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 Draw Blanks at Indian School Park

Six pitchers combined to throw a five-hit shutout with ten strikeouts, as the Giants blanked the Cubs 4-0 in AZ Instructional League action at Indian School Park Field #2 in Scottsdale this afternoon.

Lanky 6’5 20-year old RHP David Henrie (2011 NDFA – Trinidad State JC) made his pro debut for the Cubs today, getting the start and throwing one inning. He allowed one run on a walk and two singles, and struck out one (the first man he faced, on three pitches). The Cubs signed Henrie last month after watching him pitch for the Arvada Colts in the Rocky Mountain Baseball League (a collegiate summer "wood bat" league) and a subsequent work-out for Cubs scouts at Fitch Park on August 15th.

Also making his pro debut today for the Cubs was 16-year old Venezuelan switch-hitting catcher Mark Malave. One of the top-rated 16-year old International players available at the start of the International Signing Period, Malave received a reported $1.6M bonus (equivalent to “1st round money”) this past July. He is a big dude (6'3), a typical catcher, bottom-heavy and barrel-chested. He was a DH today, and went 0-3 with two strikeouts (both swinging) and a 1-3 tap-out. He looked over-matched at the plate, but you have to remember he is the same age as a HS junior in the U. S. (he won’t turn 17 until next year).

21-year old RHRP Tony Zych (Cubs 2011 4th round draft pick out of the U. of Louisville) pitched the 6th inning. He came out firing high-velocity gas and a sharp-breaking slider, and had an easy eight-pitch 1-2-3 inning with lots of swings & misses and two strikeouts. I wouldn't be surprised if Zych ends up on the same track in 2012 as Kevin Rhoderick and Aaron Kurcz this past season, starting the year at Daytona.

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

LINEUP:
1. Zeke DeVoss, LF: 1-3 (1B, 1-3, P-1, PO)
2. Javier Baez, SS: 1-3 (F-8, K, 1B)
3. Rafael Lopez, DH #1: 0-3 (4-3, 4-3, 4-3)
4. Dan Vogelbach, 1B: 0-3 (K, K, 6-3)
5a. Reggie Golden, RF: 0-2 (K, L-4)
5b. Jeffrey Baez, RF: 0-1 (K)
6a. Dustin Geiger, 3B: 1-1 (1B, HBP, CS)
6b. Jeimer Candelario, 3B: 1-1 (1B)
7. Shawon Dunston, Jr, CF: 0-2 (F-7, 2-3 SH, L-5)
8. Mark Malave, DH #2: 0-3 (K, 1-3, K)
9. Carlos Penalver, 2B: 0-3 (6-3, K, F-9)
10. Neftali Rosario, DH-C: 0-2 (K, F-7)
11. Justin Marra, C-DH: 1-2 (K, 1B)

PITCHERS:
1. David Henrie: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 1 K, 23 pitches (16 strikes), 0/2 GO/FO
2. Charles Thomas: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R (0 ER), 0 BB, 4 K, 36 pitches (23 strikes), 0/1 GO/FO
3. Felix Pena: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R (2 ER), 0 BB, 3 K, 1 BALK, 36 pitches (23 strikes), 2/2 GO/FO
4. Tony Zych: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, 8 pitches (7 strikes), 0/1 GO/FO
5. Jose Rosario: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K, 23 pitches (16 strikes), 3/1 GO/FO

ERRORS: 3
1. 2B Carlos Penalver - E4 (errant throw at 1st base on single allowed batter-runner to advance to 2nd base)
2. RF Reggie Golden - E9 (dropped line drive allowing batter to reach base safely)
3. SS Javier Baez - E6 (fielding error allowed batter to reach base safely and unearned run to score)

ATTENDANCE: 37

WEATHER: Sunny & breezy with temperatures in the 90’s

Comments

Mark Malave is 16-years-old and already 6'3" with a barrel chest and heavy legs? Have to think that dude is eventually going to be really big and really strong. Hopefully that translates to power, cause it's not very likely to translate to defense or speed.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

Isn't that what he does best besides stumping for the city of Chicago to help him rebuild Wrigley (as if that's a good idea)? Really can't wait to see who he selects to replace Hendry. It will define my Cubs fan status for the foreseeable future.

