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

Garrett Olson Reflects on the Garrett Olson Era

Oriole-turned-Cub-turned-Mariner Garrett Olson talks about what it was like to hear he was Chicago-bound in the deal that sent Felix Pie to the O's.

From the Fresno Bee:

"Going to the Cubs, I had talked to the GM, talked to the pitching coach, a few other guys in the office. You definitely get excited for that. The thing is everybody knows the story about Chicago: haven't won a World Series in 100 years, and playing at Wrigley [Field], that's kind of like an icon in baseball. The opportunity developing in front of you is exciting."

Now Olson is with the Mariners, who have only gone 31 years without winning a World Series.

(Note: seems that we have reached the point in this country where it is physically impossible for someone from outside Chicago to say the word "Cubs" without saying the words "100 years" in the same sentence.)

One other item from the article--this telling quote from Orioles manager Dave Trembley:

"I'm not talking down on the kid, because I really like him," Trembley said... "He ought to let up on himself is what he ought to do. He ought to take a deep breath, smell the roses and realize he's in the big leagues. It doesn't look like he enjoys it." 

Olson said he's spent time this offseason with a sports psychologist who's helped him to do just that -- simplify his life on and off the field, remove some of the pressure and not try to do too much.

Doesn't sound like the kind of guy who would have thrived under Lou Piniella, does he?

Comments

Jerry: I hate anybody who had a pony growing up. Manya: I had a pony! Jerry: Well, I didn't mean a pony per se… Manya: When I was a little girl in Poland, we all had ponies. My sister had pony, my cousin had pony. So, what's wrong with that? Jerry: Nothing. Nothing at all. I was just expressing… Helen: Should we have coffee? Who's having coffee? Manya: He was a beautiful pony. And I loved him! Jerry: Well, I'm sure you did. Who wouldn't love a pony? Who wouldn't love a person who had a pony? Manya: You! You said so! episode 2, season 2. Won an emmy. http://www.tv.com/seinfeld/the-pony-remark/episode/2247/summary.html

Re: Crunch@11 "i blame dusty, the outfield bleachers, steroids, doughnuts, and an all around lack of simonize and infield rakes." ------------------------------------------- No Michael Barrett?

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

Please explain why the Angels are dumb Rob? I know Abreu is an overrated hitter, a terrible fielder, and he clubs baby seals...but for 1 year/$5 million plus incentives?

[ ]

In reply to by Dusty Baylor

Rob runs this joint. Do not question why he hates Abreu so

[ ]

In reply to by Dr. aaron b

I don't question Rob's hate...I question calling the Angels dumb for signing Abreu to a modest deal. He is an upgrade over Juan Rivera, Gary Matthews, and even Torii hunter at the plate. So they stick him in LF/DH, Hunter in CF, and Vlad in RF/DH as well, subbing Rivera/Matthews. This signing improved the Angels.

[ ]

In reply to by Dusty Baylor

I was just bustin Rob's satchel a little with that. I still think its much better than even money that Abreu outperforms Bradley this year. And for only 1/6th the financial commitment. Oh well.

[ ]

In reply to by Dr. aaron b

I agree Dr....but I can't argue that someone will get a good player in Adam Dunn too.

[ ]

In reply to by Dusty Baylor

I agree. I'd take Abreu and Adam Dunn over Bradley and DLee right now given the option. I imagine Lou probably would as well?

[ ]

In reply to by Dr. aaron b

I definitely would NOT take Abreu and Dunn over Bradley and DLee. We don't need a high HR, high strikeout, no defense playing guy like Dunn - we already have one of those in Soriano, except Soriano can actually steal a base. I'll take DLee's intangibles every day of the week over Dunn, who is very one-dimensional. DLee has also been very successful in the postseason, including winning a ring, so that can't be understated and his defense is top-notch. If you compare the OPS of Bradley and Abreu over the past couple of seasons, Milton's average is about .970 and Abreu is more like .830, which is a marked improvement. If you throw Dunn in this OPS mix, even with all of his HRs and walks, he still only has an OPS average in the low 0.9s, which is a step below Bradley. Add to this that Bradley is nearly 5 years younger than Abreu and I think he is the better player. I believe his temperamental issues are now a thing of the past, and so the big question with Bradley is health. If you look at his Cubs contract (3 years/$30M), he got a $4M signing bonus and is getting $5M for this season. He gets $9M next year and $12M in 2011, but the Cubs covered their asses for 2011 by adding a $2M buyout if he gets hurt and doesn't play much in 2009, which was smart on their part. I do have to agree that Abreu is a good deal at 1 year/$5M, but I'd rather have the guys we got.

