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

Living On a What, Now?

After yesterday's heart-ripper-outer of a game, the Cubs have lost seven of eight for the first time since last June. They still have a four-game division lead and an 84.5% chance of winning the division, thanks to the Brewers losing five of their last seven, so things are not actually as bleak as they may seem. (And yes, the chances of them missing the playoffs entirely are very, very small. But we're not discussing that. Yet.). Still, with Zambrano and Harden in various levels of gimpitude, the collective angst here in Chicago is not unfounded. As Rob wrote earlier today, Harden is scheduled to pitch on Thursday, and Zambrano on Saturday, so we'll know more (and know just how freaked out to be) in a week or so.

In the meantime, maybe WXRT's Lin Brehmer is right and the Cubs are suffering under The Curse Of Jon Bon Jovi. Apparently the Cubs are playing "Living on a Prayer" during pitching changes. "Living on a Prayer"? Seriously?
It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not.
We've got each other and that's a lot for love
We'll give it a shot.
Whoah, we're half way there
Whoah, livin' on a prayer

I don't think "it doesn't make a difference if we make it or not" adequately captures the true feelings of Cubs fans (not to mention players and management). The Cubs aren't "living on a prayer," either; they're living on strong pitching (expect for the 9th inning yesterday), solid defense (ditto), and the best offense in the National League.

Of course, a textual analysis of the problems with "Living On a Prayer" doesn't address just how crappy Bon Jovi is. I mean, seriously, I understand how the desire to appeal to the widest possible audience often manifests itself in a rush to the lowest common denominator, but this is ridiculous.

I wish I had a long list of viable, higher-quality alternatives to offer, because we're all about solutions here at TCR, but alas the last few weeks have reduced my brain's capacity for that sort of critical thinking to almost nil. But for starters, how about "Nothing To Fear (But Fear Itself)" by Oingo Boingo?

I await better suggestions in the comments. In the meantime, I will officially add my voice to Lin Brehmer's: no more Jovi at Wrigley. Not now, not ever. Life's too short to listen to bad pop metal.

Comments

Journey-- Some will win, some will lose Some were born to sing the blues Oh, the movie never ends It goes on and on and on and on (chorus) Dont stop believin Hold on to the feelin

Queen "Princes Of The Universe" "Here we are.born to be kings. We're the princes of the universe. Here we belong.fighting to survive. In a world with the darkest powers. And here we are.were the princes of the universe. Here we belong.fighting for survival. Weve come to be the rulers of your world. I am immortal.i have inside me blood of kings. I have no rival.no man can be my equal. Take me to the future of your world..." Does this exaggerate the life and death importance of baseball?

I nominate just about anything by Kings of Leon. How 'bout "Molly's Chambers"? As long as it's a fast-moving song, it really doesn't matter; you can't tell what the fuck they are saying anyway. It was good enough for a Volkswagon commercial in 2003, why not good enough for pitching changes in 2008? Maybe some "King of the Rodeo," "Pistol of Fire," or "Four Kicks." I'd like to second the "Anything But Bon Jovi" movement, regardless. Also, I'll be honest, I could do without "Go Cubs Go," mostly just because it's bad music.

I heard "LOaP" when I went to a game a couple of weeks ago and similarly shook my head in disbelief. (I think it's "It doesn't really matter if we make it or not," not that it really matters what the lyrics to a damn Bon Jovi song are). A modest proposal for a replacement, made regardless of the likelihood that the band would approve the song's use, or that non-indie-snobs actually dig the song: Fugazi, "KYEO" ("The tools, they will be swinging / We will not be beaten down"). Wrigley needs nothing less than a little Dischord.

