Cubs MLB Roster

Cubs Organizational Depth Chart
40-Man Roster Info

40 players are on the MLB RESERVE LIST (roster is full), plus two players are on the 60-DAY IL 

26 players on MLB RESERVE LIST are ACTIVE, ten players are on OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT to minors, two players are on the 15-DAY IL, and two players are on the 10-DAY IL

Last updated 4-17-2024
 
* bats or throws left
# bats both

PITCHERS: 13
Yency Almonte
Adbert Alzolay 
Javier Assad
Colten Brewer
Ben Brown
Kyle Hendricks
* Shota Imanaga
Mark Leiter Jr
Hector Neris 
* Drew Smyly
Keegan Thompson
Hayden Wesneski 
* Jordan Wicks

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

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

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

OPTIONED: 10 
Kevin Alcantara, OF 
Michael Arias, P 
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF 
Jose Cuas, P 
Brennen Davis, OF 
Porter Hodge, P 
* Luke Little, P 
* Matt Mervis, 1B 
Daniel Palencia, P 
Luis Vazquez, INF 

10-DAY IL: 2 
Seiya Suzuki, OF
Patrick Wisdom, INF 

15-DAY IL: 2
* Justin Steele, P  
Jameson Taillon, P 

60-DAY IL: 2 
Caleb Kilian, P 
Julian Merryweather, P
 




Minor League Rosters
Rule 5 Draft 
Minor League Free-Agents

Does Brandon Inge Interest You?

Submitted by Rob G. on
The Detroit Free Press is reporting that the Cubs and Tigers have had "general discussions" about getting the Tigers some bullpen help. The Cubs are, of course, in the market for a right-handed hitting, three-spot outfielder.
The Cubs have considered adding a right-handed hitter who is capable of playing centerfield. Whether coincidental or not, Brandon Inge is expected to start in center for Detroit this afternoon against Philadelphia.
I should note that the Tigers played the Astros today and Inge does not show up in the box score and I see no mentions of a split-squad game, so it's entirely possible that the writer is whacked. 

The article also mention Marcus Thames, but Leyland seems to like him, and he's not really suited for centerfield supposedly. 

Of course, the same could be said of Brandon Inge, who came up as a catcher and has played third base most of his career. He has played some outfield, including 20 games at center (most of those in 2004). But is this what the Cubs had in mind? 

Somehow I doubt it, but I did hear one of the local Detroit press guys on XM radio a few weeks back saying that Inge could TRULY play all eight positions on the diamond and excel at most of them. Unfortunately, Inge has stated his unwillingness to be a platoon player or semi-regular. Not to mention he had a truly awful season offensively last year(236/312/376) and has a rather hefty contract (signed through 2010 with over $19 MM left on his deal). But if the numbers could work and if the game was based on theory, he wouldn't be a bad player to have around. In reality, it's doubtful this rumor will go anywhere...which would put it up there with most of the Cubs offseason hot stove talk.

Tags
Cubs rumors
Brandon Inge

Comments

Submitted by crunch on Tue, 03/04/2008 - 03:48 pm

Trading Inge away to be a part time player would be a move Domb. probably wouldn't make. He's a bit too classy to do that to a guy he signed to a long term contract that's still capable of starting.

Submitted by crunch on Tue, 03/04/2008 - 03:57 pm

"The Cubs have considered adding a right-handed hitter who is capable of playing centerfield. Whether coincidental or not, Brandon Inge is expected to start in center for Detroit this afternoon against Philadelphia." fwiw, leyland stated after inge's "okay, i caught, but no..dont want this" thing that inge would be playing CF. yesterday he said it i think...kinda off the cuff. maybe the day before.

Submitted by Rob G. on Tue, 03/04/2008 - 03:11 pm

I should note that the Tigers played the Astros today and Inge does not show up in the box score and I see no mentions of a split-squad game, so it's entirely possible that the writer is whacked. 

