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

Devin Hester's already in Pete Carroll's head

I read that Pete Carroll thinks the best way to contain Devin Hester is to, well, to go ahead and kick to him and just, you know, do a better job on coverage.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

It's like the Bears have this license to cheat with Hester. They start the game right off showing that extra ace - they don't even have to hide it in their sleeve.

And you know that ever since Seattle beat New Orleans, Hester has been gnawing away at Pete Carroll's brain.
So... just thought I'd give that gnawing a gname - the Hester Fester.

By the grace of the Football Gods, 2 tickets fell into my hands yesterday.
I emailed Carlson immediately, but he's already hosting a Bear's party.
Then I got ahold of Morgan.
The last time we went to a Bears playoff game?

That would be January 12th, 1986.
Bears 24, Rams nothin'.
Singletary and snow, and no place to go for Eric Dickerson.

Couple weeks later, they won The Bowl.

My eyes just rolled back into my own head.

Comments

Oh man, I am SO hoping for a Bears-Packers NFC Championship game at Soldier Field, the week before will be absolute nuts. The kids use the word "epic" a bit too much anymore, but this game.....this would qualify. Just get it done against Seattle, please.

Singletary had the benefit of a great d-line and two amazing stud athletes playing at outside linebacker. If Singletary hadn't had bulging eyes that TV camera men and directors fell in love with, he wouldn't be in the Hall of Fame. Hell of a head coach though, I will give him that. I always think of that game as Wilbur Marshall in the snow.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

No he wasn't great. He had less career interceptions than Ron Rivera. He had less than Richard Dent! He was known for his crazy eyes and busting helmets at Baylor. Along with Joe Namath one of the most overrated players of all time. And I was being sarcastic about his coaching. Hell of a gay rights activist though.

[ ]

In reply to by Newport

Singletary amassed an incredible number of tackles because Hampton, Dent and the speed of the outside linebackers funneled the running games of other teams right at Singletary. And they would rather take their chances with him than the others. When Hampton and Dent were diminished and then gone, Singletary was exposed. And seven interceptions for a middle linebacker with the career longevity that Singletary had is absurdly poor. Doug Buffone, no HOFer, had more than three times as many. Singletary had hands of steel and was just the better than average hub of a great defense. That Singletary is in the Hall and Dent is not is a sham. Singletary was really good. Sort of the Ken Boyer of football. Although that may be overrating him a bit. He should not be in the HOF.

[ ]

In reply to by The Real Neal

Having seen Mike Singletary in person many times, and of course on TV, I am wondering if you who say he was "overated" are just looking at stats (and tackles stats are not easily - if at all - available during his time) and did not actually see the talented player during his heyday. The Pro Bowl selections at the time were via player vote - not fan. He was a to be reckoned with. I'd agree (shockingly) with NEAL above with respect to him making things easier for Dent, and other members of the front four - and that I recall Singletary having 15-22 tackle games regularly during a five-year period. He was a force in the middle, and teams schemed around him. That is ultimate respect. The Bears were fortunate to have three fantastic HOF players at MLB - Butkus, Singletary, and Urlacher.

[ ]

In reply to by jacos

All-Pro Teams Year Team Level Voters 1983 1st Team All-Conf. Pro Football Weekly 1983 1st Team All-Conf. UPI 1983 1st Team All-NFL Newspaper Ent. Assoc. 1983 1st Team All-NFL Pro Football Weekly 1984 1st Team All-Conf. Pro Football Weekly 1984 1st Team All-Conf. UPI 1984 1st Team All-NFL Associated Press 1984 1st Team All-NFL Pro Football Writers 1984 1st Team All-NFL Newspaper Ent. Assoc. 1984 1st Team All-NFL Pro Football Weekly 1984 1st Team All-NFL Sporting News 1985 1st Team All-Conf. UPI 1985 1st Team All-NFL Associated Press 1985 1st Team All-NFL Pro Football Writers 1985 1st Team All-NFL Newspaper Ent. Assoc. 1985 1st Team All-NFL Sporting News 1986 1st Team All-Conf. Pro Football Weekly 1986 1st Team All-Conf. UPI 1986 1st Team All-NFL Associated Press 1986 1st Team All-NFL Pro Football Writers 1986 1st Team All-NFL Newspaper Ent. Assoc. 1986 1st Team All-NFL Pro Football Weekly 1986 1st Team All-NFL Sporting News 1987 1st Team All-Conf. Pro Football Weekly 1987 1st Team All-Conf. UPI 1987 1st Team All-NFL Associated Press 1987 1st Team All-NFL Pro Football Writers 1987 2nd Team All-NFL Newspaper Ent. Assoc. 1987 1st Team All-NFL Pro Football Weekly 1987 1st Team All-NFL Sporting News 1988 1st Team All-Conf. Pro Football Weekly 1988 1st Team All-Conf. UPI 1988 1st Team All-NFL Associated Press 1988 1st Team All-NFL Pro Football Writers 1988 1st Team All-NFL Newspaper Ent. Assoc. 1988 1st Team All-NFL Pro Football Weekly 1988 1st Team All-NFL Sporting News 1989 1st Team All-Conf. Pro Football Weekly 1989 1st Team All-Conf. UPI 1989 1st Team All-NFL Associated Press 1989 1st Team All-NFL Pro Football Writers 1989 1st Team All-NFL Pro Football Weekly 1989 1st Team All-NFL Sporting News 1990 1st Team All-Conf. Pro Football Weekly 1990 1st Team All-Conf. UPI 1990 2nd Team All-NFL Associated Press 1991 1st Team All-Conf. UPI 1991 1st Team All-NFL Associated Press 1991 1st Team All-NFL Sporting News

