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

The Cub Reporter Adds a Reporter

Effective immediately, Joe Aiello of "View From The Bleachers" is joining us here at TCR. Joe started his blog back in October of '03--the "Dark Time"--and over the years he turned VFTB into one of the true stalwart Cub blogs.

We're thrilled to have him.

Comments

As I've been reporting, switch hitter Milton Bradley remains the Cubs' No. 1 target for the outfield, Cubs people re-confirmed with me today. Bradley led the AL in OPS at .999 this year. The Cubs tell me they're not worried at all about Bradley's mercurial behavior. They like the fact that he might be able to light a fire or two in a laid-back clubhouse.

is that 3/44, the part about the Cubs liking that he could kick some ass in the clubhouse?

I'm still quite sick, hope to be back writing sooner rather than later....

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

Out of curiosity, what are your symptoms? I had a dry cough for a few days about a month ago, and then suddenly it plunged into my chest and became a persistent wet, hacking cough. That and extreme fatigue were mostly the only symptoms, though there has been some occasional stuffiness and feverish feelings. I wish I could tell you how long it lasts, but over a month later I'm still waiting for it to end.

[ ]

In reply to by Brick

started with a bad cough, sore throat, horrible headaches and that achy/fatigue feeling...thought I kicked it pretty quick, but it came back with a vengence over the weekend. The Christmas party on Thursday and the red wine probably didn't help matters. Now I'm hacking up all kinds of stuff and still have the horrible headaches. The achy/fatigue feeling comes and goes now...

my rather hectic schedule and general disregard for making time to go to the doctor probably don't help...

I also recommend you get on some antibiotics though if you're fighting one for a month.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

This could also be the influenza virus. Respiratory flus are out there. The achy/fatigue feeling and headaches could be fever related. Recommended actionable items from Dr. Whipple: 1) Go to a doctor and get a blood test for bacterial infection. If positive get on antibiotics. Don't get on antibiotics without the test unless absolutely necessary or you'll be partially to blame for the upcoming plague. 2) Slow down! Take a day or two off of work. Don't pull a Jim Henson. You're much less productive dead. 3) Have some chicken soup. It's good for you. 4) Take your temperature and take ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen ("and" if your fever doesn't break with just one after 8 hours). A rectal thermometer isn't necessary. Chad swears by them. There's no reason to walk around with a fever even if it's only from a cold if you don't have to. You're just making yourself and everyone who you complain to miserable (I keed!). 5) Drink plenty of fluids. Don't drink any solids. Feel better!

Looks like the Hawaii fall league is toast. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/ Writer says a second, lower-level Arizona fall league will be announced shortly. As someone who drives long distances for minor league games, major league games, spring training, etc., even I can't picture myself going all the way to Hawaii and wanting to watch a baseball game.

The Padres should have gotten rid of Giles when they had the chance. He might be a bit distracted this year given that he is now being sued for $10 million by an ex-girlfriend who alleges that he battered her while she was pregnant and caused her to have a miscarriage. Cheri Olivera's lawsuit accuses Giles of hitting and slapping her in the face, shaking and kicking her, and battering her twice when she was pregnant with his child.

Greetings, Joe. Are you going to adopt a Cub-themed nickname, e.g. Cubman or Cubist? Or perhaps reader The Joe can further distinguish himself. The Joe, if you have trouble, I'm sure Ryno will be glad to provide a striking-if-somewhat-fatalistic Radiohead lyric by which you can call yourself. I think Rob's building an army. The showdown between TCR and BCB seems inevitable.

Funny S-T quote: "The Cubs just signed a guy who's so fast, he already has run past Felix Pie on the outfield depth chart and looks like he's about to run Pie right out of the organization."

Welcome Joe. Hope you give us less 3/44 stuff than you did on the other blog. (I keed) Actually, you should have ROB G clue you in on what "3/44" means - if he hasn't yet. It is trademarked to TCR.

Welcome Joe, Trans will learn you the ways of gay witchcraft. RobG will show you how to handle Chad AZ Phil will show you all the good Chinese restaurants. (Hi Calos!)

Welcome, Joe. And a very, very good addition, TCR! Rob is the Aslan of the Cub blogging world, building an army to re-take what is rightfully his. He already had his centaur in AZ Phil and his beaver in Transmission. (something like that, the analogy breaks down because I can't think of a Tumnus.)

Hi. You shall go by "Other Joe" from now on. I hope that is cool. [EDIT] Sorry Andrew, didn't read your post. Maybe one of us will have to change their name. Hmm, I'll have to compile a list of possibilities.

No worries, The Joe (see that just sounds weird - things have been complicated). I'm sick as well and was thinking back on past additions to the TCR writers cabal. Who was that guy that came on with another writer at the same time, and then never contributed or visited the site once? A few months later, he was booted. Anyone remember that?

[ ]

In reply to by Andrew

I think there were 2 such instances if I recall...

when mostvaluablenetwork.com bought out Ruz and all-baseball.com, you guys got stuck with me and there was another writer there named George Kryoudis (sp?) that came with...he maybe posted 1 or 2 articles.

then when all-baseball.com disappeared and we all moved to mvn.com, or what I like to refer to as the Dark Times, they once again threw the current Cubs writer at mostvaluablenetwork into the mix, Graham something or other...I don't believe he ever wrote an article.

one more thing Joe...here's the TCR pink backpack. Team orthopods just don't look good in pink. Carlos will let you know what cyber goodies can be carried in it. Last time I looked I think Johan's Mom was inside.

