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

Thurs Funnies: What to do when the Cubs take a lead in extra innings of a night game

You know what I did last night?
Went to bed happy.
Slept like a baby, too.
Why?
Because in the top of the 12th, as soon as the Cubs took the lead over the Pittsburgh Pirates...the second Anthony Rizzo hit that absolutely gorgeous, stunning homer deep into the right field bleachers...I reached for my wallet and pulled out my shiny new Cubs Take A Lead In An Extra Inning Night Game Go To Bed Free Of Guilt Pass.
It's the AMAZING new product you can print for FREE!
All you have to do is click on the Pass (illustration above) and hit "print".
Best of all, IT'S GUARANTEED TO LET YOU GO TO BED HAPPY!
Why wait for new Cubs closer Jose Veras to walk a guy, hit a guy, and let the tying run score when you could already be snoring with a smile on your face?
Why stay up knowing that the possibility of revolting disaster and nightmare-inducing doom awaits when you could be dreaming of World Series Glory?
Try the new Cubs Take A Lead In An Extra Inning Night Game Go To Bed Free Of Guilt Pass, and... (sing this jingle) WHEN THE OTHER TEAM'S SCORING, YOU'LL BE SNORING.

Comments

*applause* (I originally wrote *golf clap* but then I thought it might be construed as sarcastic. Is *golf clap* always snarky?)

[ ]

In reply to by JoePepitone

Golf Clap "The golf clap is considered the most sophisticated clap of American culture and is normally associated with the upper classes. It is unusual in that it is preformed with a bit of reservation and thoughtful rhythm, unlike other claps which consist of haphazardly flailing obese arms in hopes that the palms occasionally make contact to produce the loudest noise possible." Source: Abraham Lincoln

[ ]

In reply to by crunch

Thank you! I ask a question and I get a peer-reviewed quality, sourced response! How Cub Reporter! (I would question the source but this is Illinois and we NEVER question anything sourced to Abraham Lincoln)

I stayed awake to listen to the bottom of the inning and it was aggravating. I wish I had just gone to sleep.

Can we all just agree Bonifacio is the greatest hitter who has ever lived? I think he can keep up this pace.

I've always attributed the incredible success of Cubs' starting pitchers who were traded (Dempster, Maholm, Garza, Feldman) to the fact that there was no pressure the last couple of years, but is it possible that Bosio is just a really great pitching coach?

[ ]

In reply to by Carlito

regression to the mean, moving to tougher divisions, maybe Bosio a little. I think the effect of working with a catcher and staff over spring training should not be underestimated.

Maholm did a little better after being traded for the rest of 2012, fell back in 2013 but that should have been expected.

http://www.csnchicago.com/cubs/cubs-exploring-sale-minority-shares-wrig…

Own a piece of the Cubs to pay for Wrigley renovations, said to be considering selling minority shares to finance renovations. Also won't start until they're assured they won't get sued.

Kenney told reporters the Ricketts family is “prepared to write the whole check themselves” if the Cubs would be treated like the other 29 big-league clubs, allowed to put up advertising signage where they want and given more flexibility to schedule night games.

I have my doubts on that claim.

Anywhoo...as the article states, plenty of teams (Cardinals and Giants to name 2) have multiple owners.

Rusin goes for Iowa (already gave up 3 runs in top of 1st to Memphis)

Lineup is
Szczur (8), Alcantara (4), Baez (6), Vitters (7), Coghlan (3 - ?), Villanueva (5), Jackson (9), Whiteside (2)

Dae-Eun Rhee goes for Tennessee, against a rehabbing Mat Latos

Felix Pena goes for Daytona

and

Paul Blackburn goes for Kane County

handy link to follow all minor league games

http://www.milb.com/scoreboard/index.jsp?sid=milb&org=112

1-run game in Cincy, Billy Hamilton walked with 2 outs

Yadier Molina behind the plate.

Fun stuff.

1. Bonifacio, CF 2. Starlin Castro, SS 3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B 4. Nate Schierholtz, RF 5. Valbuena, 3B 6. Welington Castillo, C 7. Ryan Sweeney, LF 8. Darwin Barney, 2B 9. Travis Wood, P So straight platooning Olt and Lake? Great....apparently Valbuena's career .220/.301/.346 against RHP is pretty impressive.

[ ]

In reply to by Dusty Baylor

Personally not that happy about Olt platooning. I don't know if that's the long term plan or if it's still his healing arm/defense. But if he sits out against righties as a general rule, I will be bummed. And I like Valbuena. But I'm guessing a player like Olt with good power needs to play to find rhythm and comfort.

[ ]

In reply to by Carlito

Jesse Rogers from ESPN kinda laid into Renteria about that. Welcome to Chicago, happy man. But I agree with both of you. Power hitters have a tendency to overswing as it is, and it just makes it that much harder when you're a rookie. He needs his reps, or he should go back down. And like Rogers said in his article - I have no interest in watching the likes of Sweeney and Valbuena. Nothing against Valbuena but he is a journeyman, and so is Sweeney. If we have to wait, and we do, then make us wait with the kids playing not journeymen. I hope this is not a Renteria trend. Maybe Junior Lake turns into a bust, but let's find out.

