Cubs MLB Roster

Cubs Organizational Depth Chart
40-Man Roster Info

40 players are on the MLB RESERVE LIST (roster is full) 

28 players on MLB RESERVE LIST are ACTIVE, and twelve players are on OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT to minors. 

Last updated 3-26-2024
 
* bats or throws left
# bats both

PITCHERS: 15
Yency Almonte
Adbert Alzolay 
Javier Assad
Jose Cuas
Kyle Hendricks
* Shota Imanaga
Caleb Kilian
Mark Leiter Jr
* Luke Little
Julian Merryweather
Hector Neris 
* Drew Smyly
* Justin Steele
Jameson Taillon
* Jordan Wicks

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

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

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

OPTIONED: 12 
Kevin Alcantara, OF 
Michael Arias, P 
Ben Brown, P 
Alexander Canario, OF 
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF 
Brennen Davis, OF 
Porter Hodge, P 
* Matt Mervis, 1B 
Daniel Palencia, P 
Keegan Thompson, P 
Luis Vazquez, INF 
Hayden Wesneski, P 

 



 

Minor League Rosters
Rule 5 Draft 
Minor League Free-Agents

Revenge is a Dish Best Served in Formaldehyde

I can see the Simpsons animating this one (with a guest appearance from heaven by Ricardo Montalbán).

byline, Nick Cough-fart-doo and Kent Brockman:

The Red Sox announced the completion of the Theo Epstein compensation package today.  The Cubs will receive as their PTBNL, the bone spur from Chris Carpenter's elbow in a jar of formaldehyde.

Would the Red Sox really refer one of their newest hurlers to (video link) Dr. Nick?

On a more serious note, it's not a good spring to be named Chris Carpenter. The Cardinals ace pitcher has a significant pinched nerve somewhere between his neck and pitching shoulder that has caused some weakness and discomfort. According to the St. Louis media his timetable to return to the Cardinals rotation isn't certain.

News broke out of Red Sox camp yesterday as fans were wondering why "the other Carp" had only thrown 2 innings all spring.  Former Cub, Chris Carpenter tweeted:

“Headed into surgery tomorrow with Dr Andrews to remove a bone spur in my elbow,’’  “Stayin positive and prepared to work harder than ever to come back as soon as I can this season.’’

I'm Spur-ed on to write just a little more, after the break...


Update: (Thursday noon, CST), per a Carrie Muskat tweet:

RedSox send 1B Jair Bogaerts to Cubs to complete compensation deal for Theo. Batted .288 in Dominican Summer League. He's 19.

Elbow spurs or in medical speak, "osteophytes" develop in response to localized areas of cartilage damage. If the underlying bone reparative process gets stimulated, it can lead to a mix of bone and cartilage (the osteophyte) that often protrudes beyond the once smooth cartilage surface of the joint. The elbow is a complex hinge joint and any bone prominence that develops can block movement and lead to pain or loss of normal range of motion. The elbow is responsible not only for the hinge-like flexion and extension but also forearm rotation (supination and pronation).  When symptomatic spurs occur, they can be shaved using arthroscopic techniques (video link) with usually 2-4 small incisions. Because the elbow is a smaller and tighter joint it requires a smaller scope and shaver than used in knee or shoulder arthroscopy. Once removed, a throwing athlete can begin rehab almost immediately but the timetable to full recovery is usually 2-3 months. I recall Koske Fukudome had similar surgery in August 2007 before the Cubs acquired him in 2008.

Once Carpenter tweeted his news, all the usual media jumped all over the info, including Boston's Gordon Edes (ESPN), Peter Abraham and the real Nick Cafardo (Boston Globe) as well Chicago media such as Cubs.com writer Carrie Muskat.

Cafardo added his usual knife twisting bitterness over the Theo Comp Caper:

Red Sox GM Ben Cherington confirmed that Carpenter is having surgery, but would not comment on whether the injury predated the Feb. 21 trade with the Cubs or when Carpenter might return.

Is Cafardo hinting at a full scale Congressional investigation based on damaged goods received? Will Theo and Ben have to go back to the drawing board for 4 more months? Did Moses really have to climb back up Mount Sinai and re-type the "final version" of the ten commandments after throwing the original tablets at the blasphemers? Surely, Nick C. still has beautiful dreams of other people's nightmares.

I recall that the "final terms" of the Theo Compensation involved sending relievers Chris Carpenter and Aaron Kurcz to Boston and the Cubs were to get a low level minor leaguer back just to make it a "player transaction."