[ ]

In reply to by Ahone Ahtwo Ahthree

Of course, take into consideration that Bradley's OPS over the last 2 seasons: 2008: 126 games, 97 at DH. Career highs in avg, obp, slg... 2007: 61 games, .306/.402/.545 If he can stay healthy playing RF this year, play maybe 130-140 games, and duplicate last year's avg/obp/slg numbers, it will be a good signing for the Cubs. I don't care how old Abreu is, he has proven he will be in the lineup 150+ games a season, will give you 100 runs, 100 RBIs, 20 steals, 20 HRs, but will cover less ground in RF than Bradley with a better arm. Again...if Bradley proves his critics wrong, this will be a really good signing for the Cubs.

[ ]

In reply to by Dusty Baylor

I'll bet $20 real dollars that Abreu doesn't get 100 RBI's or 20 HR's this year...

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

I'd counter with I bet $20 that he ends up with more HR and RBIs than Bradley...

[ ]

In reply to by big_lowitzki

This is exactly what I said: "don't care how old Abreu is, he has proven he will be in the lineup 150+ games a season, will give you 100 runs, 100 RBIs, 20 steals, 20 HRs, but will cover less ground in RF than Bradley with a better arm." So...Abreu hasn't shown that in his career? Hasn't averaged that? He may have to work a bit on 20 HR's this season without the shorter porch in Yankee stadium.

[ ]

In reply to by Dusty Baylor

I know exactly what you said, I'm just willing to lay money on the line that he won't hit 20 HR's or get to 100 RBI's. Plus you're ignoring his defense which is a key component.

*edit* that should be and not an or, Tito will nail me again on the rules.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

on some screens, comments that reply to mine will start becoming very narrow. Maybe we can get a comment box so narrow that only one word fits per line

[ ]

In reply to by Andy

Oh, well that's just blatantly pandering for people to reply... I resent it...

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

It's not that bad -- JimmE and Jeff Weaver sharing a love embrace.

[ ]

In reply to by Andrew

Although, it gets worse if you imagine where Weaver's other hand is....

[ ]

In reply to by Dr. aaron b

Like George from Seinfeld - it's getting smaller and smaller... I just got out of the pool!

[ ]

In reply to by Ahone Ahtwo Ahthree

Chad: "Really, it shrinks? I don't know how you guys walk around with those things."

[ ]

In reply to by Andrew

This is the first gray incursion I have observed... Does this lower the high level of etiquette typically expected of our comments?

[ ]

In reply to by Jace

I lost you. You're talking about the etiquette of gay incursion?

[ ]

In reply to by Dusty Baylor

Why are you saying that Abreu would be a good signing when Sammy Sosa who averages 42 HR's and 117 RBI's per 162 games is available for less than Abreu (22 & 98) You're getting all EINTKILIMFYORB on us. The Brewers had more HR's and SB's than the Cubs last year, but the Cubs scored about 100 more runs. It's almost as if fantasy baseball stats aren't the sole factor in determining how good an offense is. I will admit that the Angels got a helluva deal, but you have to take that in the context that it was a post-Cubs signing.

[ ]

In reply to by The Real Neal

There's that, plus everybody would be running around this place like a chicken with their fucking head cut off if we had waited until 3 days before pitchers and catchers to sign a RFer.

[ ]

In reply to by Wes

I hadn't even thought about that. That's got to be worth $2 million a year right there.

[ ]

In reply to by Dusty Baylor

too sketchy on my part, I think Bradley's value comes in as much with his OBP/OPS and glove over Abreu...

I'll happily take a bet on using WARP or WAR  value between Bradley and Abreu though, which is a cumulative stat and would incorporate playing time and defensive value.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

So does the fact that Abreu will steal 20 more bases than Milton cancel out the supposed defensive edge? Also keep in mind that Milton has AVERAGED 61 games played in the Outfield since 2004. A whole lot easier to shine out there when your only playing 1/3 of the games.

[ ]

In reply to by Dr. aaron b

I made my bet offer...WARP or WAR are cumulative stats that include defense and (I believe) stolen bases.

if you don't like it, don't take me up on it.