Off the top of my head I'd probabaly have to go with the Heartbreakers: I'm all mixed up, I'm all mixed up about, All mixed up about you And no I can't find no reason To explain the way that I feel I remember things being clearer At one t ime things were more real I'm all mixed up, I'm all mixed up about, All mixed up about you I'm not lookin' for sympathy I'm just frightened by this apathy Like footsteps way in back of me On a narrow street of stone And if time will answer all questions Then perhaps a film will be shown Everyone could mail-order tickets Yeah, you could sell a lot of shirts For the last picture show I'm all mixed up, I'm all mixed up about, All mixed up about you

The New Pornographers, "The Slow Descent Into Alcoholism" Scary Mansion, "Sorry We Took All Yr Money" And for Mr. Whipple... Radiohead, "Down is the New Up" :)

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In reply to by The Joe

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If we're talking Boingo, I prefer "Dead Man's Party:" I'm all dressed up with nowhere to go Walkin' with a dead man over my shoulder Waiting for an invitation to arrive Goin' to a party where no one's still alive CHORUS I was struck by lighting Walkin' down the street I was hit by something last night in my sleep It's a dead man's party Who could ask for more Everybody's comin', leave your body at the door Leave your body and soul at the door . . . (Don't run away it's only me) All dressed up with nowhere to go Walkin' with a dead man Waitin' for an invitation to arrive With a dead man . . . Dead Man . . . Got my best suit and my tie Shiny silver dollar on either eye I hear the chauffeur comin' to the door Says there's room for maybe just one more . . . CHORUS Don't run away it's only me Don't be afraid of what you can't see Don't run away it's only me . . . Seemed appropriate, given the Cub's recent difficulties.

Merle Haggard: I'll Prob'ly Never See You Eye To Eye A-gain This Letter's Meant To Be My Last Fare-well But You Need To Under-stand I'm Nearly Crazy You Need To Know My Life Has Gone To Hell Write Me Back And Tell Me Why It Ended Send A Letter That I Can Show My Heart I'll Be Somewhere Between I Love You And What You're Feeling Now Lookin' For A Place To Fall A-part Looking For A Place To Fall A-part Trying To Find A Place That I Can Leave My Heart I Need To Be Somewhere Hidin' When I Feel The Teardrops Start Lookin' For A Place To Fall A-part I Can't Seem To Justify Your Leavin' Me I'm Be-wildered As To How It All Came Down I Thought Everything Was Fine Until Your Phone Call The Call That Turned My World A-round Send Me Word And Tell Me Why It Ended I Need Some Final Proof To Show My Heart I'll Be Somewhere Between I Love You And What You're Feelin' Now Lookin' For A Place To Fall A-part

Reds Blow bases loaded - 0 out opportunity. Still 3-1 Brewers, Bottom 4 5-4 Phils, Bottom of 7. So despite the Phils and Brewers not doing well, they will have gained 3 and 3.5 games respectively over the last 9 days with wins today. Cubs need to turn it on. Now.

Lance Berkman just got whacked directly in the forehead on a throw by the catcher on an attempted bunt that got deflected by the runner. He has a welt the size of an orange on his forehead although he's staying in the game (7th inning). Weirdest thing I've seen in awhile.

Also from the Reds game tonight filed under "some things never change, no matter how absurd..." Corey Patterson was Dusty's leadoff hitter tonight. 0-4. Ended the night hitting .202, OBP around .239

Reds causing two blown saves in two days... of course this isn't in cincy and the irony of Cordero having to close it out is apparent.

Wooooooooo.... 5-4 final Reds are a nondenominational spoiler. Great catch by Jay Bruce for the 2nd out.

That's huge! Now, if I'm the Brewers...I start to panic. Only 3 ahead of the Phils for the WC. Absolutely amazing that the Astros are now within 5 of playoff spot.

Dear Reds, Yesterday I hated you, I cursed your very name, I wished for the obliteration of your franchise. Today I say, and I mean this in the most heartfelt of ways, boo yah. Yours, Pell Mell

2-6 homestand for the Brewers so far. Hopefully the Reds win tomorrow as CC & Sheets to follow on Wed & Thu.

