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

Maholm Throws Five Innings at Fitch Park

Ronald Torreyes had four hits and Ryan Cuneo drove-in five runs with a three-run home run and a two-run single, leading the Daytona Cubs to a 10-3 victory over the San Jose Giants (San Francisco Giants Hi-A affiliate) on Field #3, and Cubs 2011 1st round draft pick Javier Baez smacked an opposite-field solo HR over the RF fence and onto 8th Street in the 3rd and ripped a line-drive double off the CF “Green Monster” Batter’s Eye to key a two-run 9th, as the Peoria Chiefs rallied for four runs over the final two innings to tie the Augusta GreenJackets (Giants “A” affiliate) 6-6 on Field #2, in Cactus League Minor League game action this afternoon at Fitch Park in Mesa, AZ.

While most of the Cubs MLB squad had the day off, LHP Paul Maholm threw five innings (71 pitches – 48 strikes) for the Daytona Cubs at Fitch Park. Maholm allowed one run on two hits and a walk, with seven strikeouts, and 6/1 GO/FO. Maholm is a bit behind the other Cubs starting pitchers, having missed about a week of workouts last month while dealing with the flu, but today’s outing should get him to where he needs to be.

Cubs 2010 1st round draft pick Hayden Simpson made his second start of Minor League Spring Training, and had a better outing than his first one last Saturday. Pitching for Peoria on Field #2, Simpson allowed one run on two hits and a walk in the top of the 1st, but got out of a 1st & 3rd one-out jam by inducing a 4-6-3 DP to end the inning, and then set the side down in order in both the 2nd and 3rd innings. He retired the last eight men he faced.

Daytona LHP Austin Kirk had an interesting outing, entering the game on Field #3 in the top of the 8th and immediately walking the bases loaded, before striking out five of the next six men he faced.<.p>

The Peoria game featured one of the more-peculiar base-running gaffes I’ve seen in a while.

With Peoria down 6-4 with two outs in the bottom of the 8th, and with 19-year old Cuban defector Yasiel Balaguert on 2nd and Kenny Socorro on 3rd and a 3-2 count on Dan Vogelbach, Balaguert inexplicably broke for 3rd. I’m not exactly sure how it’s done in Cuba, but I doubt that this is how it’s outlined in the new Cubs Way manual. It’s not good strategy to break with the pitch—even if it’s a 3-2 pitch with two outs, if you’re on 2nd base, 3rd base is occupied, and 1st base is unoccupied.

Needless to say, Socorro was surprised to see Balaguert running up behind him at 3rd base, and Vogelbach had a classic WTF!? reaction after arriving at 1st base. While Balaguert did realize his mistake and tried to back-peddle to 2nd, the Giants were too smart for the ploy, and at one point both Balaguert and Socorro were strung-out between the bases, before the Giants finally got the 3rd out.

This should give Cubs Minor League Baserunning instructor Lee Tinsley something to discuss during base-running drills tomorrow morning, although they work on this stuff EVERY DAY.

While Peoria had rallies over the last two innings to tie the score at six, the Chiefs left runners in scoring position in both innings, first with the Balaguert baserunning adventure ending the 8th, and then getting the winning run as far as 3rd base with one out in the bottom of the 9th, before a 5-3 ground out and a line-out to RF ended the threat.

As is usually the case, players from the Boise/Mesa squad provided most of the late-inning lineup replacements in both the Peoria and Daytona games.

AAA Iowa and AA Tennessee were on the road in Scottsdale today playing the Giants AAA and AA affiliates at Indian School Park.

Here are the abridged box scores from today’s games at Fitch Park (Cubs players only)

FITCH PARK FIELD #2

PEORIA LINEUP:
1. Shawon Dunston, Jr, LF: 1-4 (3-1, 4-6-3 DP, BB, 1B, L-9, R, RBI, SB)
2a. Gioskar Amaya, 2B: 0-3 (K, 3-U, 6-3)
2b. Kenny Socorro, 2B: 0-0 (BB)
3. Marco Hernandez, DH #1: 0-3 (3-U, K, F-8, F-9 SF, RBI)
4. Yasiel Balaguert, DH-RF: 0-3 (6-3, L-6, L-9, BB, PO)
5. Dan Vogelbach, 1B: 1-3 (K, K, 2B, BB)
6. Jeimer Candelario, 3B: 2-4 (3-U, 1B, 1B, 6-3)
7. Javier Baez, SS: 2-3 (HR, K, BB, 2B, 2 R, RBI)
8. Oliver Zapata, RF-DH: 1-4 (K, 1-3, K, 3B, R, RBI)
9. Trey Martin, CF: 0-3 (BB, 4-3, K, FC, R, RBI, 2 SB)
10a. Wilfredo Petit, C: 1-1 (1B, RBI)
10b. Wilson Contreras, C: 1-3 (F-9, 3B, 5-3, R)

