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

NEVER go to the grocery 3 hours before the Superbowl.


(Click on image for full size)

Man, why me?

There were a MILLION idiots at the Jewel buying chips and salsa and beer for the Superbowl, and they were all in line in front of me. Why?  Well apparently I was one of those idiots too.
I enjoy the diverse population around my hood. My neighbors are from all over the world and white collar and blue collar and politicians and cops and cleaning ladies and cab drivers and construction guys, among other things.

But one thing I HATE is when someone decides that the fastest way for them to get up to the cash register at the grocery store is to pretend they don't understand that there's a line a mile long behind me, the next guy in line.

And so it was with this Old Hag who cut in front of me.

I explained the fact that I'd been waiting for EVER to buy my chips and salsa and beer, but she just turned around like I said nothing.

Maybe she had a problem hearing or something - she was pretty old.

You know that area in front of the cash registers where usually the lines go back maybe a cart or two? And then there's a space between the end of the line and where the aisle starts - that space just big enough for someone with a cart to go by? Lets call that the Common Decency Area.

Well, the lines here were WAAY past that Common Decency Area - each line went halfway up each aisle. But out of Common Decency, you leave the Common Decency Area open for the person still shopping. It was about a 4 foot gap between me in the aisle and the person at the checkout (see schematic below).



(Click on image for full size)

In hindsight, given the extra grocery store pressure from the Bowl, I should have been an asshole and taken over the Common Decency Area. Because had I blocked that area off, maybe the Old Hag wouldn't have thought she could just cut in.

But I didn't.

And when the Old Hag cut in front of me, I totally caved.

I stated my case to her and got no response. I looked for help from my spineless fellow line-waiters and got nothin'. They instead pretended it wasn't happening.

So I caved.

But in my head? Man did I ever give it to her.

Old hag.

And one thing for sure, I AM NEVER going to the grocery a couple hours before the Bowl.

Only an idiot would do that.

The Bowl, by the way, was pretty entertaining.

New Orleans' head coach Sean Payton - he sure waited to get on that big stage before pulling out his bag of tricks.

And my chips and salsa were delicious, by the way.

Tags

Comments

CBlue: you really took the time to draw that up? Do you need a job? Let me see what I can do. Are you good with Illustrator? EDIT: I wouldn't be trying to help you with getting a job if I didn't enjoy the brilliant graphics. Just saying.

Too bad you didn't have the presence of mind to snap a photo of her credit card and post it on the Internet. I could have had my 2010 fantasy baseball dues paid. Don't get me wrong, I don't condone criminal activity, but I do enjoy payback.

[ ]

In reply to by Ryno

those are the same kind of people (opportunistic line cutters) who park in the fire/loading lane in front of the grocery to go inside and shop because they don't want to walk the extra 20-200 feet. around here you can tell if someone's gonna pull that because they tend to have a bunch of bumper stickers on their vehicles complaining about government and pushing their moral agenda. i guess this is their way of getting some extra privilege to make the universe even out...somehow "getting something easy" makes things a little better in between all the self-victimization caused by mysterious overlord government/moral forces trying to drive them into extinction. i reserve my own person "hey asshole!" call-outs for those JERKS who park in handicap spaces. i've personally been responsible for 3 people getting $200 tickets and i wish i could have made 10x+ that amount over the years.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

i'm not a fan of those who seem to think you need to leave 1+ car length in front of you at a stop. i have NO idea where this is coming from, but the past 4-5 years it's been in full force. i love being blocked from getting into a turning lane because 5-6 cars take up the space of 8-10 cars the traffic flow was designed for...not to mention almost rear-ending people who seem to think you need to keep 6-10'+ between their car and the one in front of them. that said...road rage isn't my thing. i hate cars...HATE. no love for those over-priced HORRIBLE investments. i just want to get where i'm going and get back without putting emotion into the experience.

