Cubs MLB Roster

Cubs Organizational Depth Chart
40-Man Roster Info

40 players are on the MLB RESERVE LIST (roster is full) 

28 players on MLB RESERVE LIST are ACTIVE, and twelve players are on OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT to minors. 

Last updated 3-26-2024
 
* bats or throws left
# bats both

PITCHERS: 15
Yency Almonte
Adbert Alzolay 
Javier Assad
Jose Cuas
Kyle Hendricks
* Shota Imanaga
Caleb Kilian
Mark Leiter Jr
* Luke Little
Julian Merryweather
Hector Neris 
* Drew Smyly
* Justin Steele
Jameson Taillon
* Jordan Wicks

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

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

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

OPTIONED: 12 
Kevin Alcantara, OF 
Michael Arias, P 
Ben Brown, P 
Alexander Canario, OF 
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF 
Brennen Davis, OF 
Porter Hodge, P 
* Matt Mervis, 1B 
Daniel Palencia, P 
Keegan Thompson, P 
Luis Vazquez, INF 
Hayden Wesneski, P 

 



 

Minor League Rosters
Rule 5 Draft 
Minor League Free-Agents

Cubs 2014 Draft - Day 2 (Rounds 3-10)

Day 2 of the draft has just started and the Cubs are on the clock and will likely have their pick by the time I stop typing. As for Day 1, we know all about Kyle Schwarber at this point and how he's truly the player the Cubs scouts desired. Second round pick Jake Stinnett sounds like he'll be an easy sign and at some point (probably near or after Round 10), the Cubs will likely go for a few reaches in hope of signing some players that were deemed unsignable. If you're interested, Stinnett will pitch in the super regionals tomorrow versus Virginia and I believe all games will be televised on the ESPN channels.

As for Round 3, here we go... (UPDATE: Done for the day, hope they can sign most of these guys)

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3rd Round Pick #78 - Mark Zagunis, C from Viriginia Tech - Junior

A three-year starter at Virginia Tech and a Johnny Bench Award semifinalist, Zagunis is an athletic catcher who has performed in one of the better college conferences in the nation. The ACC standout has shown a propensity for putting the ball in play and hitting for average, albeit from a slightly unusual setup. He's shown some extra-base pop in the past, though not as much in 2014. He runs extremely well for a catcher and has shown that his athleticism plays well in the outfield. His arm is average but on target, and his other skills say he could stay behind the plate full-time. The team that believes he can continue to hit might think he has the chance to be an everyday backstop in the future, and it will draft him accordingly. At the very least, Zagunis' versatility provides a team with options if catching doesn't work out.

4th Round Pick #109 - Carson Sands, LHP from North Florida Christian HS (Florida State commitment)

Along with Matthew Railey, his North Florida Christian teammate and fellow Florida State commit, Sands has seen his stock increase this spring. Sands' rise has been partly attributable to the strength gains he has made over the past year. That led to a jump in his fastball velocity, and he now throws the pitch in the low 90s, regularly touching 94 mph. He also throws a solid 12-to-6 curveball and has a good feel for his changeup. He repeats his delivery well, allowing him to throw strikes with all three of his pitches. Sands' strong season, size, stuff and projectability have helped push him up Draft boards as more scouts see him pitch.

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5th Round Pick #139 - Justin Steele, LHP from George County HS in Mississippi (Southern Mississippi commitment)
Not since 1999, when the Braves took Matt Butler in the second round, has a Mississippi high school pitcher signed out of the first five rounds of the Draft. A lefty with a loose, quick arm, Steele should end that drought this June. Steele baffled scouts at the East Coast Professional Showcase last summer, when he ran his fastball into the low 90s but later dipped to the mid-80s. He has done a better job of holding his velocity this spring, working at 88-92 mph and reaching back for 94-95 on occasion. He's better when he throws with less effort in his delivery and gets more quality life on his heater. Steele's curveball used to stick out more for its shape than its velocity, but he has boosted it from the upper 60s to the low 70s as a senior. His changeup has some movement, but the Southern Mississippi recruit tips it off by slowing his arm speed and doesn't trust it much. Though he's athletic, his lack of size and true command could have him destined for the bullpen.

