Cubs MLB Roster

Cubs Organizational Depth Chart
40-Man Roster Info

40 players are on the MLB RESERVE LIST (roster is full), plus two players are on the 60-DAY IL 

26 players on MLB RESERVE LIST are ACTIVE, ten players are on OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT to minors, two players are on the 15-DAY IL, and two players are on the 10-DAY IL

Last updated 4-17-2024
 
* bats or throws left
# bats both

PITCHERS: 13
Yency Almonte
Adbert Alzolay 
Javier Assad
Colten Brewer
Ben Brown
Kyle Hendricks
* Shota Imanaga
Mark Leiter Jr
Hector Neris 
* Drew Smyly
Keegan Thompson
Hayden Wesneski 
* Jordan Wicks

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

INFIELDERS: 7
* Michael Busch 
Garrett Cooper
Nico Hoerner
Nick Madrigal
* Miles Mastrobuoni
Christopher Morel
Dansby Swanson

OUTFIELDERS: 4
* Cody Bellinger 
# Ian Happ
Seiya Suzuki
* Mike Tauchman 

OPTIONED: 10 
Kevin Alcantara, OF 
Michael Arias, P 
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF 
Jose Cuas, P 
Brennen Davis, OF 
Porter Hodge, P 
* Luke Little, P 
* Matt Mervis, 1B 
Daniel Palencia, P 
Luis Vazquez, INF 

10-DAY IL: 2 
Seiya Suzuki, OF
Patrick Wisdom, INF 

15-DAY IL: 2
* Justin Steele, P  
Jameson Taillon, P 

60-DAY IL: 2 
Caleb Kilian, P 
Julian Merryweather, P
 




Minor League Rosters
Rule 5 Draft 
Minor League Free-Agents

Angels Show Baez-less Cubs No Respect

Submitted by Arizona Phil on

Hank Conger blasted a solo home run and an RBI double, Zach Borenstein hammered a three-run HR, and Mike Sodders cracked a three-run double, leading the Angels to a 17-1 Memorial Day thrashing of the Cubs this morning at Diablo Park Field #3 in Tempe, AZ.

Shawon Dunston Jr belted a home run leading off the game, and that was the only Cub run of the day.

19-year old RHP Tayler Scott (Cubs 2011 5th round draft pick out of Notre Dame Prep in Scottsdale, AZ) had another rough start today, allowing nine runs (six earned) on six hits (including three doubles, a triple, and a home run) and two walks in 3.1 IP. He also commited a costly throwing error in a four-run Angel 4th. In his previous start last Wednesday, the young South Africa native surrendered two runs (both earned) on five hits (including four doubles) and a walk in 3.0 IP.

In EXST Cubs roster news, SS Javier Baez (Cubs 2011 1st round draft pick) has been promoted to Peoria after hitting 330/351/725 in 27 Cactus League Extended Spring Training games (94 PA), with 8 HR & 28 RBI, six doubles, three triples, 11 SB (one CS), one walk, two HBP, and 23 K. He also made eight errors.

Here is the box score from today’s game (Cubs players only):

CUBS LINEUP:
1. Shawon Dunston Jr, DH #1: 2-3 (HR, 3-1, 1B, BB, R, RBI)
2. Gioskar Amaya, 2B: 1-4 (5-3, 1B, 6-4 FC, 5-4 FC, SB)
3a. Jeimer Candelario, 3B: 1-3 (6-3, 1B, F-7)
3b. Danny Lockhart, 3B: 0-1 (4-3)
4a. Xavier Batista, RF: 0-2 (K, K)
4b. Kevin Encarnacion, RF: 0-2 (K, E-6)
5. Dustin Geiger, DH #2: 0-4 (K, K, 4-3, 4-6-3 DP)
6. Dan Vogelbach, 1B: 1-2 (1B, 1-3, HBP)
7. Trey Martin, CF: 0-3 (F-8, P-6, L-9)
8. Carlos Penalver, SS: 0-3 (5-3, F-7, F-8)
9a. Neftali Rosario, C: 1-2 (K, 1B)
9b. Justin Marra, C: 0-1 (K)
10. Trevor Gretzky, LF: 1-3 (1B, 3-6 FC, P-4, PO)

CUBS PITCHERS:
1. Tayler Scott: 3.1 IP, 6 H, 9 R (6 ER), 2 BB, 2 K, 1 HR, 62 pitches (33 strikes), 6/2 GO/FO
2. Arturo Maltos-Garcia: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, 2 WP, 25 pitches (15 strikes), 0/2 GO/FO
3. Alvido Jimenez: 1.0 IP, 6 H, 6 R (5 ER), 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HR, 28 pitches (13 strikes), 0/2 GO/FO
4. Luis Villalba: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R (0 ER), 1 BB, 1 K, 34 pitches (19 strikes), 0/6 GO/FO
5. Matt Spencer: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 GIDP, 9 pitches (5 strikes), 2/0 GO/FO