Submitted by Thisistheyear on Tue, 03/04/2008 - 03:22 pm

I too watch a lot of Tigers, and NO. He is a good team player, but consistently disappointing in clutch situations. He salary is way too big for what he is. And to be honest, why would the Cubs want a CF who has never played there consistently? Inge is a great athlete, but not the right fit for the Cubs.

Submitted by Chad on Tue, 03/04/2008 - 03:10 pm

I say we get another player we don't need. This is my feeling. We need to put Pie out there to sink or swim. The position the Cubs need is shortstop but they refuse to admit that and/or doing anything about it. It's like getting bombed by an Afghani terror organization then attacking Iraq. KIDDING!!!!!!! DO NOT BEGIN A POLITICAL DEBATE!!!!!

Submitted by paytonrules on Tue, 03/04/2008 - 03:13 pm

Don't we have a third baseman? Isn't getting veteran shlubs to compete with the young talent the exact thing the Cubs did under Dusty? We should have enough offense. Let Pie play.

Submitted by Wrigleyviller on Wed, 03/05/2008 - 03:10 am

I don't get it. The Cubs have one legitimate defensive shortstop in Ronny Cedeno, and one Brian Roberts-ish second baseman in Mark DeRosa, and two middle infielders who can sub in Theriot and Fontenot. And they want to trade the shortstop and prospects for a second baseman? The Cubs have a blue chip center field prospect in Pie, a decent backup in Fuld, and a highly regarded Japanese import in Fukudome who many feel can play center, but they want to trade for Coco Crisp or Marlon Byrd? The Cubs have a premium catching prosect in Soto, and a solid-as-a-rock, everyday thirdbaseman in Ramirez, yet they want to trade for the expensive Brandon Inge who plays those two positions and see if he can hack it in center? I don't really see how any of those trades help the Cubs. I guess Roberts would probably be a little bit better than DeRosa/Fontenot/Theriot, and if he was acquired Piniella might actually be convinced to bat him leadoff instead of Soriano, but the defensive hit in playing anyone but Cedeno at short and the loss of prospects in an already mediocre system would more than offset that.

Submitted by The Real Neal on Wed, 03/05/2008 - 03:59 am

"and a solid-as-a-rock, everyday thirdbaseman in Ramirez" Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. That solid everyday thirdbasemen has really been tearing up the Cactus League so far, hasn't he? I like Aram-Ram but replacing his bat in the lineup with Mike Fontenot just isn't that great an idea, to me. Inge does make sense that he can fill the role DeRosa would be pushed to if we get Roberts. It doesn't make a great deal of sense to trade for both of them, though. I don't think it's going to happen, but Lou wants a super sub. If it's not going to be DeRosa or Cedeno then Inge is better, in my mind, than Torres or Cintron. The team is going to be better with Inge than without.

Submitted by Dusty Baylor on Wed, 03/05/2008 - 03:25 am

TRN: You are, of course, being sarcastic about Ramirez? After a week of Spring Training? He has averaged .283/.336/.500 in his career, and over the last 3 seasons, .310/.366/.549. That's really solid. Screw spring training.

Submitted by The Real Neal on Wed, 03/05/2008 - 03:36 am

I was focusing on the 'everyday' part. Aramis is a good bet to miss 20 to 30 games. He's not exactly Cal Ripken. That's why having Ronny Cedeno and Fontenot as his backups aren't so appealing to me. If he was going to play 155 games, either would be fine, but if you need a guy to start 30 games, Inge isn't so unnapealing.

Submitted by Dr. aaron b on Wed, 03/05/2008 - 03:42 am

Going out and getting a square peg to fit into a round hole. If they truly feel that they need a RH hitting backup Cfer. There will be a dozen of them available at the end of ST. It might not be a guy with the "name recognition" that Jim Hendry seems to so desperately rely upon. But the chances are that it will be a guy who fits MUCH better. Not to mention that said guy won't prevent future moves from a cumberome/millstone contract.

Submitted by MikeC on Wed, 03/05/2008 - 03:07 am

Man i still can't believe people think DeRosa is on the level of Brian Roberts. Brian Roberts is one of the elite 2nd basemen in baseball. Mark DeRosa isnt. Its a pretty widely held fact.