[ ]

In reply to by thedirtbag

Depends on the meaning of the word handicap. Remember when Arnie in the truck talked about handicaps at Maywood park? Do you long for the days when they had a psuedo-scientific contest to rename handicap to a more contemporary er...name? "Harness challenged" "artful assistance" (??) In the end, people just found the word handicap to be the expression of choice. Sorta like choosing miles over metrics. We are all empty, my friend. So the guy never had to change his name from Aaron Miles to Aaron Kilos. It's the circle of life. Blue helmets can stay home - they are not needed. We are all safe because of the Monroe doctrine. Safe, that is, until we get in the Jewel line and near the "Common decency area." (maybe that's what they should call the Cubs' Arizona ticket surcharge...THAT would stop these lawsuits in their tracks!!!)

Old hag must've been Betty White - she was in a hurry so she didn't miss her ad. ~~~ Cubs need a statute of Ernie Banks and Harry Carey. That would be nice. ~~~~~~~~~~ Didja notice winter is back? Damn goobermint. I'm gonna get me one of those bumper stickers...

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

So, his reasoning is that the Cubs only play the other Cactus League teams a couple of times each spring, so it is wrong to tax all of the tickets for all of the Spring Training games. Of course, the only other alternative is to tax something else in Arizona (hotel rooms, restaurant meals, etc.) that have next to nothing to do with baseball or the Cactus League. In addition to taxing tickets, the proposed legislation includes a tax on rental cars that will be used to build the Cubs' new facility. Of course, no one associated with the Cactus League seems to be upset about that part of the proposal. I guess the tax is only a bad idea when it directly involves the other MLB teams. These knuckleheads (including Reinsdorf) are going to screw around until time runs out and the Cubs shift their focus to Florida. Then we can hear the owners cry poor when the Cubs fans stop buying tickets to their games. The Cubs may not be the whole Cactus League (as Mr. Pies point out), but they are by far the biggest draw. It sounds to me like the other owners (and Mr. Pies) are irritated that such a big deal has been made about the huge financial impact the Cubs have on the Cactus League and the Arizona economy. If the other owners don't wise up, their pride is going to end up driving the Cubs out of the state. The folks in Naples must be loving this.

back to Twins on minor league deal....

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

My understanding is that the proposed Spring Training complex in Naples was supposed to be financed with private funds, with the exception of a bed tax that is already in place (the Collier County hoteliers already approved spending the money on the Cubs complex) and about $1 million in state funds that are already earmarked to attract a team to Florida. Reinsdorf et al are sure making it easy for the Cubs to justify a move.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

One thing Reinsdorf has going for him though is the other owners, I believe he's pretty well-liked among his peers. He can probably whip them up in to a frenzy and put pressure on the new guy. On the other hand, I'm not exactly sure what say they have on it. other than leaving Arizona when their leases up, I don't know what they could do about a state-mandated tax...guess it depends on their deals.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

TCR 2: Revenge of the TCR is now open. All of last year's managers were re-invited. But if someone knows they don't want to play again, let us know asap so we can fill the slot. Yahoo is way improved this year. FREE Stattracker! Also, they added auction drafts. I've never done that format, and I'm buy-curious about it.

[ ]

In reply to by John Beasley

and I'm buy-curious about it.
Booooo! Hissss! In all seriousness: I'm getting excited. Spring is just around the corner. And I'd also like to formally request a few more seconds to decide in the live draft. An extra 15-20 seconds would be great.

"I talked to Mark O'Neil [trainer] last week, and he said he is coming along fine," Hendry said. "If he starts April 15 that will be fine. I don't see it being anything unless there is some kind of setback that happens in camp. It was a real minor procedure. In fairness to Ted, we're not going to rush him either. If he's 95 percent on Opening Day then we will wait until he is 100 percent." http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/news/story?id=4900494

Does anyone remember that game when Wellemeyer came in and ushered in some really mean ass changeups? I think it was in an extra inning game against a nemesis but I just can't remember who. Anyway, he is a perfect example of how one game can influence a non stats head like me. I have always liked him for that one appearance. The Giants just signed him to a minor league contract and I'm gonna continue to root for him, dammit.

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).