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

TCR Friday Notes

Some quick hits...

- The pleasant news of Arismendy Alcantara staying with the team at least through the All-Star Break and hopefully longer, was a nice boost to the morale. With the break looming, the Cubs don't need to worry about their other 2 starting rotation spots, so Kyle Hendricks was optioned despite the solid start yesterday. Blake Parker will likely be sitting next to him on the train as he was optioned as well, with Zac Rosscup on his way back. Darwin Barney should be back today as well from paternity leave. Alcantara will bat leadoff and play 2b tonight and probably center field tomorrow.

- As for the next wave of youngsters: Baez 1/4 with 2 K's, Bryant 1/3 with a HR, a BB and a K and Arodys Vizcaino gave up for 3 ER in 1.1 IP on 4 H, 0 BB with 2 K's. At AA, Russell got his first 2 hits with the Cubs going 2/5, Soler went 2/4 with a HR and a BB. For Daytona, Vogelbach goes 0/4 with 2 K's, Almora 1/5. For Kane County, Schwarber had a 1/5 day.

Some other performances of note: R. Lopez had a nice day going 4/4 for Iowa and J. Candelario went 3/4 with a HR and 2 2B's for Kane County.

- Wrigley renovations are back in the news and it's hard to muster up the enthusiasm to care what the windbags are spewing to the media at this point. But the landmark commission did approve the Cubs revised plan for up to 7 advertising signs and a smaller left field video board. Allegedly the meeting or the vote was contingent on the Cubs still negotiating with the rooftops in good faith, but sounds like the Cubs are just going to press on, sending out an email last night that they intend to finish the signage and bleachers by Opening Day of next year. Essentially the bleachers will be torn down besides the scoreboard and brick from what I understand.

- Old pal Geovany Soto was picked up for possession of marijuana yesterday, this is not his first go-around with the herb. Clearly a move to the Rockies or Mariners would be best for all involved.

Comments

bases loaded, 1 out in the 6th...m.olt gets pinch hit for... cubs got 1 run on a walk from valbuena...so they have that going for them. still...they might as well just go ahead and trade him for an infield rake (something they actually use).

[ ]

In reply to by crunch

Treats him like a piece of shit. They should just DFA him. This isn't dictated by front office trade negotiations. Ricky treats him like a retarded puppy. Batting 8th too behind lake and caughlin why is lake batting 6th? His K with bases loaded and 0 out was a predictable thing of beauty.

[ ]

In reply to by Carlito

i dont care how they use him as long as he gets used. everyday 3rd? sure. 3rd/1st/LF? sure. part-time getting a large chunk of a week's work? sure. AAA starter (3rd/LF/1st, even)? sure. he may never be an ob% monster, but there's 30+ potential homers + good D in a young guy that plays a semi-rare position quite well. it's okay to let a guy work on stuff over a period of time without playing much in order to get it together better, but eventually you got to let the dude play sink/swim and put it all into real games physically, mentally, and consistently.

on the Bulls front, some rumoring of 'Melo and Gasol both joining...not bad. Also looking at Dwayne Wade, him and Rose will look good together in suits on the bench.

Ramirez should have stayed in for the 9th. He only faced one batter in the 8th and should be the closer anyway based on his stats and performance. Rondon hasn't had it lately. This is one they should have won easily and closed out. Annoying.

Ricky makes Lou and Dusty look like the Mothers Theresa of rookies. He's just completely lost.

[ ]

In reply to by Carlito

I actually thought the walk to get to Upton was a nice move. The PHing for Olt didn't even bug me in that situation, because they needed to keep things moving along and Valbuena puts up good at bats, whereas Ot can be a bit Oltish. Instead of worrying about pinch hitting him, I am more annoyed with the fact he doesn't play, but that is pretty well documented.

All Arismendy, all the time. However, I am baffled as to how pronounce his last name -- I have heard Pat Hughes say "AL-Cantra", while Len seems to say "Al-Can-TARA", which is what I always thought. Oh, to dream: 1. AA - CF 2. Russell -SS 3. Bryant - LF 4. Rizzo - 1B 5. Baez - 3B 6. Soler - RF 7. Castro - 2B 8. Castillo - C With Schwarber and Almora as well. Although, I don't really get the Theo love for Almora -- not much power, nor much speed, doesn't draw many walks -- his offensive contribution will rely almost exclusively on hitting singles and doubles. Not very Theo-esque.

[ ]

In reply to by billybucks

It seems to me one of the shiniest bits about Almora is his "makeup", which I don't know how Cubs brass measures it, but they think he has lots of it. Also, since I've just recently looked through the MLB.com evaluation of Cubs prospects, Almora's defense gets the single highest score (75) of any Cubs prospect specific tool.