CUBS ERRORS: 4
1. 1B Dan Vogelbach - E-3 (fielding error allowed batter to reach base safely – eventually scored unearned run)
2. P Tayler Scott - E-1 (errant throw on attempted 1-2 FC with bases loaded allowed two runs to score)
3. SS Carlos Penalver - E-6 (fielding error allowed batter to reach base safely – eventually scored unearned run)
4. 3B Danny Lockhart - E-5 (fielding error allowed batter to reach base safely – eventually scored unearned run)

CUBS CATCHERS DEFENSE:
Neftali Rosario: 0-1 CS
Justin Marra: 0-1 CS, 1 PB

ATTENDANCE: 11

WEATHER: Sunny & breezy with temperatures in the 80’s

Tags
EXST Cubs
Cubs Extended Spring Training
Tayler Scott
Javier Baez
Shawon Dunston Jr

Comments

Submitted by Childersb3 on Mon, 05/28/2012 - 05:41 pm

Phil, What's AMG got as a pitcher? It's been almost two years since he's pitched, right? And, do any catchers out there show any promise? Who's your favorite in the system? I'm hoping that Zunino of UF slips to 6th in the draft (highly unlikely I know).

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Submitted by Arizona Phil on Mon, 05/28/2012 - 05:28 pm

Mon, 05/28/2012 - 3:41pm — Childersb3 Phil, What's AMG got as a pitcher? It's been almost two years since he's pitched, right? And, do any catchers out there show any promise? Who's your favorite in the system? I'm hoping that Zunino of UF slips to 6th in the draft (highly unlikely I know). ===================================== CHILDERS: RHP Arturo Maltos-Garcia throws a low-90's fastball that he uses to set-up his curve (which is his strikeout pitch). He looks like a reliever type (6'1, two-pitch pitcher), but he had TJS last July (he last pitched in a JUCO Tournament game in Casa Grande, AZ, exactly one year ago) and he only began throwing in EXST games about three weeks ago, so he hasn't been stretched-out yet. As for catchers below W. Castillo and Clevenger, there isn't much. Daytona Cubs switch-hitting Micah Gibbs is a good defensive catcher (excellent receiving skills but only a so-so-arm) who has a very slow bat with a loft swing (LH) and a punch-stroke (RH). He does walk a lot, though. Peoria's #1 catcher is Rafael Lopez, an ex-3B who was converted to catcher when he transferred to Florida State from Indian River CC in 2009. (He was at Boston College before that). He has OK defensive skills (especially for someone who hasn't been a catcher very long). He is a LH hitter with a plus-bat and occassional HR power. He's also a bit old (24). He was drafted by the Cubs as a 5th year college senior. EXST Cubs Wilson Contreras is likely headed for Boise. He was a catcher on a top amateur team in Venezuela prior to signing with the Cubs in 2009 ($850K bonus), but the Cubs moved him to 3B immediately after they signed him. Then he received a 50-game PED suspension prior to the 2010 season. He struggled defensively at 3B and at 1B last season at Boise, and was moved back to catcher this year. And he really seems to like it. Most guys who are moved to catcher struggle with the bat, but not Contreras. He actually has hit better as a catcher than he did as a third-baseman. He also runs well for a catcher. But we'll have to see how he fares at Boise. (BTW, he is a below-average defensive catcher. I can see why he was moved to 3B). Neftali Rosario (Cubs 2011 6th round draft pick) is a younger version of Welington Castillo, but much more raw (if that's possible). Rosario has two plus-tools... HR power and arm strength. That's it. Otherwise he is mostly lost at sea. He swings at everything, and may even be a less-patient hitter than Javier Baez. He really needs to work on his receiving skills, too. So if Mike Zunino is there when the Cubs make their selection, there is no reason not to take him. Unless the Cubs are targeting a pitcher with their #1 pick.