From the above ESPN link (Gordon Edes and Doug Padilla):

Cherington was asked why the Red Sox have to send a player to the Cubs. "This is still a baseball trade," he said. "It's satisfying the compensation issue, but it's still a baseball trade and in any baseball trade there has to be something coming and something going." Hoyer said he expects the exchange of players to be named to occur by April 15

ADDENDUM (Thursday noon, CST), per a Carrie Muskat tweet:

GM Hoyer on Carpenter elbow: "It's something we had no knowledge of. I don't think he had any elbow issues for the last two years."

RedSox send 1B Jair Bogaerts to Cubs to complete compensation deal for Theo. Batted .288 in Dominican Summer League. He's 19.

Scouting Report: Very strong - particularly his hands.  Raw power potential.  Should be able to improve his receiving skills quickly.  Loves to play.

...and Carpenter's Spur tracking number (783429482123) by Fed-Ex.

I guess body parts from a player will make this a new twist on those rare trades where a player is traded for himself (such as Harry Chiti and Dickie Noles).

Comments

Ah, Kirk, my old friend. Do you know the Klingon proverb that tells us revenge is a dish that is best served cold? ... It is very cold in space. I couldn't resist. Star Trek and the Cubbies are my passion. Sad, I know.

Carrie is tweeting her brains out today... (another abby-normal reference?) Samardzija pumped about starting. Says he feels he earned it. It's Gonzalez not Amezaga who was sent down Coleman and Amezaga also. Lalli, Parker, Maine, T-Wood, Tolbert and Sappelt also sent down. Looks like Samardzija, Volstad in Cubs rotation. Wells says he's disappointed Randy Wells sent to Minors. Clevenger gets cubs backup catcher job http://twitter.com/CarrieMuskat/

So who is left? Lendy, RLopez, Corpas and De La Cruz (pitchers); Amezaga, Campana (hitters). Starters: Dempster, Garza, Maholm, Volstad, Samardzija Pen: Marmol, Wood, Russell, Dolis, Camp, RLopez and Corpas (vs. De La Cruz and Lendy Castillo) OF: Soriano, Byrd, DeJesus INF: LaHair, Barney, Castro, Stewart C: Soto Bench: Baker, DeWitt, RJohnson, Mather, Clevenger (vs. Campana and Amezaga)

more Muskat: GM Jed Hoyer says bullpen still in flux. Lopez could be long man. Rotation order will be Demp, Garza, Samardzija, Volstad and Maholm. Mather and DeWitt both made Cubs Opening Day roster

Maybe Amezaga? Muskat recanted her original mention of Amezaga going to Iowa (and said Edgar Gonzalez was sent down). Later Muskat: It's Gonzalez not Amezaga who was sent down. Early Muskat: Coleman and Amezaga also. not that I care one way or another really.

Theo Comp redux via Muskat: GM Hoyer on Carpenter elbow: "It's something we had no knowledge of. I don't think he had any elbow issues for the last two years." RedSox send 1B Jair Bogaerts to Cubs to complete compensation deal for Theo. Batted .288 in Dominican Summer League. He's 19. ...and Carpenter's spur tracking number (783429482123) by Fed-Ex.

More Cafardo on Theo-Gate: http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2012/03…
The Red Sox had complete access to Chris Carpenter's medical records, and the pitcher had passed both his Cubs physical and also his Red Sox physical after he was dealt to the Red Sox as compensation for Theo Epstein, according to a source familiar with the situation. The Red Sox will likely not receive a different player from the Cubs because everything was up front and out in the open.
Of the eligible names the Red Sox had to chose from, Carpenter was the pitcher Sox GM Ben Cherington wanted because they had scouted him at Kent State and liked him then. In some of Carpenter's early outings, Carpenter had major control issues, but that's been his history.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