I don't know about you, but I'm thinking that with the standings the way they are after the Reds' terrific win tonight, the Cubs are halfway there, whoa-oh, living on a...oops

CC & Sheets to follow on Wed & Thu. ---------------- Here's the probables as best as I can tell: Tues vs Reds, R. Ramirez (0-0) vs Suppan Wed vs Reds, Arroyo vs Sabathia Thurs vs Phillies, Sheets vs Moyer (although he pitched on sunday because of the sat. rainout...so they might use someone on a spot start) Friday vs Phillies, Parra vs Santana

Astros are 30-11 since July 26, including two 8 game win streaks. moved from 9 under .500 to 10 over. Before/After all star break: 2002: 4 under/10 over 2003: 6 over/6 over 2004: 0 under/22 over (48-26) 2005: 1 over/15 over(45-30) 2006: 3 under/5 over 2007: 11 under/5 under 2008: 7 under/17 over 7 straight years with a better record 2nd half. 18 under .500 in 1st half 82 over .500 in 2nd half The difference between 1st half and 2nd half is startling in itself...but more startling considering that they aren't good teams that get great...they are middling mediocre teams that suddenly wake up and can't be beat. Odd coincidence year after year after year.

i wondering about this weekends games in houston there seems to be a hurricane alert for texas looks like it will go south of houston but has mlb acknowledged this yet.

I will never truly defend the crap that is Bon Jovi, BUT the chorus of the song is actually appropriate: Whooah, were half way there Livin on a prayer Take my hand and well make it - I swear Livin on a prayer It's basically about having faith that everything will turn out right. Now, excuse my while I go puke.

[ ]

In reply to by Tito

I believe the objection, beyond the main idea that Bon Jovi is crap, is that the lyrics imply in their relation to the Cubs that this team needs a prayer. However, they've been in first place for a while and have been the best team in the NL. Needing a prayer isn't the right attitude anymore. They need something that implies they are working on total domination, not that they are hoping that they might actually win the game.

http://cubs.scout.com/2/787246.html Pitchers Ryan Acosta, RHP Jeff Beliveau, LHP Alberto Cabrera, RHP David Cales, RHP Chris Carpenter, RHP Andrew Cashner, RHP Miguel Corletto, RHP Diego Encarnacion, RHP Erik Hamren, RHP James Leverton, LHP Oswaldo Martinez, RHP Toby Matchulat, RHP Dan McDaniel, RHP Tommy Mejia, RHP Tarlandas Mitchell, RHP John Muller, RHP Jake Muyco, RHP Andres Quezada, RHP Jayson Ruhlman, LHP Dustin Sasser, LHP Brian Schlitter, RHP Aaron Shafer, RHP Luke Sommer, LHP Larry Suarez, RHP Steve Vento, RHP Catchers Mike Brenly Matt Cerda Robinson Chirinos Luis Flores Juan Medina Infielders Rebel Ridling, 1B Josh Harrison, 2B Jake Opitz, 2B Starlin Castro, SS Junior Lake, SS Carlos Morales, SS Jovan Rosa, 3B Josh Vitters, 3B Logan Watkins, 2B/SS Outfielders Tony Campana Brandon Guyer Dylan Johnston

[ ]

In reply to by jacos

9/16...but thanks for noticing. Means I'm doing my job well. (No joke) mlb.com would be doing their job better if the vader head was clickable to what it's supposed to be promoting.

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In reply to by big_lowitzki

I'd have to check but I think I started that sentence with the words "I'm not sure"--as in, I'm not sure that Pie will get a call-up. If Pie is his old self, he doesn't add any value, since Reed Johnson already deserves more playing time and does the things that Pie was supposed to, including (or especially) baserunning. Of course, if Pie is able to reinvent himself as a major-league-ready hitter, that's a different story. Since Pie may not get many at-bats this month, a lot is riding on how well he hits in the DR league this winter, where he usually bats .220-.230, just like in the majors. If he struggles again in the DR, he won't be a Cub next April, since according to AZ Phil they can't send him to the minors again.

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).