrs) 417 1675 1437 200 362 77 1 52 199 206 261 .252 .352 .415 .768 101 30 8
TOR (1 yr) 78 283 251 29 56 14 0 7 29 31 49 .223 .311 .363 .674 79 10 0
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 2/1/2010.

As you can tell by the last four years, baseball has passed Millar by, but at least he'll get some per diem money in spring training. By some miracle, if Xavier Nady's rehab isn't going so well and he has to go to the disabled list to start the season, or Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Micah Hoffpauir and Chad Tracy all get hurt stepping into gopher holes at Fitch Park, I suppose Millar could make the team in a bench role.

Comments

Isn't Millar the guy that is always joking around in the media with Dempster whenever they play each other? I think that's him...

(Crusty the Clown laugh here). Swell. Nice guy, can't hit fo' shit anymore and slow. Comic relief fodder and that's about all he's worth. If we play .500 ball with this lineup, I'll be impressed. Reds got Aaron Miles. Look out

Cubs Sign Kevin Millar
Reds got Aaron Miles
... and just like that, the Pirates all of a sudden have 2010 playoff aspirations.

ESPN explains all- Gary Hughes, Chicago's assistant GM, signed Millar to his first professional contract with the Marlins in 1993 after he spent one season with St. Paul Saints in the independent Northern League. Blame Hughes. No wonder the Cubs are mad at Theriot. He wants their Millar Money.

[ ]

In reply to by jacos

Strongly disagree on that statement. Martz was offensive co-coordinator during the Rams heyday, not just turning Warner into a pro-bowl QB and possible hall of famer, but getting the absolute most of out Marshall Faulk and the receivers. Martz went to wasteland Detroit and even resurrected John Kitna, creating an offense that allowed Kitna to pass for 4,000 yards. In SF he never had a QB and ultimately didn't get along with the in-season newly appointed head coach who wanted an offense that resembles 1930's football. Now, will the Bears offense suddenly become 24 karat gold? No, they're the Bears. Angelo and Lovie will do their best to give Martz the worst talent in the league, and screw it up further by mismanaging that. But it's still a good hire, even more so when you look at most of the stiffs the Bears had been talking to, like guys who got fired after 1 year in Cleveland and 1 year in Atlanta, etc. -- As for the Millar signing, he had better only be Spring Training fodder. I can't see how they could fit him on the roster unless DLee is on the DL, and even then, I wouldn't want Millar. Just another "alleged" steroid cheating piece of crap. And a no-hit "alleged" steroid cheating piece of crap at that.

[ ]

In reply to by Paul Noce

i heartily disagree that he got the most out of Marshall Faulk... Kitna threw for 3,000 and 3,500 yards on bad Bengals teams before the Lions with similar completion percentages although he did do even better with the Lions. Frightening thought is how often Kitna got sacked in Detroit, 63 and 51.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

In 1999, winning the Super Bowl, the Rams leading receiver that year was Torrie Holt? Nope. Marshall Faulk - over 1000 yards rec. and over 80 catches. He got plenty out of him (Faulk). That was MArtz' M.O. - 60%-40% pass to run ratio. You can expect that our backs will be used as a check-down in the same manner. Olsen may get the ball more. But while I do not at all agree with NOCE that "Angelo will get the worst talent in the league", when you compare our talent just to the Central - other than Detroit - we are NOT on the same page talent-wise with G.B. and the Vikes. And the Lions have who I believe is a budding All-Pro at QB, plus a terrific #1 receiver. The team sold its soul to the devil with Cutler, and after the 2010 season, hopefully we will see wholesale changes.

[ ]

In reply to by The E-Man

That was MArtz' M.O. - 60%-40% pass to run ratio.
my point is that isn't a good M.O (and I would guess the disparity is higher, or at least it feels like it). too pass happy, too turnover happy, got to control the clock at times and I don't think a Martz offense knows how to do it.

What are you talking about? I can tell by Kevin Millar's 531 AB's and 20 HR's in 2008 that he's a capable every day player. The difference between Kevin Millar and Jake Fox? A short ride in Christopher Lloyd's Delorean.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

Submitted by Rob G. on Mon, 02/01/2010 - 4:16pm. If we can't be good, we'll be likable. =========== ROB G: This actually has been the Cubs Mission Statement since 1945, something Hendry apparently forgot when he signed Milton Bradley.

offered closing job in Florida, set-up job in Colorado...

[ ]

In reply to by The Real Neal

Well, I don't think Gregg is going to see a Wood-sized contract. But of course, the Cubs don't want him back because of the Cubs' often misplaced tendency to err on the side of the "voice of the fan". Get booed loud enough, and you won't be back. I'm not advocating for Gregg's return, per se, but I do think there's plenty of room for criticism of Hendry's reactionary tendencies. Similar to Bradley.

[ ]

In reply to by John Beasley

MLBTR reports that the Blue Jays have repalced the Marlins as the main competition for Gregg's services, with the Padres an outside possibility. Hmmmm....If the Blue Jays are dangling Frasor and/or Downs to the Cubs, why would they have an interest in adding Gregg?

[ ]

In reply to by Seamhead

Submitted by Seamhead on Tue, 02/02/2010 - 11:41am. MLBTR reports that the Blue Jays have repalced the Marlins as the main competition for Gregg's services, with the Padres an outside possibility. Hmmmm....If the Blue Jays are dangling Frasor and/or Downs to the Cubs, why would they have an interest in adding Gregg? ============================================= SEAMHEAD: Both Jason Frasor and ex-Cub Scott Downs will be MLB free-agents post-2010, so if the Jays can trade one of them for a pitching prospect or two while replacing the traded pitcher with a FA (like Kevin Gregg) making the same money (especially one that doesn't cost them a draft pick), they come out ahead.