I just need to go on record as saying that I've never felt this was a very good football team. I know there was an article by David Haugh today saying it would be a classic disappointment if the Bears lose. But I still have no confidence in this O-line at all, and, despite my pro-Cutler arguments in another thread, I do always fear that Bad Jay could show up on any given day. I hope I'm wrong. These guys just don't get me all giddy and make me think "Can't wait for that Green Bay game!"

Bear down Chicago bears so they can get their asses kicked next week. :)

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

I think that is a potential, however, with the game in Chicago, and the last two games very competitive (the Bears having nothing to play for leaving many plays on the table) I do not think it will be a blowout unless the Bears get more than 10 pts behind. The D will come to play. Of that you can be sure. ================================================ Let me rephrase. IF we get "The Good Jay" against the Packers, ROB G, Green Bay ain't gonna be kicking no Bear Asses. A "good Jay" and a sound defensive strategy (if its possible), and it is gonna be a great game possibly decided by 3.

All I can say is -- it's sure good to be wrong sometimes. The O-line actually looked really good today. Cutler had all day on most plays, and Forte had some seams. If Martz hadn't made that perplexing call with Forte where he tossed that interception late in the game, the game would have been even more of a blow out than it was. A trick play with a big lead late in the game?

Richard Dent needs to finally make the hall of fame. Singletary was a by product of all the really good players around him,no one mentions Ming Mcmichael he made alot of players jobs easier, not to mention he did own bears record for most games played which was broken this year by ________

Burgess's third gaudiest number might be his home runs, 72, compared to, say, Josh Vitters' 33. They were drafted the same year. His second gaudiest number is his strikeouts, 473 compared to Vitters' 192. But Burgess's gaudiest number is his outfield assists, 53, including 26 at Hagerstown (low A) in 2008! BA named him the best outfield arm in the Carolina League (high A) in 2010.

I've never really been enamored with Gorzo's pure stuff. Probably at the peak of his value to a team, as a player right now. I actually like the trade if its Burgess and a couple of decent arms coming back. A rare "Sell High" from Jimbo!

For AZ Phil-- Lots of good comments on the Daily Herald blog regarding the Cubs' view of some key minor leaguers, as revealed at the Cubs convention. Here is the link: http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/5080 I'm wondering whether you can add anything regarding three prospects in particular: Vitters (he is not sounding like he has the mental toughness to be a big leaguer); Carpenter (he can throw 99? Really?); and Jay Jackson (sounds like they want to convert him to a reliever).

[ ]

In reply to by Jim Hickmans Bat

Submitted by Jim Hickmans Bat on Mon, 01/17/2011 - 10:07pm. For AZ Phil-- I'm wondering whether you can add anything regarding three prospects in particular: Vitters (he is not sounding like he has the mental toughness to be a big leaguer); Carpenter (he can throw 99? Really?); and Jay Jackson (sounds like they want to convert him to a reliever). ============================================================ JIM H: I've mentioned Vitters' "California Dude" laid-back attitude and lackadaisical approach to baseball (especially defense) as being an issue. He showed more intensity in the AFL last October-November than I had seen in the past, and hopefully he will continue to work hard and develop a bit more fire in his belly in 2011 as he begins to realize that he is nearing his Big Chance. Chris Carpenter touched 100 MPH several times in the AFL. He's the type who throws with significantly greater velocity when he knows he is going to pitch just one inning and doesn't have to pace himself or establish his secondary stuff. I think the Cubs will use Carpenter as a stater at Iowa in 2011 to get him more innings of experience and force him to use his secondary stuff, but his future at the big league level (at least if he remains a Cub) is probably as an 8th inning set-up guy. Jay Jackson is one of the best hitting pitchers in minor league baseball, and you take that part of his game away if he is used out of the pen. He could probably even play CF if he fails as a pitcher. To me, J. Jackson is a top prospect only if he is used as a statting pitcher (so he can hit). That doesn't mean the Cubs would not use him in relief if they have a need there, but he really projects more as a starting pitcher. If the Cubs don't have room for him in their rotation, they should think seriously about using him in a trade.

are 3.5 pt home underdogs...

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

Well, yes. Better point differential. But in two games against each other it is a total of 4 points. It is going to come down to which lines are going to control the L.O.S., and which D will fuck up the other's QB. IF all things become equal due to weather, performance, etc., then I believe Hester is gonna be the difference maker in a game of this magnitude. He is such a big game player it is insane. It is going to be really interesting to see what Marinelli comes up with to slow down Rodgers.

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).