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

More Than One High Point for Cubs Today

Jose Guevara bounced a two-run single back through the box past a drawn-in infield, driving-in what proved to be the winning run, as the EXST Cubs scored six runs in the last two innings to blow open a close game and defeat the EXST A’s 7-1 in Cactus League Extended Spring Training action at Fitch Park Field #3 in Mesa this morning.

Jesus Morelli extended his hitting streak to 19 games when he beat-out an 8th inning infield single (a dribbler to 3rd base), and RHP Chris Huseby showed no evidence of wildness, throwing two perfect 1-2-3 innings, striking out three (all swinging).

Cubs Player Personnel Director Oneri Fleita, Minor League Hitting Coordinator Dave Keller, and about a dozen Cub scouts were at Fitch Park today (and have been there for most of the week), working out high school and college players in preparation for next week’s Rule 4 Draft (AKA “First-Year Player Draft”). One of the players who was at Fitch Park showing his wares was invited to play in today’s game, and he made the most of his opportunity.

High Point U. OF Nate Roberts hit lead-off and played CF for six innings, slashing an RBI single to left to put the Cubs on the board in the 3rd, then stealing two bases, before making a two-out over-the-shoulder running catch in deep right-center with his back to the infield to save a run in the 5th.

After graduating from Richmond Burton HS, the Spring Grove, IL native spent his freshman year at Northwestern University, before transferring to Parkland JC. He was selected by the Tampa Rays Rays in last June’s draft but did not sign, instead opting to transfer to High Point University in High Point, NC, where he was named 2010 Big South Conference Player of the Year after hitting 416/573/746 with 19 HR and 69 RBI and 36 SB (3 CS) in just 59 games. With all that on his resume, Baseball America ranked Roberts as just the 28th best draft prospect in the State of North Carolina.

Here is today’s abridged box score (Cubs players only):

LINEUP:
1a. Nate Roberts, CF: 1-3 (6-3, 1B, 6-4-3 GIDP, RBI, 2 SB)
1b. Kyung-Min Na, CF: 0-1 (6-3)
2. Alvaro Ramirez, DH #1: 1-4 (K, F-8, 1-U, 1B, R)
3. Jesus Morelli, RF: 1-4 (K, 4-3, 4-3, 1B, R)
4. Richard Jones, 1B: 2-4 (4-3, F-7, 1B, 2B, RBI, 2 R)
5a. Xavier Batista, DH #2: 1-2 (2B, 6-3)
5b. Wes Darvill, PH-DH: 1-1 (BB, 1B, R)
6a. Sergio Burruel, C: 1-1 (BB, 1B)
6b. Jose Guevara, C: 1-2 (1B, K, 2 RBI)
7. Arismendy Alcantara, SS: 0-1 (L-9 DP, 1-3 SH, BB, BB)
8. Pin-Chieh Chen, 2B: 0-3 (1-3, 4-2 FC, 4-6 FC, BB, RBI, SB)
9. George Matheus, 3B: 0-2 (BB, F-9, P-4, R)
10. Runey Davis, LF: 0-0 (2-U SH, BB, BB, R)

PITCHERS:
1. Chris Huseby – 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K, 2/1 GO/FO, 23 pitches (16 strikes)
2. Tarlandus Mitchell – 3.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R (1 ER), 2 BB, 2 K, 6/1 GO/FO, 52 pitches (38 strikes)
3. Carlos Rojas – 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 3/0 GO/FO, 22 pitches (17 strikes)
4. Hector Mayora - 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 1/2 GO/FO, 19 pitches (12 strikes)
5. Alvaro Sosa - 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 1/1 GO/FO, 25 strikes (14 strikes)

ERRORS: 3
1. 3B George Matheus – E5 (dropped line drive allowed batter to reach base safely – did not score)
2. 3B George Matheus - E5 (two-base overthrow error at 1st base allowed batter to reach 2nd base – did not score)
3. SS Arismendy Alcantara - E6 (fielding error allowed batter to reach base safely - did not score)

OUTFIELD ASSIST
CF Kyung-Min Na threw out runner 8-6-2 trying to score from 1st base on double to CF

ATTENDANCE: 12

WEATHER: Sunny and hot, with temperatures in the 90’s

The Cubs had a Camp Day yesterday, spending several hours taking BP, fielding practice, baserunning drills, PFP, and pick-off drills, before playing a nine-inning intrasquad game. The game was even more informal than the typical Cactus League Extended Spring Training game so it would be futile to try and make a box score out of it, but I can tell you that RHP (ex-SS & ex-LF) Dylan Johnston (2009 TJS rehab) got into his first game action of 2010, allowing two runs on three hits (two doubles and a triple) and a HBP in 1.1 IP, RHP Juan Yasser Serrano was extended to four innings, allowing four runs—but only one earned—on four hits, while retiring the last ten men he faced, and George Matheus had the big blow on offense, a bases-loaded triple off Serrano after a costly two-out error by 2nd baseman Arismendy Alcantara loaded the bases. In addition to Johnston and Serrano getting work, Austin Kirk threw four innings, Tzu-An Wang and Alvido Jimenez threw two innings a piece, and Danny Keefe, Andres Quezada, Jesse Ginley, and Jadel Mendez threw one inning each.

 

Comments

Lou on Byrd leading off: "Don’t ask me. That’s what we have. Over dinner last night we talked about our lineup and we’ll try this and see."

looked bad but staying in also obstruction by the catcher to save a run

OK, I humbly ask for some help. Cubs are down 3-1 in the bottom of the 8th. Lou obviously isn't too concerned about winning the game because he puts Howry in. But then Howry lets a guy get to third, and suddenly we can't give up a run so he puts Marmol in. If we can't give up a run, why not just pitch Marmol in the 8th (or leave Cashner in)? Can someone please explain the "logic" that is used here?