PEORIA PITCHERS:
1. Hayden Simpson: 3.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 3 K, 1 GIDP, 44 pitches (27 strikes), 4/2 GO/FO
2. Su-Min Jung: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R (2 ER), 2 BB, 0 K, 2 HBP, 1 WP, 31 pitches (15 strikes), 1/3 GO/FO
3. Sheldon McDonald: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 0 K, 27 pitches (20 strikes), 4/3 GO/FO
4. Hector Mayora: 2.0 IP, 3 H , 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 1 K, 26 pitches (20 strikes),3/1 GO/FO

PEORIA ERRORS: 2
1. C Wilfredo Petit - E2 (errant throw attempting to throw out runner trying to score from 3rd on a WP allowed runner on 2nd base to score)
2. 3B Jeimer Candelario - E5 (fielding error allowed batter to reach base)

PEORIA CATCHERS DEFENSE:
Wilfredo Petit: 1 PO, 1 E (see above)

PEORIA OUTFIELD ASSISTS:
Yasiel Balaguert threw out runner 9-4-5 trying to stretch a double into a triple

FITCH PARK FIELD #3

DAYTONA LINEUP:
1. Pin-Chieh Chen, CF: 0-3 (BB, K, F-7 SF, P-6, F-8, R, RBI)
2. Ronald Torreyes, 2B: 4-5 (1B, 1B+E9, 1B, 1B, F-9, 3 R)
3a. Reggie Golden, RF: 0-2 (BB, E-5, BB, P-6, 2 R)
3b. Delbis Arcila, RF: 0-1 (3-U)
4. Ryan Cuneo, 1B: 2-3 (1B, HR, E-1, BB, R, 5 RBI)
5a. Micah Gibbs, C: 0-1 (F-9 SF, 4-3, BB, R, RBI)
5b. Sergio Burruel, C: 0-1 (F-8)
6. Elliot Soto, SS: 2-4 (1B, F-7, 1B, F-9, R)
7. Rubi Silva, DH: 0-4 (K, 6-3, 3-1, F-7)
8a. Mayke Reyes, LF: 0-1 (HBP, BB, K, R, SB, CS)
8b. Jeffrey Baez, LF: 0-1 (6-3)
9a. Arismendy Alcantara, 3B: 1-3 (F-7, 4-3, 2B, 2 RBI)
9b. Brad Zapenas, 3B: 0-0 (BB)

DAYTONA PITCHERS:
1. Paul Maholm: 5.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 7 K, 1 WP, 71 pitches (48 strikes), 6/1 GO/FO
2. Brett Wallach: 2.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 1 K, 2 WP, 27 pitches (15 strikes), 3/1 GO/FO
3. Austin Kirk: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 1 R (1 ER), 3 BB, 5 K, 39 pitches (24 strikes), 1/0 GO/FO

DAYTONA ERRORS: NONE

DAYTONA CATCHERS DEFENSE:
Sergio Burruel: 0-1 CS

DAYTONA OUTFIELD DEFENSE:
Reggie Golden - threw out runner 9-2 trying to score from 2nd base on single to RF

ATTENDANCE: 68

WEATHER: Sunny, with temperatures in the 70’s

Comments

Is it still to early to read anything into the Peoria starting lineup? Obviously, there will still be pin action, but it's Baez, Dunston, Vogelbach, and Candelario getting reps into late March. Even if they don't break camp with the Chiefs, the brass is giving them a chance.

Phil, I hope JedStein keeps Vogelbomb (great name by the way), J Baez, and J. Candelario together for a while. Who looks like a better fielder: Baez or Candelario? Both read like they're extremely raw. They both project for 3B right?

[ ]

In reply to by Childersb3

Wed, 03/21/2012 - 7:53pm — Childersb3 New I hope JedStein keeps Vogelbomb (great name by the way), J Baez, and J. Candelario together for a while. Who looks like a better fielder: Baez or Candelario? Both read like they're extremely raw. They both project for 3B right? ====================================== CHILDERS: Javier Baez is (by far) the better defensive player of the two. Right now, Jeimer Candelario is a very poor defender at 3B, and he is going to have to improve a LOT to stay there. Otherwise 1B or corner OF would be in his future. He can really hit, though (especially from the left side). Actually, he probably should be a DH. Javier Baez made two really nice plays at SS yesterday, and I am not yet convinced that he can't stay there long-term. Time will tell, but so far, so good.

AzPhil or anyone whose seen a minor league game this Spring, how are Vogelbach and Golden looking as far as their conditioning goes? I know last year there were some complaints that Golden reported to camp out of shape, but I believe he spent some time in Camp Busey this winter, no? Vogelbach seems like a hard worker who will do his best to keep the weight under control, but I'm curious to know how that's going. Thanks!

