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

Wrigley Field's Humongous Scoreboard

If I could only draw one tenth as well as Tim Souers. I'd draw a Gi-normous Scoreboard in centerfield that shrouded the entire 44th ward in a shadow darker than a solar eclipse.

Holy Cow! The Scoreboard that Overshadowed the 44th Ward. I'm talkin' Godzilla's shadow over Tokyo.

This little Aldermanic war of words was in today's Sun-Times:


Alderman Tom Tunney (44th) has made a bold suggestion to the Cubs: replace the iconic landmarked center field scoreboard with a video scoreboard that would generate millions without blocking anybody’s view.

“Put it in center field. Make it as big as you want,”

Holy Mackerel. Mess with the landmark status scoreboard? Alderman Tunney, how soon you forget. You legislated so that should never happen (unless the gi-normous scoreboard is compatible with the historic character of the field).

Mor-on the zany alderman and his puffy chest lingo, after the jump...


More from the Sun-Times piece: Chicago-based sports marketing consultant Marc Ganis likened Tunney’s scoreboard demolition idea to...

“...ripping out the ivy and putting scoreboards on the outfield walls.” The “desperate ploy” is proof-positive of “where the alderman’s loyalties lie,” Ganis said.

“If the scoreboard is not important to Tunney or the Landmarks Commission, it should not have been landmarked in the first place. But, it is entirely inappropriate to trade something that’s landmarked to protect a private business that’s the largest contributor to a local politician."

Wrigley Field was landmarked by Chicago's city council in January 2004 but it's not every square inch of the ballpark that's landmarked. It turns out only the four exterior walls, the grandstands, bleachers, roofs, the marquee sign and the centerfield scoreboard, plus brick walls and ivy were in the decree. Some things can be changed by the Cubs without city approval. One that can not be changed by the Cubs is the scoreboard, contrary to what the Alderman suggested today.


Of course Alderman Tunney knows this, as he was a part of the city council back then. In  2004, the Cubs wanted to renovate the bleachers, a project eventually approved that expanded the bleachers to overhang the external walls of the ballpark over the sidewalks of Sheffield and Waveland avenues. The bleachers are landmarked. The city council approved the project (with naturally a few political concessions including remote parking with shuttle buses, supplemental trash pickup and access to Lakeshore Drive at Addison).

Sherman, set the WayBack to 2004...

"Alderman Tom Tunney, who represents the 44th Ward, said the landmark designation would neither permit nor prohibit bleacher expansion. Tunney said only the City Council can approve a bleacher expansion over the sidewalk behind the bleachers. The Landmarks Commission would have the authority to review any approved expansion to ensure the design is compatible with the historic character of the field."

These most recent Tom Tunney antics come in the face of a proposal by NW Suburban Rosemont's Mayor Brad Stephens to give 25 acres of land for the Cubs to develop a ballpark complex. The parcel at Balmoral and the the Tri-State Tollway. Rosemont is a train stop on the Blue line train that shuttles from downtown Chicago to O'Hare. One of the Rosemont perks includes a lower 3% amusement tax (Chicago just raised that tax to 9% plus a Cook county tax upping the total amusement tax to 12%). David Kaplan wrote about this with some interesting math as om $75-100 million in revenues not going to the Cubs.

• Revenue generated by the rooftop owners: $24 million – 17 percent = $4 million (The Cubs receive 17 percent of revenue)
• Signage restrictions: $20-30 million
• Amusement taxes paid in 2011: $17 million
• Addt'l. night games (Avg. in MLB is 57): $1 million addt'l. per game = $27 million
• Street Festivals and more concerts: (Could have naming rights if a consistent number is allowed each season) = $10 million estimate.
 

So the threat of Rosemont just might unseat the alderman. Rhetoric from Rosemont's Mayor Stephens:

“Rosemont is very pro-development and we have a long history of experience dealing with big business," Stephens said. "From my position, you have a wealthy family willing to pay all of the costs of a major renovation project, which will bring a tremendous number of jobs to the community.

“However, they are not getting cooperation from the neighborhood. Even if the Cubs get a deal done now, what will happen when they need something else a year or two years down the road? This will not be the last time the community or the alderman will be difficult to deal with. The Cubs will never have those kinds of problems if they move to Rosemont."

The Chicago solution should be simple. I remember that old Chicago slogan, the City that Works. Yes, we know how Chicago works. Tom Ricketts just needs to grease Alderman Tunney's palm with more $$ than the rooftoppers. If Tom Ricketts has budgeted $300 million for the renovations, then I'd say they just need to budget $18 million toward the Alderman's Swiss bank account based campaign fund every election year. Tom Ricketts can call it a wash after Alfonso Soriano's contract comes off the books. Finally,  the Mayor and City can take their cut from all those outfield electronic ad revenues.  Ah, Carl Sandberg would be proud. Chicago, once again City of Big Shoulders and Bigger Scoreboards.