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

So he wanted to pitch Marmol, if the Cubs were to score 2+ runs in the top of the 9th, but when he realized that Howry was going to give up 1+ runs in the 8th (something you expect a guy with an 8 ERA to do) then it was important not to give up any runs in the 8th? It doesn't make any sense. If you want to win the game and think that a scoreless 8th is key to doing that, and you want to pitch Marmol, just pitch Marmol in the 8th. Or even turn your brain on and leave Cashner in.

[ ]

In reply to by The Real Neal

I could see Trammel serving as Sandberg's bench coach. They will want someone with major league managing experience to be his bench coach, but finding someone who has that who is also OK being second in command is not always that easy. Trammel fits that. And his demeanor, view of the game, place in the game as a star 1980s middle-infielder, etc. might meant that they would work well together. It might not, of course, but it's a possibility. So it is possible that Trammel would serve as the interim manager to finish out the season, and then becomes Sandberg's bench coach to start next season. I doubt they move Sandberg up in the middle of the year, he will be given the opportunity to be in place for an entire off-season before he starts so he can shape the roster.

[ ]

In reply to by The Real Neal

Trammel probably isn't going to take the job as an interim manager with Sandberg in AAA. don't see why not, not a lot of other offers pouring in for him and anything he can do to get the image of his Tigers day pushed to the backburner is probably good for him. Brenly, Sandberg, or Trammell would likely get the interim gig unless Grady Little wanted back in managing and Cubs didn't care about the PR storm. (Little was a coach in the Cubs organization before he took the Dodgers job and is allegedly on good terms with Hendry) of course the folly of letting Hendry pick a 3rd manager is beyond absurdity. Assuming this year ends without a playoff appearance, my guess would be Lou finishes the year and retires gracefully and Hendry is shown the door with the new GM getting to pick his manager.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

as if it matters. beyond keeping everyone from killing each other while traveling for 200 days baseball managers do so little besides letting everyone on the team know what their role is without ambiguity. we bring in sandy and he starts bunting everytime...what then? we bring in trammel and the 3/4 slots stay the same...what then? we bring in some other dude and blah blah blah... it's not like these guys show up with their secret playbook of team-specific plays you can football-style exploit. we celebrate the small strategies like shifts and when you can bunt down the line on a pitcher who falls off the mound unready to field or a 3rd baseman who can't throw worth a damn... hell, almost everyone here could do those in-game things we bitch about and the guys closer to the game sure as hell can. the next elderly person out there to take 3+ million from the cubs to pat players on the butt is usually just as good or bad as the one they replaced.

[ ]

In reply to by crunch

On this issue, you view things in black and white. There is a whole lot of grey area in the world, feel free to come on over. Am I looking for a magic fat man to turn the team around completely? Do I think the manager is more important than the players on the roster? No. I don't. But do I think that managers can make a difference? Yes. I do. Whether Colvin plays a lot or instead 4 games a month, or who (Zambrano) goes to the pen when you have too many starters, or how long Lee, Ramirez, and Soto keep starting and where they bat when struggling, or whether Casher is entrusted with the 8th inning or Howry gets to pitch there just because he is a veteran, etc, etc. are all decisions that can make a difference in wins and losses - whether you want to believe so or not. Again, no one is saying that the Cubs are struggling because Lou keeps hitting Ramirez 4th. MOST of the problem is the fact that Ramirez is struggling. But those small decisions do make a difference, and when there are many of them compounded throughout 162 games, the manager who makes those decisions does make a difference.

[ ]

In reply to by The Real Neal

yeah I read it, but Alan Trammell is not in the position to be biding his time cause there's no demand for him. I'm sure if it was offered to him, he'd take in the hope it would lead to another job or if he did well, the Cubs job. If he did do well or an improvement over Lou, and then they decided to still go with Sandberg or someone else, I do doubt he'd go back to being a bench coach. all theory anyway, Hendry didn't fire Dusty in 2006, I have doubts he'll fire Lou mid-season. He's been pretty adamant that he wants Lou as the manager as long as he's GM.

2B Theriot, RF Colvin, 1B Lee, CF Byrd, 3B Ramirez, LF Soriano, SS Castro, C Hill, P Dempster so at this point Lou's just putting pennies in the slot machine hoping to hit a jackpot.

Ramirez 158/222/263 .485 OPS Hill 224/255/265 .520 OPS Theriot: 280/308/308 .616 OPS Lee 234/342/365 .707 OPS Castro 301/350/398 .748 OPS Nady 260/333/429 .762 OPS Soto 251/401/405 .805 OPS Fontenot 310/358/460 .818 OPS Byrd 302/341/497 .839 OPS Fukudome 285/383/483 .867 OPS Soriano 298/363/579 .942 OPS Colvin 293/360/600 .960 OPS

stl wins 5-4 with winning run scored by aaron friggin miles who singled to lead off the 11th...reports miles was a double agent last year and was under orders from stl to disrupt the cubs 09 season

[ ]

In reply to by Tito

yeah, the "other side" never repeats itself. at least i'm not here every day picking apart lou's every move as if everything he does is somehow uniquely stupid and not replicated all over baseball. people take baseball managers way too seriously...i blame football, where in-game "managing" is a whole lot more important and costly to screw up. usually the worst thing a baseball fan has to worry about is why player A with a 30% chance of doing something is playing over player B with a 35% chance to do something or where these people bat in the lineup...pitcher substitutions...etc.

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).