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

Torreyes Terrorizes Snakes at Talking Stick

Roni Torreyes singled twice, tripled, drove-in two runs, and scored another, Carlos Penalver singled twice, scored two runs, and stole a base, Jose Dore mashed a solo HR, and Paul Blackburn tossed three shutout innings, as the Cubs defeated the Diamondbacks 5-2 in Cactus League Extended Spring Training action this morning at Whirlwind Field at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick Resort, east of Scottsdale, AZ. 

The game was pre-planned as an 11-inning affair, so that more innings would be available for the Cubs and D'backs pitchers who were scheduled to throw today.

The Defensive Play of the Game was turned-in by 19-year old SS (and Junior Lake clone) Francisco Sanchez, who made a sliding catch at the foul line halfway between third base and the outfield fence. Sanchez showed extraordinary speed and range to even get to the ball, and then after catching it, he quickly righted himself and showed off his plus-arm, making a pinpoint throw back to the infield.

After drawing nine walks in eight innings yesterday, the Cubs drew ten walks in eleven innings today.

Here is the abridged box score from today's game (Cubs players only):

CUBS LINEUP:
1a. Roni Torreyes, 2B: 3-4 (L-5, 3B, 1B, 1B, R, 2 RBI)
1b. David Bote, 2B: 0-1 (BB, K, CS)
2a. Shawon Dunston Jr, CF: 0-3 (P-5, K, BB, 5-3)
2b. Jeffrey Baez, CF: 0-2 (P-6, K)
3a. Mark Malave, 3B: 0-2 (4-3, BB, P-2)
3b. Luis Acosta, PH-3B: 0-2 (BB, K, 3-U)
4a. Xavier Batista, RF: 0-1 (F-9, BB, BB)
4b. Kevin Encarnacion, PH-RF: 0-3 (K, F-8, P-4)
5a. Reggie Golden, DH: 0-2 (P-5, K, BB, RBI)
5b. Yasiel Balaguert, PH-DH: 1-2 (1B, K)
6a. Jacob Rogers, 1B: 0-3 (4-3, K, K)
6b. Jose Dore, PH-1B: 1-2 (K, HR, R, RBI)
7a. Carlos Penalver, SS: 2-3 (1B, K, 1B, 2 R, SB)
7b. Francisco Sanchez, PH-SS: 0-2 (K, K)
8a. Neftali Rosario, C: 0-3 (K, 6-3, 5-3)
8b. Wilfredo Petit, C: 0-0 (BB, BB, CS)
9a. Trevor Gretzky, LF: 2-3 (K, 1B, 1B, R)
9b. Rashad Crawford, LF: 0-1 (K, BB)

CUBS PITCHERS:
1. Paul Blackburn: 3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, 1 HBP, 43 pitches (26 strikes), 3/4 GO/FO
2. Carlos Gutierrez: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R (0 ER), 1 BB, 3 K, 1 HBP, 33 pitches (18 strikes), 2/0 GO/FO
3. Hunter Cervenka: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, 18 pitches (9 strikes), 3/1 GO/FO
4. Mike Hamann: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 19 pitches (12 strikes), 2/3 GO/FO
5. Matt Iannazzo: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K, 1 WP, 27 pitches (18 strikes), 1/3 GO/FO
6. Chad Martin: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 3 K, 20 pitches (15 strikes)

CUBS ERRORS: 1
3B Mark Malave - E-5 (fielding error allowed batter to reach base safely - eventually scored unearned run)

CUBS CATCHERS DEFENSE
Neftali Rosario: 0-1 CS, 2 PB

ATTENDANCE: 7

WEATHER: Partly cloudy & breezy with temperatures in the 70's

 

Comments

"Zack Wheeler recently underwent an MRI for a blister on his right middle finger." really?

MIA seems be trying to up-end HOU as the hands-down worst team in baseball...they're well on their way to 1-8. SD and CHC seem to be fighting it out for that 3rd or 4th draft pick while the NYM seem to be pulling away from the SD/CHC grouping...still early, though. woo, pre-determined massive suckage.

it's so misty at the MIN/KC game that they can't use the CF camera for pitches because all you can see is fog/haze...they have to use an overhead shot of pitcher/catcher for each pitch. it looks absolutely miserable out there. it's weird television.

"intimidating package"? It's a goat's head. Throw it in the dumpster and stop giving these dbags news coverage.