 

Comments

as an outsider (aka, someone that lives 1000s of miles away) this is all quite interesting. you have a guy who wants to enjoy all the economic benefits of wrigley field, the "charm" and other name-dropping aspects it provides, the economic cash flow that spills over for many blocks...while at the same time wanting those people who come in droves to drive it all and make it worthwhile to spend money, be quiet about it, and then get the hell out so the neighborhood can enjoy their upscale city life. it's like living in the middle of a trendy bar district, making money off the bars, enjoying telling others you live in that desirable district, but hating the fact the bars and their patrons exists even though it's what makes that area run. ...if only they'd come, drop off their money, be quiet the whole time, then leave in an orderly fashion. also, this dude in particular seems to be in the rooftop owner's pockets.

WSCR's Mully and Hanley spending the morning rabble-rousing Tom Ricketts to make the trip out to Rosemont (on the Blue line train).
Let’s start with Stephens’ plan. The land, located at Balmoral and the Tri-State Tollway, does pose some enticing options for Cubs brass, starting with a 3 percent amusement tax. (The combined amusement taxes of Chicago and Cook County are 12 percent.) In addition to being located right by the Tollway, the land is located near the Rosemont Blue Line station so fans can take advantage of public transit to attend ballgames.
http://chicagoist.com/2013/03/19/the_rosemont_cubs_suburban_mayor_of.php

Screw this guy, what a douche. I also would love to see Cubby Blue's vision of this, I picture an opening for the rooftop to see while a "Blade Runner" like edifice surrounds the neighborhood.

interesting parallel patterns in rehab from Tommy John surgery...Scott Baker vs Ryan Madson (Angels). Both had surgery in April 2012. Both are currently in shut down mode after initial progress. Baseball prospectus take on Madson...
Of course, Scioscia’s revised timetable rested on a detour-free spring for the 32-year-old Madson, who, prior to undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2012.... Alas, it was not to be. Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register was the first to report on Tuesday morning that Madson had been shut down again, because of discomfort that flared up after a bullpen session that he threw last Thursday. Fletcher noted in his tweet that the “team has modified” Madson’s recovery timeline again, but details on the new target for the northpaw’s return were unavailable at that point.
Mike DiGiovanna, who covers the Angels for the Los Angeles Times, added that Madson is already well enough to play long-toss—a positive step, but also a reminder that he still needs to get back on a mound and work through a full strength-rebuilding program before he will be ready to pitch in games. Madson has thrown only two bullpen sessions since he reported to the Angels’ facility in Tempe, Arizona, in early February, and he has yet to complete one without requiring a hiatus immediately afterward.
The Angels’ investment in Madson was a relatively low-risk move, with bonuses tied to games finished and days spent on the active roster, so from a financial standpoint, his early-season absence is only a minor concern.
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=19931

[ ]

In reply to by Cubster

this is from yesterday but Phil Rogers updated Stewart and Baker's status in more detail. http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-chicago-cubs-new…
Baker, who was hit hard in his first start on Sunday, almost one year after undergoing elbow reconstruction surgery, had some discomfort in the elbow that will sideline him indefinitely. Baker will see team physician Stephen Gryzlo this weekend for further evaluation.
Ian Stewart has been put on the DL. Stewart's quadriceps injury seems to be going beyond the normal medical expectations of a month of relative rest. But since the MRI is picking up on residual injury it's just a wait it out situation. It's not an issue that Stewart is dogging it IMHO, the wrist problem was real too and it took a superspecialist to figure that unusual diagnosis (dorsal wrist impingement) out. I don't think this quad injury is a diagnostic dilemma though. This can be a real lingering problem. It's really rare to do surgery on strained muscle because the tissue tends not to hold stitching well. So it's just a waiting game. He'll likely be ready by mid-May is my best guess. Aramis Ramirez had multiple minor quad strains but I don't recall a prolonged DL stint beyond 2 weeks for him. Alfonso Soriano had multiple quad injuries during previous seasons and 3-4 weeks was his usual DL time. I was at a game in 2007 when he pulled up lame from a significant right quad pull rounding 2nd base against the Mets (8-5-07) and he returned to action Aug 28th (3 weeks). In 2008 Soriano said that his quad hadn't returned to 100% even though he was playing. In April 2010, Soriano banged his left knee on the OF wall which indirectly affected his quadriceps and it made him gimpy most of that season too. It seemed to make him even more gun-shy of walls until he started working with OF coach Dave McKay last year. In 2011 Soriano hurt his left quad on May 30th vs Houston but returned from the DL on June 15th (2 weeks). Article from 2010 that chronicles quite a bit of Soriano's leg woes... http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/baseball/flb/story?page=mlbdk2k10sori…