[ ]

In reply to by Carlito

Well I'm definitely gonna give Renteria a lot of leeway in my own head but I do hope he doesn't fall into that trap a lot of managers do of giving vets playing time because they are vets. Olt is going to take his lumps, he may even be a bust. Same with Lake. I just don't want to watch journeymen instead of kids. If it's all a FAIL, I'd rather watch kids.

[ ]

In reply to by Old and Blue

What I hope Renteria is doing is trying to give Olt, especially after the atrocious season he had last year, some early season confidence. Playing him when he has the best opportunity to succeed and then gradually give him tougher at bats once he is more settled. While I agree playing the kids everyday would personally be more entertaining in the short term; maybe Renteria and the Cubs front office don't believe the "sink or swim" method is the best long term development strategy for Olt.

Dillon Maples suffered a broken rib late in spring training and will be sidelined for about two months. From Trib/Gonzales.

i know it's a cold day game during the work week, but this is spotty 1st home game attendance. there's gotta be some unhappy scalpers out there. i can't imagine all those empty seats were not bought.

minors

Kane County rained out

Jose Rosario started for Daytona and went 4 innings, Michael Jensen in now

CJ Edwards going for Smokies

Pimentel goes for Iowa

RHP Casey Coleman has been sent from Iowa to Extended Spring Training to make room for Alberto Cabrera on the I-Cubs 25-man roster, and RHRP Frank Batista has been moved from Extended Spring Training to Tennessee, replacing OF Jorge Soler (placed on 7-day DL).

Cubs lose.

#groundhogsday

Astros vs. Cubs for the #1 pick or is their sleeper?

Javy Baez ejected in 3rd inning by home plate umpire; 0-2 for the night with 2 Ks.

On the bright side, Almora goes 5-6, with 2R, 3RBI, no XB hits though. Daytona laying waste to the Manatees, 13-0 in the 9th.

wtf was j.rollins thinking with 2 outs there...not stepping on the base right beside him for a force and choosing to throw to 1st? that was mindblowingly awesome brainfart D...and the cubs get a run out of it.

'Ricky' hugs the crap out of Villenueva when he came back to the dugout. V feeling all warm and fuzzy. Thank GD that Cesar Izturis isn't also in the dugout this year.

didn't take long for this game to start sucking...down by 3...2 men on...1 out. 12 minute old game. at least it's a night game. too damn many day games early.

[ ]

In reply to by crunch

At least we get to watch Olt sit on the bench and Lake too. I'm wondering if TheoJed are gonna have to trade Valbuena and Sweeney (ala Bean/Moneyball) to get Olt/Lake some pt? Neither strikes me as a lefty killer for fuck's sake. They're not gonna get better or tested without seeing any live pitching. And a late inning at bat here and there for Olt ... He's not a journeyman pinch hitter. He needs 4-5 at bats a game to get in a rhythm. If anything Rent is setting him up for failure.

If Gameday is accurate, Ryan Kalish just bunted with 2 outs and 2 runners on.

I can't even muster the proper disgust at this point.

Castro seems comfortable and aggressive tonight. Hope it's a sign of more good things to come. And he ran the bases like he'd been there before too.

2 for castro...unfortunately the cubs are still down by 1...bottom 6th. first career 2hr game.

Renteria pinch hits Olt for the pitcher against a rightie with nobody on base in the 6th inning of a 1 run game? What happens if they bring in a leftie reliever later in the game? He's managing like a little league manager who's trying to keep everyone happy and get people at bats.

Wilton Lopez is giving out free homeruns in the White Sox game, too. I'd be pissed if I was him: HR, HR, single, GO, GO, double, HR, single, single, single...what's the dude gotta do to hit the showers?

renteria ejected for coming out to argue balls/strikes (in the middle of an AB with veras pitching) after being warned...seems pointless and for show...meh.

ArizonaPhil A friend is going to be in Mesa Friday with his son, and he wants to take him to the Cubs facilities. Can you share any details about what might be going on at Cubs Park/UnderArmour at River View this coming Friday morning the 11th. He would really appreciate it. He would have asked himself, but has been unable to register on this site.

[ ]

In reply to by DavidP

DAVID: I believe the Cubs are on the road on Friday, but even if they are there should be plenty going on at the UAPC Friday morning. The players who don''t make the road trip will probably play a "sim" game, with several pitchers (possibly some rehab guys) throwing in the game.

No guarantees, of course.

Chicago’s Very Own WGN-TV presents “Wrigley 100: A Century Celebration,” a two-hour special on the history of Wrigley Field and its primary occupant during that time, the Chicago Cubs. The special will air Sunday, April 20 at 7pm CT on WGN-TV Chicago. There will be an encore airing on Saturday, April 26 at 4pm CT on WGN-TV Chicago and nationally on WGN America at 4p Central/5p Eastern. Read more: http://wgntv.com/2014/04/09/wgn-tv-to-air-wrigley-100-a-century-celebra…

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?