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

Amaya-zing Day for Gioskar at Talking Stick

Gioskar Amaya hit for the cycle and drove-in five runs, as the Cubs edged the Rockies 6-5 in Cactus League Extended Spring Training action this morning at Dust Storm Field at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick east of Scottsdale, AZ.

Amaya reached base on a bad-hop single with one out in the top of the 1st inning, and laced a two-run triple in the 3rd, a three-run home run in the 5th, and a one-out double in the 8th.

The 19-year old Venezuelan is now hitting 291/406/417 in 27 Cactus League Extended Spring Training games (96 PA), with a team-leading 16 walks. He also has eight stolen bases (second only to Javier Baez), with 0 CS. (He hit 377/417/510 in 52 games and 227 PA with the AZL Cubs last season).

Amaya was a DH today, but his defense has shown marked improvement this season, possibly because he has been allowed to concentrate on just one position (2B) instead of being moved around the infield from game-to-game as he was last season. He has made only three errors so far at 2B, and has displayed decent range and arm.

He also has excelled in the #2 slot in the batting order.

On the EXST Cubs injury front, LHP Hunter Ackerman relieved starter Ian Dickson in the bottom of the 3rd, but left the game after throwing only one pitch. He appeared to strain something in his right side or hip.

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

CUBS LINEUP:
1. Shawon Dunston Jr, CF: 1-4 (F-9, 4-6 FC, 1B, K, 2 R)
2. Gioskar Amaya, DH #1: 4-4 (1B, 3B, HR, 2B, 2 R, 5 RBI)
3. Marco Hernandez, SS: 0-4 (L-5 DP, K, 3-1, P-3)
4. Wilson Contreras, C: 0-3 (5-3, BB, K, F-9)
5. Rock Shoulders, 1B: 2-4 (1B, 1B, 6-3, F-8, RBI)
6. Eduardo Gonzalez, LF: 1-3 (L-8, BB, F-8, 1B, SB, PO)
7. Brian Inoa, 2B: 1-4 (1B, K, F-9, F-9)
8. Dong-Yub Kim, DH #2: 0-4 (4-3, K, F-9, F-9)
9. Xavier Batista, RF: 1-3 (1B, 1-3, K, R)
10a. Jair Bogaerts, 3B: 1-2 (E-1, 2B, R)
10b. Dustin Geiger, 3B: 0-1 (5-3)

CUBS PITCHERS:
1. Ian Dickson: 2.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R (3 ER), 1 BB, 3 K, 1 HBP, 56 pitches (32 strikes), 2/2 GO/FO
2. Hunter Ackerman: 0.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, 1 pitch (0 strikes)
NOTE: Ackerman left game with injury after throwing one pitch
3. Rafael Diplan: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K, 31 pitches (22 strikes), 0/2 GO/FO
4. Bryce Shafer: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 3 K, 1 WP, 24 pitches (18 strikes), 3/0 GO/FO
5. Pete Levitt: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, 24 pitches (18 strikes), 2/2 GO/FO

CUBS ERRORS: 1
3B Jair Bogaerts - E-5 (fielding error allowed batter to reach base safely - eventually scored unearned run)

CUBS CATCHERS DEFENSE:
Wilson Contreras: 1-1 CS

ATTENDANCE: 4

WEATHER: Sunny with temperatures in the 90’s

Comments

Phil, Looking at the Chiefs Roster, Amaya really doesn't have a spot with DeVoss and Darvill there. But, does Darvill really need everyday playing time? Is he a potential late bloomer (only 20) or is he a LH Samson?

[ ]

In reply to by Childersb3

Tue, 05/29/2012 - 3:36pm — Childersb3 Phil, Looking at the Chiefs Roster, Amaya really doesn't have a spot with DeVoss and Darvill there. But, does Darvill really need everyday playing time? Is he a potential late bloomer (only 20) or is he a LH Samson? ================================== CHILDERS: Wes Darvill spent the last two off-seasons at Camp Colvin (Camp Buss) trying to bulk up and develop some HR power (he has a big frame without much muscle), but until he does (and he is only 20), he probably does project as a LH version of Nate Samson. And although he handles SS passably and 2B very well, Darvill has made a ton of errors at 3B this season, so he might not be a true utility infielder (one who can handle 2B-SS-3B). One positive thing about Darvill is that he is a VERY selective and patient hitter, and another good thing about him is that he is good base-runner and base-stealer. I don't think Zeke DeVoss stays at 2B long-term. This is a lot like when Eric Patterson was coming up through the system and the Cubs insisted on playing him at 2B when he was clearly better-suited to play OF. I see DeVoss as a 2B-LF-CF-PR utility guy, and he could move to the OF at any time, especially if there is a reason to do it (like to make way for Amaya). BTW, when I saw DeVoss and Rubi Silva at Instructs post-2011 and both were getting reps at 2B, Silva clearly outplayed DeVoss at that position. DeVoss looked most-comfortable in LF. Amaya is a legitimate everyday 2B. I believe he will push his way up through the system at that position, and he could be the best 2B prospect down there right now. Amaya is a good DP partner with Javier Baez, too. They work really well together turning the DP. Not "Trammell-Whitaker" good yet, but they could be if they can stay together for a few years.