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

I'm ... disappointed and ... scratching my head a bit at the move. It's not that I think Urlacher is a great player anymore ... he isn't (he seems like he'd be a decent starter, though). It seems odd to take such a hard line approach if Urlacher's starting point was only 5.75 mil/year (the 2/11.5). If Urlacher is telling the truth that he was willing to play for 3 to 3.5 ... it seems hard to imagine that the Bears can find a better option when you factor the price in. Now, you've lost two starting linebackers. Sure, LB's are somewhat easy to find, but it's still two starters you have to replace. You have to address the interior OL (at least 1 guy ... and nothing against Garza, but I would've rather saved money on Garza and kept Urlacher ... then again, haven't looked at Garza's contract so maybe it's not so cut and dry). You have to add at least one corner. You need depth at LB as well. Sure, it's not a ton of needs, but you are missing a 3rd and are limited cap wise.

[ ]

In reply to by toonsterwu

no worries on losing Urlacher, these things need to happen...but curious how bad the defense is going to get now. My feeling was the Bears were going to go all in on offense now and forsake the D, and that's looking more and more likely...hopefully I'm wrong.

Regardless of his age and injuries, the defense was always better with him out there. if there was anyone that was the QB on defense, Urlacher was it..he was the equivelant of having Manning or Brady making adjustments at the line.

Sad day for Bears fans, but much like Kerry Wood's retirement, it probably needed to happen. That being said, you only have to look at Ray Lewis' declining skills, yet huge impact when he was on the field to wonder if the Bears were too quick to move on in this case.

 

 

 

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

I don't think the defense is actually going to be that bad. Peppers should still be good, and Melton looked like he had made legitimate strides. Add in young, athletic safeties and as long as the replacements at LB have range (I guess partially depends on what Tucker does) and ... aren't dumb (for lack of a better term), they should be able to build a solid defense. If McClellin develops, there's a lot to look forward to (I really do wonder about the rumors of Shea moving to LB, though ... a lot of folks thought he was better as a linebacker out of college, and with a spot open at SAM, I am curious). Ray Lewis benefited from the 3-4. It's a bit easier to mask an aging LB's limitations in a 3-4 (not only Ray, but London Fletcher). Urlacher was slowing down, and in this scheme, a MIKE slowing down can be exposed. He's better off trying to find a 3-4 team to move to, IMO. The thing is, I don't know if this NEEDED to happen now, or if it was going to happen, happen the way the Bears let it occur. As we both seem to agree, Urlacher was a decent option for the upcoming season, and maybe upcoming 2 years. The coaches seemed to agree with that general assessment as well. Sounds like at most Urlacher would've only gotten a 2 year deal. It would've given them time to get a youngster in, groom him at SAM, and move on from Urlacher in a year or two. Or if the Bears were certain of this move, then they could've tried to bring back Roach, who didn't exactly break the bank, and move him to MIKE. Just don't love a) What happened b) How things happened But it happened, as it did with Kreutz (obviously not the same magnitude of talent), and we move on. Still ... a shame.

[ ]

In reply to by toonsterwu

I didn't mind losing Urlacher, OR Roach....and the mediocre Geno Hayes. But now you have to find a starting MLB, a starting strong-side linebacker, and a backup who can swing between the two. Are there that many decent LB's out there who will play for what Roach/Urlacher were offered? If the plan is to try for the playoffs in 2013, it seems counterproductive.

[ ]

In reply to by Dusty Baylor

I expect them to use one of their first two picks on a LB to start, add a veteran in FA (not sure who ... but someone) to start, and add a later round LB as the swing man/developmental guy. It'll make for a really raw LB group. If they can land an interior OL guy in FA, then my guess is that they'd try to go with a LB/CB combination at the top of the draft.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

The problem I have with this is that he clearly can still play. At a Hall of Fame level? No. But still worth keeping. I understand they're up against the cap and all, but... I wonder if someone like Peppers was even approached about deferring money (if possible, I have no idea) or if they just didn't want Urlacher around anymore.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob Richardson