[ ]

In reply to by bradsbeard

Wed, 03/21/2012 - 9:56pm — bradsbeard AzPhil or anyone whose seen a minor league game this Spring, how are Vogelbach and Golden looking as far as their conditioning goes? I know last year there were some complaints that Golden reported to camp out of shape, but I believe he spent some time in Camp Busey this winter, no? Vogelbach seems like a hard worker who will do his best to keep the weight under control, but I'm curious to know how that's going. Thanks! ============================= BRADSBEARD: Reggie Golden is in much better shape this year than he was this time last year (altrhough he did play himself into shape at Extended Spring Training last season), and Dan Vogelbach has kept the weight off, although he is a big guy (who runs well for a big guy, BTW).

no problem - i was reading the account & getting a great picture in mind's eye & thought WAIT A MINUTE...did the defector from 2nd just try to nonchalant his return to the bag, as though it was all good?

[ ]

In reply to by jacos

Very nice pickup at what seems to be a relatively low price. A more well-rounded backup than Barber or Bell. I would like to see a more elusive, open-field guy as the 3rd RB. Bush also gives them some leverage against giving Forte too exorbitant of a long-term deal. They've added options at most of their key spots, giving them flexibility in the draft. Assuming no long-term issue with Marshall, DE should still be the top need. Just not sure how much Idonije has left, and Wootton isn't the pass-rusher that they need. Well, OL should be the top concern, specifically, LOT, but who is there at 19 that will be worth it? Don't see Reiff or Martin falling there. If they did, perhaps. Far from sold on Adams/Glenn being worth it for the Bears there. Beyond DE/OT (I'm okay with our interior options, well, Garza is a question but he'll be the starter barring a surprise), the other main thing I'd like to see another CB to challenge Tim Jennings.

[ ]

In reply to by jacos

It wasn't reasonable compared to the other top players when you are the majority of your offense. Most running backs out there aren't so much of an offense and aren't as valuable running or catching. Sure 7 million is a lot of money but in the context of football and comparative salaries he deserves more money. And running backs aren't interchangable, especially when you got as crappy a line as we got. There aren't many backs out there who could get the yards he got behind the line he has to run behind.

[ ]

In reply to by johann

I was basing the $7M+ on the franchise tag and isn't that something like the top 5 salaries for that position? I certainly don't think he's worth much more than that. probably deserves a multi-year deal, but there's two partners in that dance and there should be some give and take for the mult-year risk. I personally don't blame either party, Forte has every right to want more and Bears have every right to franchise tag him.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

7.7 million is #3 according to the list. He's not worth more per year, he is definitely worth giving that kind of salary for multiple years for how much he's done for this team and how many different roles he can take on. Running backs who can catch and block in the passing game are one of the most underrated parts of a good passing game. He has done everything he was asked on a dysfunctional team with a horrible line. Him and Cutler deserve medals for putting up with some of the crap imo, not just multi-year deals.

Recent comments

  • 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. 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Childersb3: I think there was an issue with Luke Little coming into a game with men on base. He seems to need a "clean" inning to be dominant. So he is a future closer and needs to be used in that role at AAA. Same goes for Michael Arias. He needs to come into a "clean" inning, and is a future closer and needs to be used in that role at AA. Porter Hodge is a more versatile pitcher, a better version of Keegan Thompson (multi-inning RP). But Little, Arias, and Hodge (probably in that order) are the Cubs top three RP prospects (all three are Cubs Top 15 prospects).

  • TarzanJoeWallis (view)

    So, let’s do a little war gaming. Taillon is back for tonight’s game. He pitched two rehab games, just a few innings each, and not especially sharp. Let’s face it, he hasn’t been lights out since the Cubs gave him the big contract. In other words, as flat out bad as Hendricks has been, the chances of Taillon being the savior don’t look exactly promising.

    If Taillon is equally ineffective or perhaps even worse, what’s the next move? Winning teams can often find a way to work around a dud fifth starter - kinda. Two dud starters make things much more difficult.

    I believe the biggest reason for the recent bullpen moves was dissatisfaction with the recent blowing of big leads and the recognition that the bullpen wasn’t all it was thought to be. In other words, they are exploring alternate options and configurations. If similar juggling becomes necessary (even more so than it already is), what kind of reasonable maneuvering do we think could be explored?

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Cubdom needs to prepare themselves for Wicks to be sent to Iowa for Taillon to come up.
    Ben Brown has 4 appearances. Wicks has 4 appearances.
    Ben has 16.1 IP.  Wicks has 17 IP
    Ben was a 1.1 WHIP.  Wicks has a 1.7 WHIP. Wicks does have significantly more SOs. 
    Ben has been better, though.
    I love Wicks. I think he's a fighter and his stuff has improved.
    But, Jed isn't ditching Hendricks just yet. He should. But he won't.
    Hendricks should go to the IL and Taillon-Imanaga-Assad-Wicks-Brown should be the rotation.
    Wont' happen though.