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6th Round Pick #169 - Dylan Cease, RHP from Milton HS in Georgia (Vanderbilt commitment)

Cease is one of the hardest throwing high school pitchers in the 2014 Draft class, but he was dealt a significant setback this spring. He suffered an elbow injury that has kept him off the mound since March, leaving his future uncertain. When healthy, Cease throws his fastball from 91-95 mph, topping out at 97 mph. He doesn't have a physical frame, instead generating his velocity with athleticism and arm speed. There is some effort to his delivery, and the rest of his game may remain inconsistent until he refines it. His mid-70s curveball will range from a below-average to an above-average pitch, and his changeup shows flashes of becoming an effective offering, but he'll need to throw it more often. Cease, who plays with his twin brother at Milton High, is committed to Vanderbilt.

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7th Round Pick #199 - James Norwood, RHP from St. Louis University - Junior

A year after going winless and battling an elbow strain, Norwood is poised to become the highest June Draft pick out of Saint Louis in history. He figures to go in the first three to five rounds after displaying one of the best fastballs among college starters in this year's class. Norwood's fastball has been clocked up to 98 mph, and he usually operates at 91-95 with some sinking and tailing action. He doesn't miss as many bats as that velocity indicates he should, because he lacks a quality secondary pitch to keep hitters from focusing on his fastball. He probably would be better off working on one breaking ball rather than throwing both a curveball and a hard cutter/slider, and his changeup is still a work in progress. Though he has a strong build, Norwood features enough effort in his delivery to raise questions about his long-term durability as a starter. He'll remain in the rotation for now, but his ability to refine his secondary offerings will determine his ultimate role.

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8th Round Pick #229 - Tommy Thorpe, LHP from Oregon University - Junior

No MLB.com scouting report, but found this one online. Plus this video and his college stats.

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9th Round Pick #259 - James Farris, RHP from Arizona University - Senior

Farris has been a member of Arizona’s starting rotation for the last three years. As a sophomore, he started the clinching game of Wildcats’ 2012 College World Series championship. Farris doesn’t have overwhelming stuff, but knows how to use it and commands all of his pitches well. His fastball sits in the upper-80s and he can manipulate it to add or subtract velocity or movement depending on the situation. His changeup is his best pitch and he also throws a curveball, though it’s a below-average offering. Farris was selected in the 15th round last year by the Astros, but elected to return to Arizona for his senior year. He could be a solid option this year for a team looking to save money in its Draft budget.

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10th Round Pick #299 - Ryan Williams, RHP from East Carolina University - Senior

No immediately available scouting report, but here's a stats page. Another signability pick that will hopefully leave money for them to get Sands and Cease (and to a lesser degree Steele and Norwood).

Comments

Sands

http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/08/31/2014-mlb-draft-profile-carson-…

2013 USA Baseball Tournament of Stars Notes from Don Olsen: Carson is a long, sloped, narrow athletic frame with decent overall development.  There is a bit of projection left and could sit 215 pounds and fits a Barry Zito type mold.  Easy loose arm with solid action, relaxed delivery and repeats it well.  Fastball was 89-91 mph and worked both sides, changed eye levels, should decent command of it.  Change up was showing more depth than in the past, good deceptive arm action, could round out into an above average offering.  Curve was not as crisp as I have seen in the past, flashed just average depth and spin, there is more in the back pocket.  He is a good makeup type, been worked on big stages for a long time, hard to rattle, and always relaxed.

Catchers drafted in rounds 1 and 3 . . . I'm glad they appear not to be sold on Castillo.

[ ]

In reply to by VirginiaPhil

Not certain that's what is happening when they drafted 2 catchers. MGT has previously said they are weak in this position and need to strengthen throughout the org. By the time these two might be potentially ready for the bigs at catcher (3-4 years), Wellington will be eligible for free agency. I personally think they are very high on Castillo.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

It's not so much a question of what's happening in the majors as what's happening in what they consider their core group. Core lefty hitters would be Rizzo and Alcantara (switch). Righties would be Castro, Baez, Bryant, Olt, Almora, Soler. You'd like to have a lefty hitter somewhere in the 5-8 hole. Maybe Schwarber takes Castillo's job, maybe he takes left field from one of the core righties but he certainly won't bother Rizzo.