I think many evaluators massively underrate the effect MLBs have on the defense too and thus have underrated Urlacher. They give QBs all the credit for the offense and completely ignore the QB effect the MLB has on defense. Overall, I have been very happy with the play of Urlacher the past couple years and I think he would have played at an acceptable level this year, definitely $3 million dollars worth. That said, I'm not actually opposed to getting rid of him this year, as much as it's sad to see him go. The MLB does have a real effect on the defense and since we're basically starting with another system and even if we kept Urlacher I would expect a major step back, it'd be good to have someone in who can take it over from day 1 and learn as they go. The problem here is that everyone should have seen something like this coming years ago and they had no plan in place for who was going to take over, which obviously isn't a Trestman problem, but I really have no idea who they can get. That Florida kid looks like an undersized, slow, bad choice so I really hope they skip him. This Urlacher choice had to happen either this year or next, but god some bad choices were made along the way. And of course, we desperately need offensive linemen, another receiver and another linebacker, so it's going to be interesting to see how in the world they pull all this off.

[ ]

In reply to by jacos

I'm going to be mildly surprised if he retires. He can still play ... he just can't fit for the old Lovie defense at a high level. He's still solid at reading and stuffing the run. I really think he could excel in a 3-4, particularly if there's a big NT to cover things up for him. I doubt he'd go there, but Cleveland would be an intriguing fit for him. With massive bodies on the DL, solid edge options (although Kruger's overpaid), and D'Qwell is still rangy enough, Urlacher could be a nice fit inside there.

[ ]

In reply to by Tito

About the cap, there was a tweet that said they were down to $3M worth of room, but I think that was after signing Bennett and before cutting the TE's. Also, if they work out a deal with Melton they can reduce his number from $8.7M to something more team friendly. Of course, they still have a number of positions to fill out. Sounds overall like they didn't want Urlacher around anymore.

mets fans must be stoked for 2013... "According to one Mets' official, Marlon Byrd is "99.9 percent certain" to win the starting right field job."

the guy i hoped the cubs would take a chance on in the rule 5...vidal nuno (NYY), lefty pitcher...is having a hell of a spring. he picked up a 5ip SP win today. 13ip 7h 1bb 13k...(0.68 era) my rant about him seems to have been lost during the site move...or i can't search correctly. i thought he'd be a great long-relief pen option with possible end-rotation upside...not flashy with the velocity, but not useless...good control.

Chone Figgins released by Marlins. A once Good player who's skills fell off a cliff several years ago.

tommy hanson (LAA) pulled...looks like his shoulder. his career keeps getting more interesting.

well that was odd... LAA pitcher matt oye comes in...for some reason with the middle fingernail of his pitching hand with white fingernail polish on it... ump, tim mclellan, objects to the painted fingernail...delay while a trainer comes out to apply black sharpie marker to dude's fingernail.

Hello, strangers.

This is a completely cold-called, "want to join a fantasy league?" solicitation from an ex-TCR'er. 

In brief:  Head to Head, large number of stat. categories with a bit of a sabrmetric bent. Teams that go dead for a month will get redrafted. No assholes or even difficult personalities tolerated. Beyond that, it's a low-intensity but high-knowledge league for people who want a 2nd or 3rd or 4th-priority level league to play in, beyond their main league.    Yahoo League ID 62369 and password samfuld

Me:  Published my first book, it came out in December.  You can find it here.  Am one provost's signature away from finalizing an appointment to a tenure-track job, which is nice, since I've spent the last 10 months unemployed.  No promises that I'll return to hanging out at TCR, but I do miss everyone!

[ ]

In reply to by Transmission

Great to hear from you again, Trans! I'll put in an order for your book at my University's library. I'll also flag it so I can read it first when it comes in. And good luck on nailing down that last provost's signature. I have missed your game wrap ups. Not that the product on the field has really deserved it the last few years.

[ ]

In reply to by JoePepitone

Also, AFAIK there's only two ex-TCRers, and you're not either one of them. I'm sure AZ Phil can chime in on which inactive or limited-duty roster TCR has you stashed on and how they can get you through internet waivers so you can post game summaries again. Might not be 'til June since they probably won't want to start your service clock.

[ ]

In reply to by JoePepitone

Thanks Joe.  I miss doing them; it was just a matter of needing to prioritize trying to save my career. :(  stupid priorities.

 

And that's what I tell my former students:  don't BUY the book, ask your LIBRARY to, then STEAL it from the library, so they have to buy a second..

I'm such a good influence on my students...

[ ]

In reply to by Transmission

Congrats Tranny. I hear books are harder to write than to read. I have no knowledge of either. Pop in for a parachat now and again at least. Johann's mom will bring the bobos and Carlos will brink the donkey. [edit] And shouldn't a "Philanthropic and Nonprofit Studies" book about the poor be less expensive? :)

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?