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Submitted by VirginiaPhil on Tue, 05/29/2012 - 05:13 pm

I think you might have overlooked an interesting catcher, Phil. Taylor Davis was called up to Daytona last Friday. He played Saturday and had a double in three at-bats. (Daytona did not play Sunday or Monday, so for all we know Davis might be their starting catcher, for the time being, in place of Gibbs.) Davis had a .902 OPS at Peoria in 76 PAs leading up to his promotion. He also nailed 6 of 14 would-be base stealers. Apart from his recent success, all I know about Davis is what you wrote in early April:
He was highly-regarded enough after the 2010 season that he was on the Johnny Bench Watch List going into the 2011 season (his junior year) at Morehead State, and then despite finishing in the Top 10 in SLG % among D-1 players (one slot ahead of Cubs 19th round draft pick Paul Hoilman, BTW), he was not drafted. The Cubs signed a NDFA catcher out of the U. of Santa Clara named Patrick Terry after the June draft, but his contract was subsequently voided, and so they offered Davis a contract and he accepted it, and he spent the summer with the AZL Cubs in Mesa. Davis began Minor League Camp last month with the Tennessee squad, then got moved down to Daytona and finally to Boise/Mesa, before getting a last minute reprieve and a spot on the Peoria Opening Day roster.

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Submitted by Arizona Phil on Tue, 05/29/2012 - 05:20 pm

It will be interesting to see how Taylor Davis performs at Daytona and if he actually takes playing time away from Micah Gibbs behind the plate there. My guess is he won't, although he might get a lot of starts at DH if he swings a hot bat. What was kind of obvious with Taylor Davis last season at AZL Cubs and at Minor League Camp this past March is that he is an offensive-first catcher whose receiving skills are below-average, and although he had a good CS % at Peoria, the Cubs Player Development people value a catcher's receiving skills and handling of the pitching staff over hitting or CS%, which is why offensively-challenged guys like Michael Brenly and Micah Gibbs get regular playing time.

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Submitted by Arizona Phil on Tue, 05/29/2012 - 05:15 pm

Mon, 05/28/2012 - 6:03pm — DavidP Phil - I notice that you didn't mention Luis Flores. Is that because he isn't worth mentioning, and if so, did his suspension make much difference. ==================================== DAVID P: Luis Flores would be a better prospect if it wasn't for his history. He got nailed for a 50-game PED suspension by MLB last year, and he was suspended twice by the Cubs prior to that for something different (not as significant). If Flores can stay clean for the rest of this year and maybe score a slot in the AFL or in a Latin Winter League post-2012 and do well there, then that would shed a new light on his future. But otherwise he is just one misstep away from getting released. You might say he is on a "short leash."

Submitted by crunch on Mon, 05/28/2012 - 05:05 pm

3sb for billy hamilton (CIN, A+) today. that's 52sb in 47 games (11cs). if he can keep up the hitting/getting on base (near .400 ob%, currently) we might have the first legit 100+sb guy to roll into the bigs in a few decades.

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Submitted by Arizona Phil on Tue, 05/29/2012 - 05:37 pm

Tue, 05/29/2012 - 5:48am — Justin Tyme What's the story on Matt Spencer? Is he just dominating younger players or is he a realistic prospect on the mound at a higher level? ========================================= JUSTIN T: Matt Spencer was a two way player (OF/LHP) in HS and at the University of North Carolina, but was used exclusively as an OF after he transferred to Arizona State. He was also drafted as an OF by the Phillies and played OF & 1B on his way up through the minors with the Phillies, A's, and Cubs, before the Cubs asked him if he wanted to try pitching again (full-time) after last season. He agreed and went to AZ Instructs post-2011, where he was throwing 98 MPH gas with zero command and no secondary stuff. He continued to struggle with command at Minor League Camp this past March, before just recently returning to game action at Extended Spring Training. So far he looks great. The command still needs work, but he has generally been throwing both his fastball and his breaking ball for strikes. Spencer is 26 and will be a minor league FA post-2013, so the Cubs need to find out ASAP if he has a future on the mound as a lefty reliever. So don't be surprised if he gets jumped quickly through the system. One thing to keep in mind is that lefty relievers can be found anywhere (HS coach at a tryout camp like Jim Morris in The Rookie, or in Independent ball as happened with George Sherrill and Joe Thatcher). No question Matt Spencer could be dominating. A 6'5 250+ dude with a 98 MPH fastball and a reputation for not being able to control it would scare anybody.

Recent comments

  • Sonicwind75 (view)

    Right on schedule, just read an article in Baseball America entitled "10 MLB Prospects Outside The Top 100 Who Have Our Attention".  Zyhir Hope was one of the prospects featured. It stated that he's "one of the biggest arrow-up sleeper prospects in the lower levels right now."

     

    Not sharing to be negative about the trade, getting a top 100 prospect who is MLB ready should carry a heavy prospect cost.  But man, Dodger sure are good at identifying and developing young talent. Andrew Friedman seems to have successfully merged Ray's development with Yankees financial might to create a juggernaut of an organization.  