[ ]

In reply to by billybucks

Well, if all the prospects pan out, I think that might be the first time in baseball history that will have happened. So adjustments to that lineup will need to be made at some point. I normally like Arguello over on the Trib blog area, but he wants the Cubs to pursue Chase Headley for some reason. Which goes to show why bloggers, reporters, and writers don't run the teams.

I was at the Kane County games on Weds and Thurs. Hannemann played on Thursday. He has got to be the fastest player in the Cubs system. Paniagua needs to be promoted. Schwarber is a beast and a real nice guy. Az. Phil, do you agree about Hannemann's speed?

Can't believe Kane County is 60-30. They don't really have any top prospects on offense either. But their pitching has been ridiculously good. Also, shit, Bonifacio 3-4 in Arizona on rehab. I suppose he needs to get back before he can be traded, so I should be hoping he gets back soon, but I really don't want to see Alcantara sent down to watch Bonifacio get picked off twice a game. I also see Yorvit Torrealba played in another game in Arizona. I wonder what the plan is for him.

[ ]

In reply to by Ryno

Agree. Also it was an "aces" matchup as he was going against King Felix. per Rotoworld...
Hernandez ended up going eight innings and striking out nine in the win. It's the 11th straight start in which he's lasted at least seven innings and allowed no more than two runs. He's 11-2 with a 2.12 ERA and 154 strikeouts in 144 1/3 innings this season. He's fanned at least nine in nine of his 20 starts.

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In reply to by Cubster

CUBSTER: Pedro Araujo reminds me of Yoanner Negrin... crafty junk-ball pitcher whio gets results... 86-88 MPH fastball, curve, slider, change, varies arm slots... Yomar Morel works fast & throws strikes... features a 89-91 MPH fastball & a decent curve (his best pitch)... he's the closer at AZL Cubs but probably projects as middle-reliever at higher levels... Carson Sands throws a 90-92 MPH fastball, a curve that he can throw for strikes, and a deceptive change-up (doesn't give it away like some young pitchers do)... Jesus Castillo works at 91-93 and touches 94-95... secondary pitches need work...

You didn't ask about him, but LHP Andin Diaz is a name to remember, He throws consistently 94-95 (four-seamer) and touched 96 last week. Now that James Norwood has been moved up to Boise, Diaz throws the highest-velocity fastball at AZL Cubs (although Norwood gets nasty sink & run on his mid-90's gas). Diaz had his career sidetracked by a PED suspesion a couple of years ago (that's probably why he throws so hard), but he looks like it's "full steam ahead" now. Alberto Diaz is another LHRP at AZL Cubs (just got sent down from Boise) so it's easy to confuse the two names (both of them were also at Extended Spring Training), but Alberto is from Venezuela (Andin is from the Dominican Republic), Alberto is year or two older than Andin, Alberto is about 5'8 while Andin is 6'0, and Alberto has zero command. 

BTW, the LHRP pipeline goes like this: Rosscup-Cervenka-McKirahan-Heesch-Wilson-Andin Diaz... all of them are decent prospects... 

[ ]

In reply to by QuietMan

Q-MAN: Although I guess it's possible that one or both could eventually be moved to the bullpen, I think both Rob Zastryzny and Tyler Ihrig will remain starting pitchers indefinitely. That would also apply to Chris Rusin, Eric Jokisch, Nathan Dorris, and a few other Cub LHSP prospects further down the pipeline.

Also, although they are LHRP, I don't believe that Jeffry Antigua, Jeff Lorick, Austin Kirk, Gerardo Concepcion, or Alberto Diaz have a long-term future in the organization.     

I'm starting to like Ruggiano. Was getting sold before yesterday's game, too. Wasn't sold on him at first at all, but he's growing on me. I hope if teams really come calling for him they don't just give him away for a second tier prospect. The Cubs right now really have no outfielders with legit power, so trading him without filling that hole would be a real drag when it comes to watching this year's team.

[ ]

In reply to by Carlito

With Rose coming back and adding Gasol, McDermott, and Mirotic this has to be the most talented and deepest roster the Bulls have had during Thibodeau's tenure. I'm hoping Thibs can get in touch with his inner Popovich and ease back the minutes, particularly on Rose, Gasol, and Noah. A lot of new offensive talent, that I hope can play enough D that Thibodeau will at least let them see some court time.

Cubs brass may have made a little problem for themselves bringing AA up ... He's just tearing it up. If they wanted to send him back down it may get tricky.

mike minor just hit a HR off ejax. yeah, the wind is blowing out, but damn. also, this game so far has been a shitty pitching exhibition for both sides.