[ ]

In reply to by Arizona Phil

Phil: Makes sense, as Downs is signed for a whopping $4m this year and Frasor for $2.65m. Gregg is going to take a hit against the $4.2 million he earned last year from us, and will likely take Frasor money or a bit more as a set-up man. Since the Cubs have made no movement on signing either Park or Calero, does the Blue Jays' interest in Gregg signal that the Cubs may indeed send a couple of prospects for Frasor? Do they even have that money available since Theriot is esentially holding about $500,000 hostage with his refusal to budge off of his $3.4 million arb demand?

[ ]

In reply to by crunch

Applying Phil's theory, the Jays would probably demand one from among the guys likely to be at AAA this year (Berg/Caridad/Stevens,etc.) and one from AA or below. That seems like a high price to pay when you take into account Frasor's salary as well. But if Hendry feels that we really need that one additional experienced bullpen arm and Park isn't budging...

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

Rob: Does Guzman's experience and $825k salary push him out of the "prospect" class at this point? If the Jays are looking to swap out guys like Frasor and Downs for up-and-coming kids, I'm not sure that Guzman fits the bill. Hendry would probably embrace the idea of sending back some salary in a Frasor swap, as it nets out for his strapped budget.

[ ]

In reply to by Seamhead

Submitted by Seamhead on Tue, 02/02/2010 - 12:21pm. Phil: Makes sense, as Downs is signed for a whopping $4m this year and Frasor for $2.65m. Gregg is going to take a hit against the $4.2 million he earned last year from us, and will likely take Frasor money or a bit more as a set-up man. Since the Cubs have made no movement on signing either Park or Calero, does the Blue Jays' interest in Gregg signal that the Cubs may indeed send a couple of prospects for Frasor? Do they even have that money available since Theriot is esentially holding about $500,000 hostage with his refusal to budge off of his $3.4 million arb demand? ========================================= SEAMHEAD: It's not clear to me exactly what Hendry's payroll budget is at this point. After signing Xavier Nady, Hendry said something like he wanted to thank Ricketts & Kenney for allowing him to spend the extra money needed to add Nady. That could mean Hendry was including the additional $2M in potential performance bonuses in his calculations (bringing Nady's potential 2010 salary up to $5.3M), because while post-season buy-outs are added to the following season's payroll, performance bonuses are figured (as contingencies) into a club's current season's payroll (which would mean Hendry probably figures he has already committed $136M+ toward the Cubs 2010 MLB payroll, including Nady's potential $2M in performance bonuses and the estimated $5M that Theriot and Marmol will likely get eventually). As for Theriot, even if the Cubs lose in arbitration and The Riot gets his $3.4M, that's not going to have a major negative impact on Cub payroll. If Nady reaches his max performance bonus ($2M) and Theriot gets $3.4M, that still would leave the Cubs projected 2010 payroll at $137M. So even if Hendry's absolute payroll ceiling is $140M (and I believe it has been reported that it's more like $143M), that should leave about $3M (or possibly as much as $6M) in available 2010 payroll that could be allocated toward a veteran MLB relief pitcher (like Jason Frasor) right now, although Hendry may want to hold $3M in reserve (perhaps the $3M that extends beyond $140M) in case he wants to make a mid-season trade or two. (Remember, a "$6M player" would cost the Cubs only $2M in 2010 payroll if the player is acquired at the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline, because there is only 1/3 of the season left at that point). If I had to guess, I would say Hendry figures right now he has about $3M (max) to spend on a veteran RH reliever with closer experience (to be a fall-back option in case Marmol gets hurt or implodes), and that $3M would pay for Jason Frasor's 2010 salary ($2.65M)--IF--the Cubs and Jays can agree on who the Jays would get back in the deal.

a 38 year old signed to a minor league deal... ...keep your panties on and your purse arm by your side, ladies. big f'n deal. cubs got 2 vet guys who may or may not make the team in him and tracy...meh...*shrug*...etc... but hey, he's no milton bradley. he's good for 100-110 wins if he makes the roster.

[ ]

In reply to by misterwhipple

Same as it ever was... (chops at forearm)

if you're looking for the user login, it's in the menu bar now... Rob G.

[ ]

In reply to by Ahone Ahtwo Ahthree

Back to our regularly scheduled programming... Gordon Wittenmeyer of the Sun Times weighs in on the Millar signing, and shrugs: "Millar, a 38-year-old right-handed first baseman on the decline the past several years, is not in the Cubs' realistic plans. Even with a good spring, there doesn't appear to be a spot for him to compete for in camp. The Cubs plan to carry five outfielders and just two backup infielders - one of them being the second baseman who's not in the Opening Day lineup (between Jeff Baker and Mike Fontenot). The other backup infielder has to be able to play middle infield - in particular, short - and Piniella already said he expected that guy to be Andres Blanco."

[ ]

In reply to by Seamhead

I don't see how bringing Millar in helps the team at all. It seems he will be stealing some valauble ABs away from someone in Spring Training who could use them to develop, like Soriano. In all seriousness, are they inviting him to impart a winning attitude or some leadership skills? Otherwise, why waste the spot?

[ ]

In reply to by Ahone Ahtwo Ahthree

I truly think that Hendry is simply doing Millar a favor by giving him an audiiton stage to demonstrate that he can still help someone, even if it isn't the Cubs. In return, Millar provides six weeks of comic relief for a ST that is probably about two weeks too long for everyone involved anyway. Seems like a fair deal.

[ ]

In reply to by Ahone Ahtwo Ahthree

a guy like millar would be great to have in spring given his attitude and the use of it in the past...and if he's willing to go to AAA he could probably keep the kids there loose while giving Iowa attendance something to look at. maybe he'll get an injury or sept. callup if things go good for him. meh...

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).