[ ]

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Wed, 03/05/2008 - 03:18 am

Do you believe Alfonso Soriano should be playing 2B for the Cubs?   

Like Soriano, the best parts of Eric Patterson's game at 2B are his range, arm strength, and his ability to go out into the outfield and catch pop-ups. He can make difficult plays look easy.  

His big problems are (like Soriano) the inability to consistenltly make the routine play. He is a two-guard playing point guard. The more time he has, the more likely he is to throw the ball away, and he has difficulty making accurate throws to the shortstop on DP balls. He panics. He also has a propensity for mishandling routine ground balls. The easier the play, the more likely he will blow it. He doesn't do it every time, but it happens often enough that over time you begin to see a pattern. 

Like Soriano, Patterson might play 2B in the big leagues, but over time, he will get exposed as a defensive liability at that position. 

If you think E-Pat can be an everyday MLB second-baseman and the ability to consistently make routine plays is overrated, then why not play Murton in LF and move Soriano back to SS? Wouldn't Soriano's offense trump his defensive shortcomings as a middle infielder?

[ ]

Submitted by Dr. aaron b on Wed, 03/05/2008 - 03:17 am

I worry about Soriano's health at SS. I really WOULD like to see Soriano given a chance to play second, to be quite honest. I could live with 10-15 errors and improved range at second, as opposed to 5-7 errors and Average Range that DeRosa brings to the table. The only reason Soriano moved to Left was because Jose Vidro was the 2nd best hitter on the 2006 Washington club. But I would venture to say that Soriano's teams are WELL above .500 with him starting at 2nd base. I could live with 15 errors from him at 2nd. 25 Errors? Maybe not then.

Submitted by vorare on Wed, 03/05/2008 - 03:40 am

He had between 19 and 23 errors in each of his seasons as a starting 2B, and that doesn't factor in the numerous defensive plays that don't get listed as errors (e.g. missing a DP opportunity).

[ ]

Submitted by Dr. aaron b on Wed, 03/05/2008 - 03:42 pm

This is it from me one this one. I am not advocating Soriano for 2nd base. But for the sake of full disclosure. Here is career fielding numbers AT 2nd BASE. Mark DeRosa .984 4.09 Range Factor Todd Walker .981 4.33 Range Factor Fonzie Sori .971 4.69 Range Factor B. Roberts .987 4.57 RF RynoSandberg .989 5.10 RF So basically Todd Walker was an average defender overall. DeRosa is overrated as a defender. Soriano wasnt THAT bad, Brian Roberts is a slight defensive upgrade.(Though not as big an upgrade as some seem to think.)

Submitted by Tito on Wed, 03/05/2008 - 03:08 pm

I don't know how reliable Range Factor is, but Walker's was lower as a Cub (4.08, 4.19. 3.67). Maybe, then, it's just my perception of watching Walker vs. DeRosa, but DeRo seems smoother to me. Plus he plays RF and 3B as well, is much more athletic than Walker, etc.

Recent comments

  • Bill (view)

    A good rule of thumb is that if you trade a near-ready high ceiling prospect, you should get at least two far-away high ceiling prospects in return.  Like all rules-of-thumb, it depends upon the specific circumstances, but certainly, we weren't going to get Busch for either prospect alone.

  • Sonicwind75 (view)

    Right on schedule, just read an article in Baseball America entitled "10 MLB Prospects Outside The Top 100 Who Have Our Attention".  Zyhir Hope was one of the prospects featured. It stated that he's "one of the biggest arrow-up sleeper prospects in the lower levels right now."

     

    Not sharing to be negative about the trade, getting a top 100 prospect who is MLB ready should carry a heavy prospect cost.  But man, Dodger sure are good at identifying and developing young talent. Andrew Friedman seems to have successfully merged Ray's development with Yankees financial might to create a juggernaut of an organization.  