EJax came into the game with the worst ERA of 50 starting NL pitchers with enough innings to qualify (TWood is 46th!) He is running away and hiding with the title. They were willing to cut ties with Veras -- how much longer will EJax plague us? This is an insult.

Wonder what Arismendy makes of all this? "This guy gets paid $13MM per year to be the worst starting pitcher in baseball, and I can't get called up to play on this team?"

I don't think eJax is even trying. He just wants to go home with a brandy snifter and some video games. Maybe go fishing. Gardening.

[ ]

In reply to by Carlito

Shortly into his contract I remember him pitching a game where he was struggling. Okay, that's every game, so maybe that is not helpful. Anyway, it was still early in the game, and he looked into the dugout as if asking to be taken out. I've had a hard time warming up to him since. Contrast that to when Dennis Eckersley was a starting pitcher for the Cubs. I remember a game where he was struggling, too, and he just somehow reached down for something extra and got out of a jam as if his life depended on it, and it was not a critical game. There are guys in this game that are fun to watch, and there are those you want to see leave. I'm surprised TheoCorp signed this guy. He doesn't have the makeup I'd want in a starting pitcher. If nothing else, if he can't pitch, I wish he'd get pissed and kick a gatorade container at least once during his contract to show he cares.

okay len...someone's gonna send you to get piss tested if you make us sit through "take me out to the ballgame" on sitar again. i can deal with the replacements showing up 2-4 times a month, but not this.

Is it my imagination? Or does today's Iowa box score from both games of a double header have both Bryant AND Baez not playing??

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In reply to by Old and Blue

Sorry if this is old news, saw the following quote in the Futures game preview. Maybe the Cubs should sign Bryant's Dad and "bring him up" to be hitting coach. "I'm looking forward to seeing Joey Gallo," Bryant said. "We grew up in the same area and my dad taught us both how to hit. It's going to be fun."

[ ]

In reply to by Carlito

FWIW. ....I was at the KC game tonight and they lost 7-0 but here's some observations: Hanneman is fast but is fooled badly by off-speed stuff...0-4 w/ 2 Ks. Schwarber is a professional hitter....outstanding approach...has a plan each AB....can hit any type of pitch.....2-4 (2 singles) & K last AB on a 94mph moving 4-seam. Should be at Daytona or Tennessee. Candelario 2-4 (2B, 1B) & can really hit mediocre pitchers. Hard to miss the bat speed and decent skills at 3B.......still he's only 20 and probably at the right level. Skulina, Concepcion & Arias pitched and all three demonstrated how hard it is to pitch when you can't command your fastball. Add about 8 off-speed pitches all night being called strikes and it gets real hard to win. Skulina: 90-92mph 4-seam, 82mph slider, 80mph change....needs lots of work on secondary pitches. ...probably a bullpen arm is his ceiling. Concepcion: works 87-88 mph moving FB that hit 90 a few times....74-76mph curve that he couldn't throw for strikes. Arias: threw nothing but 91-93 fastballs that he couldn't command.

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In reply to by John Beasley

So he's league average in number of home runs he *should* have given up? I'm really glad that the Cubs have moved into a stats-minded situation, but what is the purpose of a stat like that? I ask out of a combination of ignorance and a little bemusement.

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In reply to by John Beasley

Thanks for the explanation. I don't care too much how he does this year. Assuming the Cubs keep him, it would be nice to have have a turn around year next year, since he should be able to eat innings. If he could eat innings and just step it up a notch he wouldn't be bad rotation filler, even though obviously not worth the money.

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In reply to by John Beasley

UNLUCKY??? His ERA last year was 4.98. He ranked 42nd out of 43 NL qualifiers. He was also 42nd of of 43 in WHIP. This year his ERA is 5.64, which is a distant 50th out of 50. He is also dead last by a sizable margin in WHIP. That's not unlucky -- that's consistency over a year and a half.

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In reply to by billybucks

That's actually what makes it all the stranger. His ERA last year was 4.98, his FIP was 3.79, and his xFIP was 3.86. In 2012, he also under-performed his peripherals, though not as dramatically. He appears to be quite unlucky for 2.5 years now, though it is unclear exactly what's happening.

futures game pre-game starting on MLB Network. it's a lot like cubs baseball the past few years...it's an exhibition that doesn't matter much. k.bryant interview (all fluff)...he seems to be amazed he's actually playing with m.ramirez.

Cubs score 6 runs Saturday and 7 runs Sunday and are not competitive in either game. EJax is 50th out of 50th (and a lot worse than #49) in NL starting pitcher ERA -- TWood is, I believe, 48th. Brutal to have them pitch back-to-back. Get ready for a fun second half!

I've only seen AA bat a few times. He makes things look a little effortless. He almost knocked one against the wall in the ninth. Has anyone been able to tell if he is hitting breaking stuff?