[ ]

In reply to by Sonicwind75

well Schwarber isn't going to stick at catcher (most likely, never say never), but I'm sure Zagunis was a pick to help with the overall issue of catcher depth in the system. Zagunis's draft profile made it sound like he could move around the diamond if necessary as well.

Should never really count on any pick being up sooner than 4 years (6 if out of high school). Anything sooner is just good fortune.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

You're supposed to have good fortune with high first-round draft picks. In Schwarber's case, he was the first position player drafted. In 2012, catcher Mike Zunino was drafted #3 by Seattle. He began his first full season (2013) in AAA and got 193 PA's in the majors that year. In 2011, Anthony Rendon was drafted #6. He had 394 PAs with the Nats in 2013. 2013, Kris Bryant taken #2. Unless he struggles in AAA starting probably later this month, he should be in the Cub lineup in 2015. High school players generally take longer, but there are always exceptions like Harper and Machado. But Schwarber is a college junior.

[ ]

In reply to by VirginiaPhil

just because it happens doesn't mean you should count on it...your results will vary.

I could see Schwarber up by 2016, being useful by 2017 or 2018. But maybe he'll surprise and pull a Posey, it's always nice when it happens.

2004 - Stephen Drew only college bat in top 15, debut in 2006, regular by 2007, useful by 2008

2005 (commonly referred to as the best draft class in decades) - A. Gordon (debut and regular by 2007, not useful until 2011), J. Clement (debut in 2007, never nothing), R. Zimmermann(debut in 2005, regular and useful by 2006), R. Braun (debut and useful in 2007), T. Tulowitzki (debut in 2006, regular and useful by 2007), T. Crowe (debut in 2007, never nothing)

2006 - Evan Longoria (debut and useful in 2008), D. Stubbs (debut in 2009, regular and useful by 2010), T. Colvin (debut in 2009, okay year in 2010).

2007 - M. Wieters (debut in 2009, regular in 2010, pretty solid since 2011), M. LaPorta (debut in 2009, never nothing)

2008 - P. Alveraz (debut in 2010, regular and useful by 2012), B. Posey (debut in 2009, awesome by 2010), Y. Alonso (debut in 2010, regular by 2012, still not useful), G. Beckham (debut in 2009, downhill since), J. Smoak (debut and a regular by 2010, never useful), J. Weeks (debut in 2011, regular in 2012, never useful), B. Wallace (debut in 2010, regular by 2011, never useful)

well I'm getting bored filling this out, but we get the idea, 2 years later they generally make a debut, 3-4 years later they're regulars and should be useful players by then, a few busts, a few stars.

I'll just list the names from 2009 on that were college bats in top 15

D. Ackley, T. Sanchez, G. Green; C. Colon, M. Choice, Y. Grandal; A. Rendon, G. Springer; M. Zunino, T. Naquin; K. Bryant, C. Moran, H. Dozier, DJ Peterson, H. Renfroe,.

 

Cubs recent win streak has moved them to 2nd worst record as Rays have lost 10 straight. Phillies on a recent losing tear as well.

Cubs vs. Marlins now, Stanton should be hitting a HR any minute now

 

Been following the draft at John Sickels' website: commenters there, many of whom are knowledgeable, all of whom are opinionated, basically like the Cubs' second-day approach.  I am not close to well enough informed to have an opinion.

some stuff from BA

The Cubs grabbed the first senior of the draft in Stinnett, who offers a great body and power arm that throws strikes with plus fastball life.

• Two of the top college catchers went off the board, with the Cubs taking Virginia Tech’s Mark Zagunis at pick No. 78, while the Tigers took South Carolina’s Grayson Greiner at No. 99. Zagunis is more athletic and runs better than most college catchers, and while his defense needs some polish, he’s shown toughness.

i kinda wonder how many of their 4/5/6/7 picks they think they'll be able to sign. i'd honestly be surprised to see more than 2 of them signed....it'll be kinda interesting.

interesting note, Cubs waited until after 3rd round to start selecing the tough signs. If they don't sign, Cubs do NOT get any draft compensation next year. Surprised they didn't at least grab one earlier, but I presume they have a plan and hopefully the plan isn't cheap ownership.

in unfortunate, but potentially fortunate news for Cubs, Johan Santana tears ACL in EXST for O's.

their starters have 3rd worst ERA in league (2nd worst in AL).