Hey Arizona Phil, I know it's still a bit early but what is your impression of Jeimer Candelario? I have hopes that he'll be able to bypass Mesa next July a la Willson Contreras (though with more success at Boise than Contreras had).

[ ]

In reply to by Raisin101

Submitted by Raisin101 on Wed, 09/28/2011 - 9:48pm. Hey Arizona Phil, I know it's still a bit early but what is your impression of Jeimer Candelario? I have hopes that he'll be able to bypass Mesa next July a la Willson Contreras (though with more success at Boise than Contreras had). ================================= RAISIN: Jeimer Candelario has a sweet swing and can really drive the ball left-handed, but he is more of a punch hitter right-handed. So he is a lot like Marco Hernandez in that respect. Candelario has a big frame (he is bigger than Dustin Geiger) and looks like he could develop some significant HR power (at least LH) as he matures (he is only 17). He already is pretty strong (like bull). He shows some promise defensively and has a strong arm, but he has (at best) average speed, and so far he has been a "hacker" at Instructs. I cannot believe this is the same kid who racked up all those walks in the DSL. Perhaps he was told when he arrived at Fitch Park that his future will be as a middle-of-the-order run producer and so he needs to be more aggressive and not take so many pitches, because he certainly hasn't shown much patience or strike zone judgment so far. As for his future, I could see him getting to Boise in 2012. I think he is at the very least as good a 3B prospect as Wilson Contreras or Dustin Geiger. One other thing about Candelario is that he is very talkative in the field (he speaks English very well and doesn't have much of an accent). He has a loud comment after almost every pitch. I'm waiting for him to start going "hey batter... hey batter... hey batter... SWING!" The guy Candelario reminds me of is Steve Ontiveros, who played 3B for the Cubs in the 1970's.

AzPhil - I might've asked you this before, but what's your take on Geiger's chances of sticking at 3rd? Physically, it's hard to imagine him sticking there, but curious for your thoughts. Also, any early takes on how Jeffrey Baez looks? He's sort of been overshadowed by Candelario and Penalver, along with Malave, but he is a very intriguing talent.

[ ]

In reply to by toonsterwu

Submitted by toonsterwu on Wed, 09/28/2011 - 11:05pm. AzPhil - I might've asked you this before, but what's your take on Geiger's chances of sticking at 3rd? Physically, it's hard to imagine him sticking there, but curious for your thoughts. Also, any early takes on how Jeffrey Baez looks? He's sort of been overshadowed by Candelario and Penalver, along with Malave, but he is a very intriguing talent. ==================================== TOONSTER: I think Dustin Geiger has a chance to stick at 3B, even though he looks a lot more comfortable at 1B. I think he will likely begin the 2012 season back at Peoria as the Chiefs starting 3B and #5 or #6 hitter, but there is nobody blocking him at Daytona, so he could get promoted quickly if he shows the Cubs that he has mastered Peoria. While Zeke DeVoss, Shawon Dunston, Jr, and Trey Martin look like track guys, Jeffrey Baez is built like a football player (like a running back or an outside linebacker), and he isn't quite as fast as I thought he would be. He also looks more like a RF than a CF, and in fact he has played only RF so far at Instructs. He is VERY raw.

Castro finishes 6th in batting, 1st in hits, youngest ever to lead the league in hits. Tied for 9th in doubles, tied for 5th in triples. Ramirez finished tied for 9th in hits, 7th in batting. Pena finished 3rd in walks, 5th in K's. Campana finished tied for 14th in SB's. Garza finished 14th in ERA, 9th in K's Dempster tied for 11th in K's, also 5th highest in BB's allowed and 12th highest in Hits allowed. Marshall 3rd in Holds Marmol 10th in Saves, 1st in blown saves.

look on the bright side boston...you let wakefield get all those starts he shouldn't have gotten, but he got that important 200th win. lulz. i don't think i could take another offseason of BOS/NYY being in it, especially if it made it to the ALDS. btw, after tonight is there any doubt left that baseball is fixed? :[

[ ]