  • Sonicwind75 (view)

    I suspect Brown will spend some time in the bullpen due to inning restrictions.  Pitched only 93 innings last year and career high is 104 innings in 2022.  I would expect them to be cautious with a young player with his injury history.

  • Childersb3 (view)

    I wanted Almonte gone last week, but that was before Merryweather went down and Little got demoted. Almonte in his last 5 appearances has gone 4.1 IP with no ER or Runs. NO hits, 3 BBs and 8 SO. He did hit 96 with his 2S FB in AZ on Tues.
    I don't see Jed waiving him when we have injuries all over and guys with options that can be sent down.
    I probably won't like the move Jed makes, but he can't play the "let's hope no one wants his 1.7mil remaining deal and we can hide him in Iowa" card.
    That's why I think the current Bullpen stays as is and Wicks goes to Iowa.
    I don't like that, but that's the fix I see.
    We'll find out soon enough!!!

  • TarzanJoeWallis (view)

    Teheran minor league deal is done, per MLB.

  • TarzanJoeWallis (view)

    Based on Phil’s sound analysis it sounds like a no brainer for Almonte to be placed on waivers as today’s roster move. We shall see.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    I suspect Counsell/Hottovy will use the piggy-back extensively, with Taillon and Hendricks pitching as the "pig" (and with a very short leash) and some combo of Wicks, Brown, and Wesneski (whichever two do not start) as the "backers."  

    Keep in mind that Keegan Thompson has a minor league option available, and if Yency Almonte is not outrighted by 4/26 he cannot be sent to the minors without his consent after that date. Almonte is out of minor league options, so I am talking about him getting outrighted to the minors if he is not claimed off waivers, and if he is claimed off waivers, the Cubs save the pro-rated portion of his $1.9M salary, which helps lower the Cubs 2024 AAV.

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    Totally agree. The 26 man roster very rarely consists of the 13 best position players and 13 best pitchers.

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    Based on what Jed has done in the past, I’d say the plan is to

    -give Hendricks another few starts
    -give Taillon some runway ot get his season underway

    -Mix and match in the bullpen and see what sticks

    Jed usually doesn’t do a whole lot of waiver wire plays in-season, at least early in the season. He only reallly did that after he blew up the rosters in 21 and 22 because they needed bodies (guys like Schwindel, Fargas, etc).

    I think he’s a little handcuffed by a full 40 man in that he can’t really maneuver much with giving anyone showing ability at AAA (R Thompson/ Sanders/ Edwards etc). Brewer has the most tenuous grip there, and we will see what kind of chance he gets. Other than his spot, there isn’t a ton of 40 man wiggle room.

    I’m very curious to see what happens with Brown now that Taillon returns. Bullpen? Wicks to Iowa? 

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Pro teams have to play their "big money" guys if they are healthy and not "locker room" issues.
    The Cubs wanted to deal JHey off well before they bought him out. They just didn't want to pay him to play for someone else for that long. Jed did give him 20+mil to play for LAD last yr.
    Jed might also let Kyle walk at some point this year. Similar scenario to JHey, except Jed thought Kyle was going to be good/solid in '24!!
    You'd think Smyly is in the same book as well. Same with Neris (he's a 1yr vet RP, so he's not really in this convo too much).
    That's ~35mil between those three and those three are going to get opportunities until at least late June) over younger guys even if their performance is "iffy".
    But, Jed is going to play Taillon a lot. They have to try and justify that contract and hope a veteran works out.
    So, Taillon, Imanaga, and Hendricks are locks for the rest of April and probably May.
    Assad, Brown and Wicks handle the last spots until Steele is ready.
    Now, you're question has real merit when Steele comes back. That will interesting if Brown is still good and Hendricks is still bad. But Taillon is entirely safe as long as he's healthy.

    And the bullpen moves were "money" based as well. Smyly has actually been okay. But he hasn't been clearly better than Little. Little had one bad outing. But Smyly makes 9mil. If they needed another RHRP and one of Little and Smyly had to go, it was going to Little. But that doesn't mean Smyly is one of the best 13 arms for the team. 

Click HERE for the last 50 comments