Gausman, Bundy, E. Rodriguez, Hunter Harvey are the names you'd want for Samardzija and/or Hammel

BA take on Cease

The Cubs’ Day Two approach came into sharp focus early, and they continued going after tough signs with righthander Dylan Cease out of Milton (Ga.) High. He was a preseason first-team prep All-American who had not pitched since March due to an elbow injury. He had touched as high as 98 coming out of the gates this spring before getting hurt. Cease has a quick arm and athletic frame with an inconsistent breaking ball and modest 6-foot-2, 175-pound frame. He’s a Vanderbilt signee who was considered a tough sign.

M. Stroman so far vs Cardinals tonight

6 IP, 7 K, 6 H, 2 BB, 1 ER on 88 pitches

that would look nice in a Cubs uniform, although if he keeps pitching well, Blue Jays won't move him.

Not to toot my own horn, but this is exactly how I envisioned the draft. Unlike a lot of folks, I saw no reason to go pitching in the first round. All but one of those guys is a pitcher, so they're stocking up, hoping one catches fire. To me, that's how you run a draft in the age of 20 year old TMJ To Bes.

Check the twitter box

3rd round pick Zagunis already signs for $615K, nearly a $100K saving

Stinnett is on my TV right now, ESPN 2 I believe

16 balls, 14 strikes so far

saved by an incredible defensive play/bad base running in 1st

seems to be in high 80's mostly

Recent comments

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Javier Assad started the Lo-A game (Myrtle Beach versus Stockton) on the Cubs backfields on Wednesday as his final Spring Training tune-up. He was supposed to throw five innings / 75 pitches. However, I was at the minor league road games at Fitch so I didn't see Assad pitch. 

  • crunch (view)

    cards put j.young on waivers.

    they really tried to make it happen this spring, but he put up a crazy bad slash of .081/.244/.108 in 45PA.

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Seconded!!!

  • crunch (view)

    another awesome spring of pitching reports.  thanks a lot, appreciated.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Here are the Cubs pitchers reports from Tuesday afternoon's Cardinals - Cubs game art Sloan Park in Mesa:

    SHOTA IMANAGA
    FB: 90-92 
    CUT: 87-89 
    SL: 82-83 
    SPLIT: 81-84
    CV: 73-74 
    COMMENT: Worked three innings plus two batters in the fourth... allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits (six singles and two doubles) walked one, and struck out six (four swinging), with a 1/2 GO/AO... he threw 73 pitches (52 strikes - 10 swing & miss - 19 foul balls)... surrendered one run in the top of the 1st on a one-out double off Cody Bellinger's glove in deep straight-away CF followed one out later by two consecutive two-out bloop singles, allowed two runs (one earned) in the 2nd after retiring the first two hitters (first batter had a nine-pitch AB with four consecutive two-strike foul balls before being retired 3 -U) on a two-out infield single (weak throw on the run by Nico Hoerner), a hard-contact line drive RBI double down the RF line, and an E-1 (missed catch) by Imanaga on what should been an inning-ending 3-1 GO, gave up another run in the 3rd on a two-out walk on a 3-2 pitch and an RBI double to LF, and two consecutive singles leading off the top of the 4th before being relieved (runners were ultimately left stranded)... threw 18 pitches in the 1st inning (14 strikes - two swing & miss, one on FB and the other on a SL - four foul balls), 24 pitches in the 2nd inning (17 strikes - three swing & miss, one on FB, two SPLIT - six foul balls), 19 pitches in the 3rd inning (13 strikes - seven swing & miss, three on SL, two on SPLIT, one on FB - three foul balls), and 12 pitches without retiring a batter in the top of the 4th (8 strikes - no swing & miss - four foul balls)... Imanaga throws a lot of pitches per inning, but it's not because he doesn't throw strikes...  if anything, he throws too many strikes (he threw 70% strikes on Tuesday)... while he gets a ton of swing & miss (and strikeouts), he also induces a lot of foul balls because he doesn't try to make hitters chase his pitches by throwing them out of the strike zone... rather, he uses his very diverse pitch mix to get swing & miss (and lots of foul balls as well)... he also is a fly ball pitcher who will give up more than his share of HR during the course of the season...   
     