 

[ ]

In reply to by Dr. aaron b

"So does the fact that Abreu will steal 20 more bases than Milton cancel out the supposed defensive edge?" What would you rather have, a baserunner go from first to second 20 times a year, or an out being turned into a double 20 times a year? It's obviously not going to work out that clear cut, but 22 stolen bases with 11 caught stealing is not very valuable, that's worth like 1 run over the course of a season. Acording to BP on non-stole base base running Abreu was worth -.6 and Bradley worth -1.8, so you're talking 2 to 3 runs difference.

[ ]

In reply to by The Real Neal

Of course, factor in the defensive skills of whoever will play right field when Bradley is out 40-90 games this season...

[ ]

In reply to by Dusty Baylor

you really don't wanna go mixing abreu and defense into an argument because while milton's injury is hypothetical abreu's brian giles-like defensive quality is real. b.giles used to be known as a decent defender with a good enough arm and for some reason he still is in the eyes of too many. abreu is "good enough" to play RF in the same respect as some of others out there, but milton laps him with the glove, arm, range...and he can play CF, too. ever see abreu play something off the wall? ...of course you have because he plays everything off the wall if it's near the warning track. seen him throw the past 3 years?

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

Playing time will be a key issue.. I don't want to hear at the end of the year.."Bradley's numbers were .307/.382/.520"...and he only plays 90 games.

[ ]

In reply to by Dusty Baylor

I'd happily take a bet of Bradley will finish with a higher WARP1 or WAR value than Abreu in 2009. It would account for any playing time issues, stealing bases and defense.

If it makes you feel better, Abreu beat Bradley in 4 of the last 5 seasons in WARP1 value.

 

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

If your serious, I would love to take that bet. 20 Hr's Or 100 RBI's I firmly believe that he will put up better HR-RBI-SB totals than Bradley in 2009.

[ ]

In reply to by Dr. aaron b

I am serious, but the bet I'm making is:

if Abreu hits 20 HR's or more AND 100 RBI's or more, I'll pay out $20

if he hits less than 20 HR's AND less than 100 RBI's, you pay me $20

if ihe hits 20 or more but less than 100 RBI's OR hits less than 20 HR's but a 100 or more RBI's, we call it even

I'll take up to 5 people on that bet...

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

Ok....I'm in on that.. I would counter bet that Bradley will not hit 25 HR or 100 RBI, and will not play >120 games this year.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

That does make it a less-attractive bet, since your original post said 20 HRs OR 100 RBIs.

[ ]

In reply to by Tito

well sorry about my original use of conjunctions, didn't think anyone would take me up on it to be honest, but the bet I laid out above is what I meant. No one has to take me up on it if they don't like the parameters.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

I wasn't going to bet one way or the other, merely commenting. It is a different bet. :)

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

Rest of the Angels offense is beyond suspect. I'd say 20 Hr's is a lock. 100 RBI's is probably not happening in Anaheim. I do however see Mike Scioscia playing a ton of small ball with Abreu. Double digit Sac bunts, lots of hit and runs, at least 25 Steals

[ ]

In reply to by Dr. aaron b

I'd say 20 Hr's is a lock. A lock? Abreu's home run numbers in recent years: 20, 16, 15, 24

[ ]

In reply to by Dusty Baylor

Strictly looking at it financially, I'm sure if Hendry knew he could wait another month and be able to sign Abreu for 1 year at $5M, he would have done it in a heartbeat, just to avoid the injury potential with Bradley. Still, Bradley is not going to be asked to carry a 150-game load, because we can always play Fukudome in right and Johnson/Gathright in center at least once a week, so we don't overtax Bradley. I'd be happy with getting 120 games out of Bradley and having him (and Harden) healthy going into the postseason, assuming we get there.

[ ]

In reply to by Ahone Ahtwo Ahthree

This is the fundamental problem with your argument. Banking on Bradley and Harden to be healhty come Playoff time is a roll of the dice at best. How quickly people forget the offseason between 2004-2005 -We will have a full season from Nomar -We have Wood and Prior back and healthy -We got rid of Cancers like Alou and Sosa -and replaced them with good intangeble guys like Burnitz and Hollandsworth -Todd Walker can play 2nd base and our lineup will have all kinds of Lefthanded balance

[ ]

In reply to by Dr. aaron b

Hollandsworth....ugh...I just couldn't believe he wasn't as good as he was in 57 games in 2004. Oh...sample size? Fucking horrible move there...just horrible...that .254/.301/.388 was superb. Dusty Baker, please look up "last hurrah" or "lightning in a bottle."