In reply to by The Real Neal

That sounds like a best case. Still curious how that slider plays in full-season competition, as the slider I saw last year wasn't fooling anyone. I think most of the pre-draft reports suggested it was a below-average slider. In terms of minor league arms that could be late inning types - Keep in mind that Aaron Kurcz is a possible late inning arm coming off a good season in Daytona and will likely be in Tennessee next year. Some Cubs fans believe Carpenter can turn it around and shore up his control enough that his stuff can dominate. There's also Dolis, who, if he can get consistent on the breaking ball, could be an option. Then, there's my sleeper late inning arm - Alberto Cabrera. He can still bring the heat, and he still has a solid to good slider (though my hunch is that the Cubs may keep him in the rotation for another year). Rhoderick's probably more a setup type of talent, but he's moved fast. Another sleeper is Marcus Hatley, who's got mid-90's heat and good slider, but still curious how it plays in the upper levels as he finally reached AA this year.

from John Manuel of BA, apparently a Team USA vs. Canada game is happening today. Brett Jackson came up a bit lame on a steal of 3rd for Team USA. Might have jammed an ankle, looks like right leg. He's staying in

Quade on his job secuirty: http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/7033204/chicago-cubs-mike-qua… I'm as anxious as anybody to know who they are going to hire, but I don't do any speculation or listen to rumors and stuff. But no anxiety. Funny how those two words are so close together, almost like one refers to being in a state of the other. Then he goes on to put the people outside of the dugout in their place: "Look, it's baseball. It's a long season," Quade said. "Everyone has it figured out. If you're a sports fan, you're a sports fan. But there is so much that goes into this." I just love him more and more every day.

granted this is a MLB PR tweet but... 18 MLB clubs increased vs. ’10 with 9 drawing more than 3 million & 13 topping 2.5 million. and The last 8 years make up the eight best-attended seasons in @MLB history. remember this next time starts freaking out about poor attendance in April

payroll rankings of playoff teams: 1, 3, 10, 11, 13, 16, 24, 29. so not in are 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. let's play guess the teams Yanks (1) Phillies (3) Cardinals (10) Tigers (11) Brewers (13) Rangers (16) DBacks (24) Rays (29) I'll look up the answer in the next couple of hours.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

Yanks (1) Phillies (3) Tigers (10) Brewers(11) Cardinals (13) Rangers (16) DBacks (24) Rays (29) I flipped the Brewers and Cardinals just to be more different. I'm really surprised the Phillies weren't #2.

[ ]

In reply to by The Joe

hehe. with players, managers, and owners already complaining about how long the year is i wouldn't give this one too much room to go anywhere (not like it was on the table or something)...but yeah, that sounds fun as hell. hehe...especially with the dead time between end-of-season and playoffs. letting the 2 worst teams decide the order of the start of the draft...craptastic. if...aka when...they eventually shorten the season to add more playoff teams that'll be fun. i don't think a lot of players would be too upset about it.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/7894786-573/solid-septembe… “He’s getting some base hits and doing some things, obviously,’’ manager Mike Quade said. “But his at-bats, his takes, his pitch counts that he’s running up — he’s doing a lot of good stuff. Even if it results in a line drive to right for an out. That’s been, to me, the most impressive thing about him.’’ Even as LaHair has cooled over the last week, he still has been in more deep counts than anyone on the roster this side of Carlos Pena. In fact, his 4.28 pitches per plate appearance, entering Monday’s game, would have led the Cubs and ranked third in the National League if he had enough PAs to qualify (Pena was fifth at 4.10, the only Cub in the top 30 in the NL).

http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/40474 Re: Friedman coming to Cubs I doubt it. I think Friedman is in a great position there with a president and an owner he trusts and who have given him the latitude to do the job as he sees fit. I could see him getting a new deal from Tampa along the way, but I have a feeling the Cubs will have to go with someone who isn't currently a GM. I've heard Dan Evans as a rumored name there. ---- you are named the cubs gm tomorrow - what is your move? Pujols, Fielder or complete rebuild? I don't think those are mutually exclusive. If the owner tells me he wants one of those two 1b, I might try to get him to set some reasonable limits on the contracts, but both are great players and could be useful even if we're not competitive in 2012. ---- Re: Fleita and Wilken Asking the philosophy behind extending two top lieutenants would be my first question. It shouldn't be a dealbreaker if the candidate can otherwise bring in whoever he wants.

Recent comments

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    That’s a fantastic deal for SF

  • 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?