    JOE NAHAS
    FB: 90-92 
    SL: 83-85 
    CV: 80-81 
    COMMENT: Was called up from the Hi-A South Bend group at Minor League Camp for the day... relieved Imanaga with runners at first and second and no outs in the top of the 4th, and after an E-2 catcher's interference committed by Miguel Amaya loaded he bases, Nahas struck out the side (one swinging & two looking)... threw 16 pitches (11 strikes - two swinging)...   

    YENCY ALMONTE
    FB: 89-92 
    CH: 86 
    SL: 79 
    COMMENT: Threw an eight-pitch 5th (five strikes - no swing & miss), with a 5-3 GO for the first out and an inning-ending 4-6-3 DP after a one-out single... command was a bit off but he worked through it...   

    FRANKIE SCALZO JR
    FB: 94-95
    CH: 88 
    SL: 83
    COMMENT: Was called up from the AA Tennessee group at Minor League Camp for the day and worked the 6th inning... got the first outs easily (a P-5 and a 4-3 GO) on just three pitches, before allowing three consecutive two-out hard-contact hits (a double and two singles), with the third hit on pitch # 9 resulting in a runner being thrown out at the plate by RF Christian Franklin for the third out of the inning... 

    MICHAEL ARIAS
    FB: 94-96
    CH: 87-89
    SL: 82-83
    COMMENT: Was called up from the AA Tennessee group at Minor League Camp for the day and allowed a hard-contact double on the third pitch of the 7th inning (a 96 MPH FB), and the runner came around to score on a 4-3 GO and a WP... gave up two other loud contact outs (an L-7 and an F-9)... threw 18 pitches (only 10 strikes - only one swing & miss)... stuff is electric but still very raw and he continues to have difficulty commanding it, and while he has the repertoire of a SP, he throws too many pitches-per-inning to be a SP and not enough strikes to be a closer... he is most definitely still a work-in-progress...   

    ZAC LEIGH: 
    FB: 93-94 
    CH: 89 
    SL: 81-83 
    CV: 78
    COMMENT: Was called up from the AA Tennessee group at Minor League Camp for the day and tossed a 1-2-3 8th (4-3 GO, K-swinging on a sweeper, K-looking on another sweeper)... threw 14 pitches (11 strikes - one swing & miss - eight foul balls)... kept pumping pitches into the strike zone but had difficulty putting hitters away (ergo a ton of foul balls)... FB velo is nowhere near the 96-98 MPH it was a couple of years ago when he was a Top 30 prospect, but his secondaries are better...   

    JOSE ROMERO:  
    FB: 93-95
    SL: 82-84
    COMMENT: Was called up from the Hi-A South Bend group at Minor League Camp for the day and worked the 9th (14 pitches - only six strikes- no swing & miss) and allowed a solo HR after two near-HR fly outs to the warning track, before getting a 3-1 GO to end the inning... it was like batting practice when he wasn't throwing pitches out of the strike zone...

  • crunch (view)

    pablo sandoval played 3rd and got a couple ABs (strikeout, single!) in the OAK@SF "exhibition"

    mlb officially authenticated the ball of the single he hit.  nice.

    he's in surprisingly good shape considering his poor body condition in his last playing seasons.  he's not lean, but he looks healthier.  good for him.

  • crunch (view)

    dbacks are signing j.montgomery to a 1/25m with a vesting 20m player option.

    i dunno when the ink officially dries, but i believe if he signs once the season begins he can't be offered a QO...and i'm not sure if that thing with SD/LAD in korea was the season beginning, either.

  • crunch (view)

    sut says imanaga getting the home opener at wrigley (game 4 of the season).

  • crunch (view)

    cubs rolling out the who's who of "who the hell is this guy?" in the last spring game.

  • videographer (view)

    AZ Phil, speaking of Jordan Wicks having better command when he tires a bit, I remember reading about Dennis Lamp 40 years ago and his sinker that was better after 3 or 4 innings when he would tire a bit and get more sink with a little less speed on the pitch.  The key for Lamp was getting to the 4th inning.