[ ]

In reply to by Dusty Baylor

That's as much on McFail and Hendry as anybody. How anyone could justify replacing 80 Hr's and 200 RBI's with those two schlubs is beyond me. Yet the message boards were filled with people harping on "addition by subtraction" and "lefthandedness" and "intagables". Alot like what is happening this year. Even though I will admit we are in a better position now to withstand Bradley and Harden on the DL. And the division is 800000% weaker than it was in 2005

[ ]

In reply to by Dr. aaron b

Burnitz didn't bother me that much, although his numbers were pedestrian, yet Ruthian next to Hollandsworth-less: Todd: .254/.301/.388, 5 HR, 35 RBI, 17 2B Burnitz: .258/.322/.435, 24 HR, 87 RBI, 31 2B Brilliant plan...

[ ]

In reply to by Dr. aaron b

Baseball is all about risk/reward with injury-prone guys. I WOULD bank on Bradley and Harden being healthy come playoff time, because I'm assuming the organization is smart enough to keep them out as long as needed during the regular season to get them ready for the playoffs. To me, arguing over the net about whether or not a guy is going to be healthy in the upcoming season is like running a relay in the Special Olympics - even if you win, you are still retarded. If we knew Bradley was not going to be healthy in 2009, we wouldn't have signed him. I'm assuming the Cub doctors and medical staff looked into his medical history and checked him out extensively before the contract was signed. The onyl thing I can fault Hendry for was signing him too early - if he waited another month, he most likely could have gotten a discount. Let me repeat, IF HEALTHY, Bradley is a better all-around player for the Cubs, given his age, defensive ability and offensive production the last couple of years. If he gets hurt, then we have guys to fill in (or we can go out and get someone).

[ ]

In reply to by Ahone Ahtwo Ahthree

I've gotta disagree about baseball being about risk/reward guys. To me you leave those kinds of "risks" to low budget teams like Pittsburgh. If you get a guy like Bradley on a 1 year incentive laden contract, while having a suitable backup plan in place. Then your are a GM with a plan. When you pay full retail for a guy and hitch you star to the Bradley playing 150 games wagon. Then your really just setting yourself up to fail. I really hope I am wrong.

[ ]

In reply to by Dr. aaron b

We're really only on the hook for 2/20 for Bradley, so if he takes a shit, he's gone after next year. No one expects Bradley to play 150 games, and we have enough depth right now to get through for the short term if he gets injured. I'm sure if something catastrophic happens and he goes out for the year in April, he gets 2/20 instead of 3/30, Hendry makes a move before the deadline to shore things up and everyone expecting Bradley to fail can say I told you so. I personally love the signing and I hope he does play 120 games and blows away people's expectations. Of course he looks a lot better at 1/5 than 2/20 or 3/30, but Hendry wanted to shore things up sooner rather than later, because it was a weakness of ours last year.

[ ]

In reply to by Dr. aaron b

I'm not sure that the author intended to flesh out the list with every 1B - but yeah, it seems to say he's not top 8 and he's not bottom 8. Just presented this for giggles.

[ ]

In reply to by Dr. aaron b

the dumb part is not signing Adam Dunn...sorry for the confusion. Angels have enough outfielders, most of them can defend better than Abreu as well. What they need is a bat in the middle of the lineup with some power.

Although an OBP machine like Abreu wouldn't hurt them either, but Dunn would be a much better fit as a mostly full-time DH. But the Angels like to pretend they're an NL team for some reason and for all I know, Dunn doesn't want to be a DH.

Abreu for 1/5 plus incentives is a good deal. Of course if the Cubs waited this long to sign him, everyone would be bitching on why they're dragging their feet so long to fill the spot.

 

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

Realistically, maybe they should have signed Abreu and Dunn....and let Rivera go, with Sarge Lite as a bench player. Abreu-Hunter-Vlad, with Dunn at DH? edit: NM..Rivera signed to a 3 year deal?? Oof....

We can work out a sharing agreement, Abreu will still play more games in a 50/50 share than Bradley will stay healthy. I don't even think Bradley will get out of Spring Training without getting injured.