Gathright fever (from Wikipedia, soon to be a Wiklifield entry): Viral illness producing strong urge to jump over a car, in Cub fans though when they get this illness, they can't jump high enough and get run over.

Recent comments

  • crunch (view)

    SF snags b.snell...2/62m

  • Cubster (view)

    AZ Phil: THAT is an awesome report worth multiple thanks. I’m sure it will be worth reposting in an “I told you so” in about 2-3 years.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    The actual deadline to select a post-2023 Article XX-B MLB free agent signed to 2024 minor league contract (Cooper, Edwards, and Peralta) to the MLB 40-man roster is not MLB Opening Day, it is 12 PM (Eastern) this coming Sunday (3/24). 

    However, the Cubs could notify the player prior to the deadline that the player is not going to get added to the 40 on Sunday, which would allow the player to opt out early. Otherwise the player can opt out anytime after the Sunday deadline (if he was not added to the 40 by that time). 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Today is an off day for both the Cubs MLB players and the Cubs minor league players.  

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    For those of you keeping track, so far nine players have been called up to Mesa from the Cubs Dominican Academy for Minor League Camp and they will be playing in the ACL in 2024: 

    * bats or throws left 

    Angel Cepeda, INF 
    * Miguel Cruz, P
    Yidel Diaz, C 
    * Albert Gutierrez, 1B
    Fraiman Marte, P  
    Francis Reynoso, P (ex-1B) 
    Derniche Valdez, INF 
    Edward Vargas, OF 
    Jeral Vizcaino, P 

    And once again, despite what you might read at Baseball Reference and at milb.com, Albert Gutierrez is absolutely positively a left-handed hitter (only), NOT a right-handed hitter.

    Probably not too surprisingly, D. Valdez was the Cubs #1 prospect in the DSL last season, Cepeda was the DSL Cubs best all-around SS prospect not named Derniche Valdez, Gutierrez was the DSL Cubs top power hitting prospect not named Derniche Valdez, E. Vargas was the DSL Cubs top outfield prospect (and Cepeda and E. Vargas were also the DSL Cubs top two hitting prospects), Y. Diaz was the DSL Cubs top catching prospect, and M. Cruz was the DSL Cubs top pitching prospect. 

    F. Marte (ex-STL) and J. Vizcaino (ex-MIL) are older pitchers (both are 22) who were signed by the Cubs after being released by other organizations and then had really good years working out of the bullpen for the Cubs in the DSL last season. 

    The elephant in the room is 21-year old Francis Reynoso, a big dude (6'5) who was a position player (1B) at the Cardinals Dominican Academy for a couple of years, then was released by STL in 2022, and then signed by the Cubs and converted to a RHP at the Cubs Dominican Academy (and he projects as a high-velo "high-leverage" RP in the states). He had a monster year for the DSL Cubs last season (his first year as a pitcher). 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    DJL: The only players who definitely have opt outs are Cooper, Edwards, and Peralta (Opening Day, 5/1, and 6/1), and that's because they are post-2023 Article XX-B MLB free agents who signed 2024 minor league contracts and (by rule) they get those opt outs automatically. 

    Otherwise, any player signed to a 2024 minor league contract - MIGHT or - MIGHT NOT - have an opt out in their contract, but it is an individual thing, and if there are contractual opt outs the opt out(s) might not necessarily be Opening Day. It could be 5/1, or 6/1, or 7/1 (TBD).

    Because of their extensive pro experience, the players who most-likely have contractual opt outs are Alfaro, Escobar, and D. Smith, but (again), not necessarily Opening Day. 

    Also, just because a player has the right to opt out doesn't mean he will. 

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    I love the idea that Madrigal heads to Iowa in case Morel can’t handle third.

    The one point that intrigues me here is Cooper over Smith. I feel like the Cubs really like Smith and don’t want to lose him. Could be wrong. He def seems like an opt out if he misses the opening day roster

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Childersb3: Both Madrigal and Wisdom can be optioned without any restriction. Their consent is not required. 

    They both can be outrighted without restriction, too (presuming the player is not claimed off waivers), but if outrighted they can choose to elect free agency (immediately, or deferred until after the end of the MLB season).

    If the player is outrighted and elects free-agency immediately he forfeits what remains of his salary.

    If he accepts the assignment and defers free agency until after the conclusion of the season, he continues to get his salary, and he could be added back to the 40 anytime prior to becoming a free-agent (club option). 

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Phil, 
    Madrigal and Wisdom can or cannot refuse being optioned to the Minors?
    If they can refuse it, wouldn't they elect to leave the Cubs org?

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    In my opinion, the biggest "affirmative" mistake the Cubs made in the off-season (that is, doing something they should not have done), was blowing $9M in 2024 AAV on Hector Neris. What the Cubs actually need is an alternate closer to be in the pen and available to close if Alzolay pitched the day before (David Robertson would have been perfect), because with his forearm issue last September, I would be VERY wary of over-using Alzolay. I'm not even sure I would pitch him two days in a row!  

    And of course what the Cubs REALLY need is a second TOR SP to pair with Justin Steele. That's where the Cubs are going to need to be willing to package prospects (like the Padres did to acquire Dylan Cease, the Orioles did to acquire Corbin Burnes, and the Dodgers did to acquire Tyler Glasnow). Obviously those ships have sailed, but I would say right now the Cubs need to look very hard at trying to acquire LHSP Jesus Luzardo from the Marlins (and maybe LHP A. J. Puk as well).