Thu, 03/29/2012 - 12:26pm — Rob G. More roster cuts possibly De La Cruz supposedly waived. ============================== ROB G: If Frankie de la Cruz was placed on waivers today, we won't know if any clubs made a claim until Saturday at 1 PM (EDT). If no clubs make a claim, the Cubs can outright de la Cruz to the minors. However, de la Cruz is an Article XX-D player (he was outrighted previously in his career), so if he is outrighted to the minors, he has the right to refuse the Outright Assignment and be a free-agent immediately (but receive no termination pay), or accept the Outright Assignment and defer free-agency until after the conclusion of the 2012 MLB regular seaon (unless he is added back to the 40-man roster prior to the conclusion of the MLB regular season). Another possible outright candidate (Marcos Mateo) cannot be placed on waivers if he is injured. He could be placed on the 15-day DL, or on the 60-day DL if the Cubs need his slot on the 40-man roster. John Gaub (who has not thrown yet) is another candidate for the 60-day DL, but the Cubs would have to recall him from his Optional Assignment before they can place him on the 60-day DL, and if they do that they would have to pay Gaub at the MLB rate ($480K), versus his minor league split salary if they don't ($78,250). And then there's Rule 5 RHP Lendy Castillo, who would be removed from the Cubs MLB 40-man roster if he isn't kept on the MLB 25-man roster. If the Cubs decide that Castillo isn't ready for The Show, MLB Rule 6 kicks in. MLB RULE 6 RETURN PROCESS: Castillo first goes on Outright Waivers (where any of the other MLB clubs can claim him for the Rule 6 waiver price of $25,000 and asume the Rule 5 roster obligations), and if he is not claimed, he must be offered back to the Phillies for half the Rule 5 Draft price ($25,000). The Phils would have 72 hours to decide, and if they do opt to re-claim him, he is automatically sent outright to AAA Lehigh Valley (the AAA club from which he was drafted). It's at this point that a trade could happen. If a trade can be worked out, the Cubs could send L. Castillo outright to the minors without any restrictions.

Seems like Wells deserved more of a shot... 7.1 IP 4H 0ER 0BB Only appeared in 3 games. did he get hurt or something? He went 10 days between his last two appearances... Is there more to this story? Did he bang someone's wife or something?

[ ]

In reply to by Jace

Thu, 03/29/2012 - 1:27pm — Jace No argument really. It just seems that he didn't get to pitch much in ST. They gave just about everyone they were considering for a roster spot more appearances than he got. Just curious why he only got into 3 games, with 10 days in between... ============================== JACE: Randy Wells threw five innings & 75 pitches in a "B" game versus Cleveland at Goodyear on 3/19. The Cubs sent an entire squad of players out there in shuttle vans, even though they were playing an MLB Cactus League game that same day in Peoria vs SEA. I thought it might have made more sense to have Wells stay in Mesa and just throw in a Minor League ST game at Fitch Park (as Maholm, Dempster, Volstad have done), but the Cubs decided otherwise. Perhaps the Cubs were showcasing Wells for the Indians?

Chicago Cubs Signed: RHP Shawn Camp Released: RHP Colin Richardson, LHP Brent Ebinger, LHP Trever Miller, C Mario Mercedes, 3B Jacob Opitz, OF Mayke Reyes Elected free agency: RHP Andy Sonnanstine Optioned to Triple-A: 1B Anthony Rizzo, 2B Adrian Cardenas Removed from 40-man: RHP Andy Sonnanstine (outrighted to Triple-A) Outrighted to Mexican League: RHP Oswaldo Martinez (Mexico City)

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

Thanks ROB G. Shawn Camp is better than some of the rag-armed RH relievers with ERA+ of: 127 141 102 the last three years in the AL East. This is significantly better than Rod Lopez (70's and mid-80's), as well as the usual recent inventory of Silva, Coleman, T Diamond, Grabow, Berg, The Fabulous Mitch Atkins...etc. Hopefully he will have a nice year. Low risk. Cheap price.

some X. Nady rumor let the Marlon Byrd rumors begin, doubt they want to pay starters price tag though for a bench bat.

2-run single, 4-0 Cubs DeWitt and Mather with RBI's as well. C. Richard pitching.

gives up a 2-run HR to Jason Bartlett...ugly.

lot of hits given up by pitching in almost every ARZ based spring game today...wind doesn't seem to be a factor, though...unless it's a lack of wind. also, d.barney is 4/4 (in the 5th inning) with 3 singles and a double...batting .450...ha. joe mather is 2/3 bringing his average up to .426 (slacker).

Cubs get Strasburg on Opening Day. good luck with that...

Under the knife, TJ surgery.

from BP's transaction analysis on Shawn Camp:
You have to credit Camp for hanging on this long. Drafted in the 16th round in 1997, Camp is a small righty with a high-80s sinker and platoon splits to back it up. Pitchers with that profile are common, making Camp’s survival after a rough start in the majors (230 2/3 innings and a 5.27 earned run average over his first four seasons) all the more puzzling, but he has turned things around since landing with the Jays in 2008 (257 2/3 innings and a 3.63 earned run average). Camp can frustrate when his groundballs bleed through the infield or his manager neglects to micromanage his appearances, but he has a place in a big-league bullpen so long as the sinker keeps working.
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=16325