  • Sonicwind75 (view)

    I suspect Brown will spend some time in the bullpen due to inning restrictions.  Pitched only 93 innings last year and career high is 104 innings in 2022.  I would expect them to be cautious with a young player with his injury history.

  • Childersb3 (view)

    I wanted Almonte gone last week, but that was before Merryweather went down and Little got demoted. Almonte in his last 5 appearances has gone 4.1 IP with no ER or Runs. NO hits, 3 BBs and 8 SO. He did hit 96 with his 2S FB in AZ on Tues.
    I don't see Jed waiving him when we have injuries all over and guys with options that can be sent down.
    I probably won't like the move Jed makes, but he can't play the "let's hope no one wants his 1.7mil remaining deal and we can hide him in Iowa" card.
    That's why I think the current Bullpen stays as is and Wicks goes to Iowa.
    I don't like that, but that's the fix I see.
    We'll find out soon enough!!!

  • TarzanJoeWallis (view)

    Teheran minor league deal is done, per MLB.

  • TarzanJoeWallis (view)

    Based on Phil’s sound analysis it sounds like a no brainer for Almonte to be placed on waivers as today’s roster move. We shall see.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    I suspect Counsell/Hottovy will use the piggy-back extensively, with Taillon and Hendricks pitching as the "pig" (and with a very short leash) and some combo of Wicks, Brown, and Wesneski (whichever two do not start) as the "backers."  

    Keep in mind that Keegan Thompson has a minor league option available, and if Yency Almonte is not outrighted by 4/26 he cannot be sent to the minors without his consent after that date. Almonte is out of minor league options, so I am talking about him getting outrighted to the minors if he is not claimed off waivers, and if he is claimed off waivers, the Cubs save the pro-rated portion of his $1.9M salary, which helps lower the Cubs 2024 AAV.

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    Totally agree. The 26 man roster very rarely consists of the 13 best position players and 13 best pitchers.

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    Based on what Jed has done in the past, I’d say the plan is to

    -give Hendricks another few starts
    -give Taillon some runway ot get his season underway

    -Mix and match in the bullpen and see what sticks

    Jed usually doesn’t do a whole lot of waiver wire plays in-season, at least early in the season. He only reallly did that after he blew up the rosters in 21 and 22 because they needed bodies (guys like Schwindel, Fargas, etc).

    I think he’s a little handcuffed by a full 40 man in that he can’t really maneuver much with giving anyone showing ability at AAA (R Thompson/ Sanders/ Edwards etc). Brewer has the most tenuous grip there, and we will see what kind of chance he gets. Other than his spot, there isn’t a ton of 40 man wiggle room.

    I’m very curious to see what happens with Brown now that Taillon returns. Bullpen? Wicks to Iowa? 

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Pro teams have to play their "big money" guys if they are healthy and not "locker room" issues.
    The Cubs wanted to deal JHey off well before they bought him out. They just didn't want to pay him to play for someone else for that long. Jed did give him 20+mil to play for LAD last yr.
    Jed might also let Kyle walk at some point this year. Similar scenario to JHey, except Jed thought Kyle was going to be good/solid in '24!!
    You'd think Smyly is in the same book as well. Same with Neris (he's a 1yr vet RP, so he's not really in this convo too much).
    That's ~35mil between those three and those three are going to get opportunities until at least late June) over younger guys even if their performance is "iffy".
    But, Jed is going to play Taillon a lot. They have to try and justify that contract and hope a veteran works out.
    So, Taillon, Imanaga, and Hendricks are locks for the rest of April and probably May.
    Assad, Brown and Wicks handle the last spots until Steele is ready.
    Now, you're question has real merit when Steele comes back. That will interesting if Brown is still good and Hendricks is still bad. But Taillon is entirely safe as long as he's healthy.

    And the bullpen moves were "money" based as well. Smyly has actually been okay. But he hasn't been clearly better than Little. Little had one bad outing. But Smyly makes 9mil. If they needed another RHRP and one of Little and Smyly had to go, it was going to Little. But that doesn't mean Smyly is one of the best 13 arms for the team. 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Childersb3: I think there was an issue with Luke Little coming into a game with men on base. He seems to need a "clean" inning to be dominant. So he is a future closer and needs to be used in that role at AAA. Same goes for Michael Arias. He needs to come into a "clean" inning, and is a future closer and needs to be used in that role at AA. Porter Hodge is a more versatile pitcher, a better version of Keegan Thompson (multi-inning RP). But Little, Arias, and Hodge (probably in that order) are the Cubs top three RP prospects (all three are Cubs Top 15 prospects).

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