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

Cubs Sale Done Just in Time for Trade Deadline

UPDATE: Bruce Levine has some pretty good info and runs down the steps for the sale to become official.The most important paragraph for those concerned with the 2009 season:

A source close to the sale told me that the Ricketts family will be able to direct -- in an off-the-record capacity -- chairman Crane Kenney and general manager Jim Hendry in what they would expect for the future as far as trades and acquisitions by the trading deadline. In other words, Ricketts will be able to direct Hendry as to whether he can spend more money for the 2009 season.


 Of course, the headline is a bit of a misnomer, as the owners probably won't vote on it until August and a bankruptcy judge has to approve it as well. That being said, it appears the two sides have finally agreed for just a little less than $900M. Whether the Ricketts can or will allow for the Cubs to take on any salary to endear themselves to some of the fans remains a question mark. The Cubs two biggest needs would probably be bullpen help and a left-handed hitting second basemen(and a psychiatrist for our left fielder). I can only think of one left-handed hitting second basemen that might be available and that's Felipe Lopez and that's just a waste of time. They could seek out a right-handed hitting second sacker (that sounds dirty), but that would pretty much ruin the Cubs carefully laid offseason plans that helped get them into this mess. If they do decide to bite the bullet on that, I think guys like Freddy Sanchez, Aaron Hill or Dan Uggla could possibly be had.

Either way, for those of us in the speculating and crazy-ass rumors business, it'll keep the interest-level high through July 31st.

Three roster moves a coming before the game tonight as well with Aramis Ramirez, Reed Johnson and Angel Guzman due back from rehab assignments.

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Comments

So how does this work? Can Ricketts make baseball decisions and have it go through Zell? Does he need the MLB owner vote to do baseball decisions? Or do they just do it under the table?

anyone catch if he was a player pick or chosen by Manuel and MLB? thanks in advance...

"Either way, for those of us in the speculating and crazy-ass rumors business, it'll keep the interest-level high through July 31st." Thanks ROB G! Always a great source of debate here at TCR. The psychiatrist is a great idea. We have two OFers and a pitcher that could surely benefit.

Roster Moves: I'm surprised noone is talking about the impending roster moves. Who do you think is out? Who would you send down? Who I think is going: Sam Fuld Andres Blanco (or maybe Jake Fox, because Lou can't get him ABs? I would like him to stay though) Samardzija, though I could see Kevin Hart going down Or maybe Hart and Shark BOTH go down, leaving more position players. Our bullpen hasn't been taxed in terms of innings much lately. EDIT: Apparently Daily Herald article says Blanco and Baker stay for sure, and mentions Fox, Hoff, Fontenot, and Fuld as possibilities. While of that list Fontenot is most in need of a trip to AAA, I think the Daily Herald doesn't understand that Fonty and Hoff would have to clear waivers to make the trip. Unlike Cotts, neither of them would make it through.

[ ]

In reply to by Q-Ball

Roster Moves: I'm surprised noone is talking about the impending roster moves. Who do you think is out? Who would you send down?

It's been covered ad nauseum in the last 3-4 threads, including the post on Friday.

Fonty and Hoff do not need to clear waivers to be optioned. Well techincally Fontenot would have to clear optional assignment waivers, but that's more of a formality because if a team puts a claim in, the Cubs can revoke it.

Problem with dropping Fontenot is that it leaves the team with just three middle infielders meaning Lou can't pinch-hit or substitute much.

Hart and Fuld are most definitely gone, they could go with 11 pitchers and drop Samardzija....but my guess it they option Hoffpauir. Fox can play one more position, possibly two if you count catcher, and is a better hitter.

 

If Lou liked Blanco better than Fontenot, wouldn't Blanco, not Fontenot, have been playing against the Brewers? Lou said the other day that Fontenot just needs to get his average in the 250-260 range with some power, and he'd be fine. Fontenot proceeded to raise his average 16 points. Sorry, guys, he's in the Cubs' plans. Blanco will probably clear waivers. Other teams already have middle infielders who can play defense. Not that I don't think Blanco's a keeper, but not at the expense of Fontenot/Hoffpauir.

[ ]

In reply to by rokfish

They should DL Sorryano with "anxiety disorder" and a strained clitoris. Did you see him lollygagging on the misplayed ball by Cameron in the 2nd inning yesterday? If he's busting it out of the box, he is standing on second with no problems. The only explanations I would accept as a manager for him not getting to second is that he is hurt or has some mental issues, and either way, that is a trip to the DL in my book. He looks like he is hurting to me, and playing hurt, while admirable, is not helping the team... If he is just lollygagging because he can, I'd sit him down for a while if I were Lou. Being in a dismal, 2-month slump is bad enough, but when you sprinkle in a lack of effort here and there on offense and defense, that is shameful...

[ ]

In reply to by big_lowitzki

I'm not attacking anyone, dude - clean out your ears! It was a joke in bad taste. I'm glad to see you are such a champion for Sorryano and women. I hope you are putting that energy to good use! I've seen the conversations about politics here - they get quite ugly and personal, just like everywhere else. It is hard to talk politics without interjecting one's own personal slant, and that opens it up to be a vicious debate, since everyone thinks their own views are better than everyone else's and are quick to judge. You know what I'm talking about, right big?

[ ]

In reply to by big_lowitzki

This is really hard to answer without sounding like a tool, since you will most likely twist things around, but I'll give it a try... Playing like a woman in a game full of men is a negative to me. I'm assuming women have tried out for baseball teams over the years and have not made it to the highest level because they simply don't play as well as men do with the way the rules are set up. That's not to say it will never happen, but there has to be a reason why there are no women in MLB. I don't feel like this is a sexist statement - just a fact. Again, for one joke in bad taste, I am a sexist? I'll let you talk to my wife and see if she thinks I am sexist. She knows me a hell of a lot better than you do...