Carrie (http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090209&content_id=38…) says the 2009 lineup looks like this: Projected batting order 1. LF Alfonso Soriano: .280 BA, .344 OBP, .532 SLG, 29 HR, 75 RBI in 2008 2. 2B Aaron Miles: .317 BA, .355 OBP, .398 SLG, 4 HR, 31 RBI in 2008 3. 1B Derrek Lee: .291 BA, .361 OBP, .462 SLG, 20 HR, 90 RBI in 2008 4. 3B Aramis Ramirez: .289 BA, .380 OBP, .518 SLG, 27 HR, 111 RBI in 2008 5. RF Milton Bradley: .321 BA, .436 OBP, .563 SLG, 22 HR, 77 RBI in 2008 6. C Geovany Soto: .285 BA, .364 OBP, .504 SLG, 23 HR, 86 RBI in 2008 7. CF Kosuke Fukudome: .257 BA, .359 OBP, .379 SLG, 10 HR, 58 RBI in 2008 8. SS Ryan Theriot: .307 BA, .387 OBP, .359 SLG, 1 HR, 38 RBI in 2008 Sorry, that's not as good as 2008, much less better, AND what's with Aaron Miles STARTING (and batting second instead of Theriot) at 2B instead of Fontenot?

[ ]

In reply to by Dusty Baylor

We should fully expect that Fontenot is going to win the starting 2B job in Spring Training... I suspect it is his job to lose (like Marmol at closer), and Miles is going to be a fill-in guy... let the competition begin and let the best player play!

[ ]

In reply to by Chicago Jamie

Not so fast, mouth puker - Aaron Miles' most successful spot in the lineup, career (with 375 PA's), is in the number 2 spot: .331 .354 .389 .743 How can you complain about that? His leadoff stats, I'd be very concerned with - where he has his most PA's at 924, sporting: .272 .305 .353 .658

[ ]

In reply to by The E-Man

Do you really believe Aaron Miles touches .331/.354/.389 for the Cubs this season? Seriously?

[ ]

In reply to by navigator

One promising thing about the Cubs this year can be seen with last year's stats No player on the team really had an outrageous year, or played above their talent level. We entered the playoffs as one of the favorites to win after a season where our entire team played pretty average. What I'm saying is there is not much potential to be let down by individual performances. I thought DLee had a poor year, we all know how Fukudome played, and about everybody else had pretty average years. It seems much more likely that the returning players will increase production rather than lose any. Maybe we don't know enough about Soto or the LSU boys to say their contribution was expected, but I would say no stat line from last years time seems suspect this year. Offensively at least...maybe more likely in the rotation imo

[ ]

In reply to by kmokeefe

On the cautious side, there is an onus on the left handed hitters (esp Bradley and Fontenot/Miles) to be just as productive as last year (if not moreso). If they flop, or don't play in Bradley's case, the offensive burden again falls on the right handed hitters. You'd like to think that Lee can get back to his 2007 numbers, that would help. And you have to wonder if Soto can duplicate his numbers.

[ ]

In reply to by navigator

What I really like about Muskrat is the insight: "It's hard to call Samardzija a "prospect" because he was unfazed in his call up last season. Guess playing big-time college football helps prepare pitchers for the Major Leagues." Ya, Carrie. Guess so. Thanks.

As a Cubs fan I do really hope Milton pans out. I openly pined for him last year at 1/5, instead of Fukudome. I just didn't like him as much this year at 3/30. Especially when Abreu,Dunn and Burrell were all on the market. But he's ours now, and I hope he rakes and stays healty enough for 500 at bats. Moreso I hope he is healthy should the cubs make the playoffs.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

His ex looks like she runs a "massage spa", doesn't she? What a piece of crap, continuing to have sex with him for another 2 years after supposedly finding out about his deception, then breaking up and suing him 4 months later for $15M? All of sudden, after they broke up, she had all kinds of distress about the matter and needed to sue? If I was the judge or jury, this one would take about 10 seconds to decide...

OK, let's put a stop to calling Gary Matthews, Jr., "Matthews, Jr." and Ken Griffey Jr., "Griffey Jr.", and Davis Love III, "Love III", etc. Their family names are Matthews, Griffey and Love. The "Jrs" and "III" are linked to their first names, not their last names. I know this because my parents saddled me with a "III" befoer I could say anything about it.

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).