Good Prospect Watching in-person for the E-Man this week. O&B, to answer "Mendy's" handling of off speed stuff, he did not seemed fooled much when I was in attendance at Friday's game. The kid seems like a gamer. But 1st time through the league so we'll all see soon how he responds. Today I also had the pleasant experience of attending my first minor league game to see the Kane County Cougars. Schwarb DH'd today and while I couldnt see his defensive prowess, at the plate he hit everything on the nose with authority and went 2 for 3. They played a double header with two 7-inning games! Ernie would be pissed about that. Tseng got the start today and looked very good (at this level) hitting his spots in the low 90's with his fastball with movement. Was hoping to see Corey BlackPaul Blackburn, but we had to leave after game 1. Scary moment when the Beloit pitcher got nailed in the head with a line drive (inf single in the play), but the kid finished the inning. It was a beautiful day out there, and beers are $3.00 less than Wrigley. I only wish someone had bought my tickets for the Braves gave today to help pay for the good value.

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In reply to by The E-Man

Thanks a lot E-Man. One thing different between this callup and the last interesting one, Lake, is that when I saw Lake I thought, hmmm, some interesting raw tools there, doesn't seem quite ready for prime time but I won't complain because I'm always saying, "bring him up!". With Alcantara, he just seems ready. He certainly didn't let his first game bother him, I've seen a few more at bats and it doesn't seem like the breaking stuff is killing him, at all, but he will have a weakness. I see he's been in the system since he was 17 (time to start the Jimenez watch!!)

Soler 3/5 with two homers for the Smokies today. Starting to wonder just how good he might be if he can stay healthy for the rest of the season (mentally, I've all but written him off for not being on the field much).

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=24138#commentMe…

I’ve seen the Cubs’ first round draft pick a few times at Low-A. At the plate he sets up in a low crouch with an open stance, his hands even with his shoulders and extended out away from his body. He has a simple load and takes a quick, efficient route to the ball and displays good swing plane for power. I didn’t see power in game but he barreled up a few pitches for hard line drives. His nose is always on the ball as he displays an advanced feel for tracking stuff. He spat on a few good changeups that lesser hitters would’ve swung over and he shows a solid understanding of the strike zone. Behind the plate, Schwarber sets up low in his crouch and stays quiet, creating a comfortable target for the pitcher. His framing skills could use some work, as he stabs at offerings. He has surprising mobility back there with good lateral movement on block attempts. I’ve noticed that he gets loose fundamentally late in games. He has an average arm and I did get a pop time in the 1.9 range but ultimately the catching skills are fringe and can improve. I don’t think the cost is worth delaying the bat. He’s a bat-first left fielder in my mind. —Mauricio Rubio

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In reply to by Rob G.

He spat on a few good changeups that lesser hitters would’ve swung over and he shows a solid understanding of the strike zone. I just fell in love. <3 Wouldn't mind Schwarber in LF circa 2016 to fill in a dangerous lineup that should feature Rizzo, Bryant, Baez, Castro, and/or Russell(not to mention potential supporting cast-members Alcantara, Almora, Soler, free agents, trade targets, etc.). Now, to find some pitching *rifles through bargain bin*.

Schwarber called up to Daytona? Kyle Schwarber ‏@kschwarb12 5m Thank you to the @KCCougars players, coaches and fans for being great to me in my stay here at Kane County! #cougs

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In reply to by Jackstraw

he's talented and worthy enough...dunno if they'll let him go or if they want him to take time off to get a chance to catch his breath after going pro, succeeding quickly, and becoming a multimillionaire...especially with so many games played at C. seems like it could be either/or at this point.

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In reply to by SheffieldCornelia

Not to sound too much like Dana Carvey's old man character, but I remember when I was young, and I'd read the Sporting News to look at minor league stats, and I'd usually consider myself lucky if I could find one player in the Cubs system worth tracking regularly. Today, I honestly can't keep all the bona fide prospects in my head. I look through the MILB app, with each team, and they all seem to have a slew of them worth keeping track of. I have to say, it's pretty amazing.

BA's "Adolf" of the day...
HITTER OF THE DAY: Albert Almora, of, high Class A Daytona (Cubs) Like Jorge Soler, Almora has gotten buried in the rise of Kris Bryant and Arismendy Alcantara in the Cubs organization. But on Monday night, he made a little history of his own, becoming the fourth Daytona player to hit for the cycle in a 5-for-7 night. Almora, 20, homered in the first, singled in the eighth (and the 11th), doubled in the ninth and tripled in the 13th in a 13-8 win over Jupiter. Almora has had a torrid July to raise his slash line to .276/.300/.395 overall.

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?