[ ]

In reply to by VirginiaPhil

This is what I said about DeVoss (in its entirety): "I don't think Zeke DeVoss stays at 2B long-term. This is a lot like when Eric Patterson was coming up through the system and the Cubs insisted on playing him at 2B when he was clearly better-suited to play OF. I see DeVoss as a 2B-LF-CF-PR utility guy, and he could move to the OF at any time, especially if there is a reason to do it (like to make way for Amaya). BTW, when I saw DeVoss and Rubi Silva at Instructs post-2011 and both were getting reps at 2B, Silva clearly outplayed DeVoss at that position. DeVoss looked most-comfortable in LF."

[ ]

In reply to by QuietMan

Tue, 05/29/2012 - 6:33pm — QuietMan AZ Phil, any thoughts on Marco Hernandez getting demoted? He had a very bad April. But was much much better in May. ====================================== Q-MAN: It's not fair to Marco Hernandez, but it's like this... Javier Baez is clearly such an extraordinary talent that wherever the Cubs believe he needs to be automatically means the shortstop who is there must be moved out of the way. So either the other shortstop at Peoria moves to another position, or he becomes a utility infielder, or he remains a starting shortstop and gets promoted or demoted. It is fairly clear that the Cubs want both Hernandez and Baez to play SS, but they both can't do that if they are at the same place at the same time. So either Hernandez moves up to Daytona or down to Boise. And as much as he may have improved in May, he is still not ready for Hi-A. Ergo, he must go to Boise. Baez gets to "cut the line." And if he dominates at Peoria like he did at Extended Spring Training, he'll cut the line again.

[ ]

In reply to by QuietMan

Keith Law's most recent mock draft (2.0) has high school lefty Max Fried going to Cubs http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/draft/2012/story/_/id/7982412/mark-appel… Appel, Buxton, Zunino, Correa, Gausman, Fried then, Zimmer, Marrero, Almora
Fried is the only one of this draft's top three prep arms to make it through the spring unscathed, leaving him the most likely candidate to be the first high school arm off the board. He switched schools for his senior year because his old school, Montclair Prep, discontinued its baseball program, but didn't miss a beat despite the change. He'll pitch at 89-93 with little effort and very good life to his arm side (albeit less to his glove side). Hitters don't pick the ball up out of his hands, helping it play above his velocity. Fried's curveball, while not completely consistent, can show very sharp downward break in the 73-76 mph range, ocassionally getting slurvy up towards 77-78. He has great feel for his 81-83 mph changeup with deception from his arm speed and late run (harder than the usual fade on a changeup). Fried is an outstanding athlete with great body control and a repeatable delivery that gives him solid-average command today that should become more consistent as he matures; he's had a few outings this spring where he has had trouble throwing strikes, although that's the minority of his appearances, and he's usually a strike-thrower who's online to the plate. He has the projection left to add a grade of velocity, and with more consistency you can see a No. 2 starter with three above-average to plus pitches.

[ ]

In reply to by Old and Blue

Wed, 05/30/2012 - 7:47am — Old and Blue Phil, I'm really encouraged by your reports on Baez. I can't think of a time you've used the phrase "such an extraordinary talent" in what are now quite a few years reading this blog. I remember you being impressed by Lee before he got traded, and Castro, but it seems to me Baez has impressed the hell out of you, even with his plate discipline issues. Is he somewhat like Vlad Guerrero, in that he can just hit the snot out of the ball no matter where it is thrown? =================================================== O&B: Javier Baez strikes out too much to be compared to Vlad. I would say Josh Vitters is more like Vlad. What I like most about Baez is his bat-speed. He hits rockets, and he has plus-HR power. Very unusual to see a 19-year old with that kind of bat-speed. He also is a good base stealer and a play-maker at SS. But he sometimes will try to make plays that aren't there. He tries to do too much, which is not unusual for a player with his cocky self-confidence. And he is hyper-aggressive in all phases of the game. He plays baseball like a football player. Sometimes that's good, and sometimes it's not so good. He's also a hard worker and will not accept losing. There are too many young players who don't think about winning. They think a lot about personal success, but not so much about team success. Baez doen't need a coach as much as he needs a mentor, somebody with talent like his who can communicate with him. I think that's what the Cubs have lacked over the years. Their best prospects (the ones with the most raw talent) are coached just like every other player in the system, when they actually aren't just like every other player in the system. And then some get sidetracked and eventually end up in the gutter. No excuse for that.

SB and run scored. Perhaps the "plate discipline" was learned, they just moved him as soon as it he learned it!

3 more SB tonight for billy hamilton...amazing. given that he's stolen 2+ in 5 out his last 6 games I guess it's not that amazing. 55sb in 48 games. near .400 ob%...wish he was a Cub...he's going to be very exciting when he gets on base in the bigs.

[ ]

In reply to by tem99

we're talking about a pretty special player here, imo (and others). not only is he fast, but he's in a system that will let him attempt 100sb a year. he's also learning (and this year showing) he can bunt for a base hit. this wasn't in his game too much last season. he stole 103 last year and he'll probably pace 120+ this year, health pending. in highschool he wasn't even stealing bases too much (or switch hitting). he's very adept at a rather new skill. this guy was a d.deshields pet project in 2010, turning him into a base stealer and finding out they had something special...they had joe morgan around this spring working with him. just because you're really fast doesn't mean you're going to be a good base stealer (CPat). he's doing some crazy stuff with his skill...and he's spending this year putting in the practice to hone skills he started to realize 2 season ago. his contact is better, he can bunt with more accuracy for a hit, and his baserunning confidence is at a humble r.henderson level. the guy could hit .270/.330 avg/ob% and still manage around 100 steals the way he plays. ...all that's left is to get him the hell away from SS cuz that ain't pretty.

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).