New John Grisham book, Calico Joe. I suggest Rob G. bid on the movie rights ASAP.
Whatever happened to Calico Joe? It began quietly enough with a pulled hamstring. The first baseman for the Cubs AAA affiliate in Wichita went down as he rounded third and headed for home. The next day, Jim Hickman, the first baseman for the Cubs, injured his back. The team suddenly needed someone to play first, so they reached down to their AA club in Midland, Texas, and called up a twenty-one-year-old named Joe Castle. He was the hottest player in AA and creating a buzz. In the summer of 1973 Joe Castle was the boy wonder of baseball, the greatest rookie anyone had ever seen. The kid from Calico Rock, Arkansas dazzled Cub fans as he hit home run after home run, politely tipping his hat to the crowd as he shattered all rookie records. Calico Joe quickly became the idol of every baseball fan in America, including Paul Tracey, the young son of a hard-partying and hard-throwing Mets pitcher. On the day that Warren Tracey finally faced Calico Joe, Paul was in the stands, rooting for his idol but also for his Dad. Then Warren threw a fastball that would change their lives forever…
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13154952-calico-joe

Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Cubs looked into re-acquiring Tom Gorzelanny from the Nationals earlier this month.

[ ]

In reply to by WISCGRAD

Morris, Hicks and Burgess can probably go right back. Gorz's peripherals seem to always be better than his performance and he's not too good at staying healthy. Get him back and we're a Zach Duke away from that historical mid-00's Pirates rotation.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

Honestly, with today's blogosphere I don't see how it is remotely possible to keep any trade or deal hidden. Sometimes I like this. While I would rather things not return to Pre-Watergate disclosure levels, sometimes there is just too much information on the rumor level.

Recent comments

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    LHP Blake Weiman appears to have been the last cut from the AAA Iowa roster. He is with the Tennessee group at Minor League Camp.

     

  • crunch (view)

    bruce bochy is hobbling rather badly for a guy who's had 2 hip replacements.  his gait is extremely wonky taking the lineup card to the ump.

  • crunch (view)

    yeah, for me this isn't about who's better at 3rd.  it's madrigal, period.  for me it's about who's not hitting in the lineup because madrigal is in the lineup.

    occasional play at 3rd for madrigal, okay.  going with the steele/ground-ball matchup...meh, but okay, whatever.

    seeing madrigal get significant starting time...no thanks.

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    Yeah I am very disappointed Madrigal is starting. He has no business as a starter. He is AAA insurance, a back up at best. Sure his defense looks fine because he plays far enough in that his noodle arm isn’t totally exposed. It comes at the cost of 3B range.

    He’s garbage, and a team serious about winning would NOT have him starting opening day.

  • crunch (view)

    in other news, it took 3 PA before a.rizzo got his 1st HBP of the season.

  • Eric S (view)

    With two home runs (so far) and 5 rbi today … clearly Nick Martini is the straw that stirs the Reds drink 😳

  • crunch (view)

    madrigal at 3rd...morel at DH.

    making room for madrigal or/and masterboney to get a significant amount of ABs is a misuse of the roster.  if it needed to get taken care of this offseason, they had tons of time to figure that out.

    morel played almost exclusively at 3rd in winter ball and they had him almost exclusively there all spring when he wasn't DH'ing.

    madrigal doing a good job with the glove for a bit over 2 chances per game...is that worth more than what he brings with the bat 4-5 PA a game?  it's 2024 and we got glenn beckert 2.0 manning 3rd base.

    this is a tauchman or cooper DH situation based on bat, alone.  cooper is 3/7 with a double off eovaldi if you want to play the most successful matchup.

    anyway, i hope this is a temporary thing, not business as usual for the rest of the season.  it will be telling if morel is not used at 3rd when an extreme fly ball pitcher like imanaga is on the mound.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    There are two clear "logjams" in the Cubs minor league pipeline at the present time, namely AA outfielders (K. Alcantara, C. Franklin, Roederer, Pagan, Pinango, Beesley, and Nwogu) and Hi-A infielders (J. Rojas, P. Ramirez, Howard, R. Morel, Pertuz, R. Garcia, and Spence, although Morel has been getting a lot of reps in the outfield in addition to infield). So it is possible that you might see a trade involving one of the extra outfielders at AA and/or one of the extra infielders at Hi-A in the next few days. 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    18-year old SS Jefferson Rojas almost made the AA Tennessee Opening Day roster, and he is a legit shortstop, so I would expect him to be an MLB Top 100 prospect by mid-season. 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Among the relievers in the system, I expect RHRP Hunter Bigge at AAA Iowa and RHRP Ty Johnson at South Bend to have breakout seasons on 2024, and among the starters I see LHP Drew Gray and RHP Will Sanders at South Bend and RHP Naz Mule at ACL Cubs as the guys who will make the biggest splash. Also, Jaxon Wiggins is throwing bullpen sides, so once he is ready for game action he could be making an impact at Myrtle Beach by June.