[ ]

In reply to by big_lowitzki

Seriously? People say some of the most ridiculous stuff on here, but you get all fired up about someone calling a guy a pussy? Get over it. Granted, it's good to keep the talk mostly to baseball, but let's not go overboard on the PC nonsense. It's a phrase. If I say someone's a "dick" it's not derogatory towards men, it's just a commonly understood phrase that means: "Slang - A person, especially a man, regarded as mean or contemptible." You know, as in, "Hey, that guy who keeps trying to stir shit up by saying people who use the term 'pussy' are sexist is a real dick." And, along the same lines, "pussy" is just a commonly used term that means: "Slang A man regarded as weak, timid, or unmanly." It doesn't mean you're sexist or ignorant or whatever. I don't know if you're related to Susan B. Anthony or what, but pick another cause to harp on for awhile. Oh, and FWIW, I asked my wife and she said anyone who gets that worked up about this type of nonsense should grow a pair.

[ ]

In reply to by Doug Dascenzo

Seriously? People say some of the most ridiculous stuff on here, but you get all fired up about someone calling a guy a pussy? Get over it. I get "fired up" (which is interesting, considering those of you defending it are much more "fired up" than I am) about things that are sexist (or racist, or homophobic, etc.). Sorry you don't like it. Sure... it is a phrase that many people use. It is slang. And it is very much rooted in sexism. You may not like that, but it is true. Just because something is a "phrase" doesn't mean that it is acceptable. I don't know if you're related to Susan B. Anthony or what, but pick another cause to harp on for awhile. No thanks. And the whole "locker room" or "male audience" thing is a joke. Just because this is a baseball blog predominantly made up of men does not mean that we should say sexist comments. That is kind of like saying something like "we are a bunch of white people, so it is okay to say derogatory things about people of color."

Ricketts will be able to direct Hendry as to whether he can spend more money for the 2009 season He needs to fire Hendry, not hand him the checkbook.

Now, now, Nav, let's not be so negative only 2.5 games out of first and after 2 playoff appearances. It appears, at least in Wrigley, the fire is back (fire are back?) and the boys love Lou now that the trade deadline is near, so hold your peace. For now.

Sure... it is a phrase that many people use. It is slang. And it is very much rooted in sexism. You may not like that, but it is true. Just because something is a "phrase" doesn't mean that it is acceptable. Context and intent are relevant Big. The comment was not made on a women's rights website, thereby suggesting that the intent was clearly to ridicule and incite. The comment, made in the context of a male-dominated Chicago Cubs blog, was merely intended to imply that the Chicago Cubs left fielder is soft. If you can't comprehend the distinguishing features between those two scenarios, then I am sorry, but most middle-of-the road individuals on the "sexism" issue are clearly able to do so. As for your contention that the reference was sexist merely because the phrase "is rooted in sexism," I am unable to turn on a rap song without hearing the n-word a few dozen times. This phrase is obviously "rooted in racism," but in the context of a rap song, the usage is clearly not intended to be racist toward African-Americans. Context and intent..... words can have different meanings at different times. Groundbreaking stuff....

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In reply to by Little Nate Lewis

Context and intent are relevant Big. I would argue that the context doesn't change the discussion in this instance. The comment is sexist in nature - whether on a women's rights website or on a male-dominated Chicago Cubs blog. I don't think that sexism is okay just because this is a male-dominated baseball forum. As for intent, I think it does matter, but I would also say that intent is very difficult to determine. But just because the intent was not to disparage women doesn't mean that the comment isn't sexist. As for your contention that the reference was sexist merely because the phrase "is rooted in sexism," I am unable to turn on a rap song without hearing the n-word a few dozen times. This phrase is obviously "rooted in racism," but in the context of a rap song, the usage is clearly not intended to be racist toward African-Americans. These are two significantly different situations. The use of the n-word is different. First, you won't find many blacks that are okay with whites using the n-word. Second, in many ways blacks have attempted to "take back" or "co-opt" the n-word as their own, taking away the racist power behind the word. The same cannot be said about a male making a sexist comment. The use of female terms to attack men in a derogatory way is in no way trying to co-opt hateful language. Look - I am not saying that Ahone hates women, and is a sexist. And I apologize for the comment about being ignorant. But I do believe that words matter. And I do believe that using female terminology to attack a male is sexist.

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In reply to by big_lowitzki

"First, you won't find many blacks that are okay with whites using the n-word." Actually, that's not true. If used in the proper context and pronounced correctly, it's not considered a big deal. Blacks use the word both as a term of endearment, and as an insult, depending on situation. The urban speak that popularized the word pronounces it with an 'uh' ending, which is different from the 'er' ending. The use of that word, and the 'Stop black on black crime' bumper stickers are two of my personal pet peeves. Imagine the shit storm if Quentin Tarrentino called out Spike Lee for using the 'cr' word in one of his movies, or if people started driving around with 'Stop white on white crime' bumper stickers.

Recent comments

  • crunch (view)

    cubs getting crazy good at not having player moves leak.

    taillon we 100% know is pitching tonight.  who he's replacing and any additional moves are unknown as far as i can tell.

    p.wisdom was not in today's lineup in iowa (rained out) and he was removed from the game last night mid-game, but not for injury.  good bet he's with the team in the bigs, too.

  • 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?