[ ]

In reply to by jacos

he rushed the opponent's dugout with a bat...neat. via J.Timmers/BCB... "The incident occurred with the bases loaded and one out in the seventh inning and Daytona leading 9-7. Soler was on first base when Stephen Bruno hit a ground ball to shortstop. Soler went into second base and got tangled up with Clearwater second baseman Carlos Alonso, who completed the throw to first base for the inning-ending double play. Soler was apparently stepped on by Alonso and words were exchanged. Both benches cleared. No punches were thrown, however. When everyone returned to the dugout, Soler grabbed a bat and charged the Clearwater dugout and went after Clearwater with the bat. He had to be pulled away and back into the dugout by Javier Baez and Daytona hitting coach Mariano Duncan. I initially reported that he had hit the walls of the dugout with the bat. That's unclear at this time. He was apparently swinging it in that direction."

[ ]

In reply to by JoePepitone

Delmon Young received a 50-game suspension for throwing a bat at the home plate umpire (and hitting the umpire) in a AAA game a few years ago, so I would think Soler will probably get at least ten games, maybe even 15 or 20. And I suspect he will be sent to Extended Spring Training for a while, too.

Is it me or are all those pitchers (other than Blackburn) a little old to be in EXST?

[ ]

In reply to by Koyies Bansaw

K BANSAW: Gutierrez (2012 shoulder surgery) and Cervenka (forearm strain) are not exactly "rehabbing," but they are being brought along slowly. Cervenka was topping out at 93-94 today so he won't be down here much longer, especially with no lefty relievers at Iowa and only one at Tennessee, and Gutierrez (who should probably be a closer or set-up guy at AAA) was throwing a hard sinker & chengeup combo that was getting a lot of swings & misses.   

Hamann and C. Martin are RH relievers who were 2012 draft picks and Iannazzo (a side-armin' lefty who projects as a LOOGY) was a 2012 NDFA, and none of them made the Kane County Opening Day roster, so they are at EXST hoping slots open up eventually at KC or Daytona.

This is all pretty typical for Extended Spring Training.

 

Marwin Gonzalez with his 2nd HR of the season tonight, Astros said he'll get the bulk of playing time at shortstop over Ronny for the immediate future.

[ ]

In reply to by Hagsag

Well, I'm hot blooded, check it and see I got a fever of a hundred and three Come on bitches, dis bat got you in a trance? I'm hot blooded, I'm hot blooded You don't have to read my mind, to know what I have in mind Bitches you oughta know Now you think you move so fine, let me lay it on the line I wanna know what you're doin' trying' to get into the show Now it's up to you, we can make a secret rendezvous Just me and you, I'll show you smack like you never knew That's why, I'm hot blooded, check it and see I got a fever of a hundred and three Come on bitches, dis bat got you in a trance? I'm hot blooded, hot blooded If it feels alright, maybe I'll smack down on you all night Shall I thump you on the knee? But you've got to give me a sign, come on bitches, some kind of sign Tell me, are your cleats hot mama? They sure look that way to me Are you old enough? will you be ready when I call your bluff? Is my timing right? did you save some bandages for me tonight? Yeah I'm hot blooded, check it and see Feel the fever burning inside of me Come on bitches, dis bat got you in a trance? I'm hot blooded, I'm hot blooded, I'm hot blooded Now it's up to you, can we make a secret rendezvous? Or, maybe you think you can get away from you know who Well, I'm hot blooded, check it and see I got a fever of a hundred and three Come on bitches, dis bat got you in a trance? I'm hot blooded, I'm hot blooded Hot blooded, every night Hot blooded, shit now I gotta an urge to bite Hot blooded, now these new meds are driving me wild Hot blooded, I'm so hot and riled Hot blooded, I'm a little bit high Hot blooded, you're about to die Hot blooded, this ain't gonna feel like no bee sting Hot blooded, as I smack you wit dis upswing

feldman threw a sinker with a break so nasty that the home plate ump had to go to the mound take a look at the ball. if feldman was cheating he would/should have started many years ago...nothing found, game goes on.

feldman goes 3 innings without giving up a run...in a row! ...let's see if he can go for 37.

Yes, CRUNCH. This MAY be a personal record for him. Certainly a Cubs 2013 record. On another note - I'm digging this Nate the Skate guy so far. "Gritty". But with some game.

[ ]

In reply to by crunch

In three years he has not improved much as a fielder. I predict if not traded, Baez will be the SS moving forward. Just can't give ANY teams extra outs. The staff struggles as it is...He has now cost the team more wear on the pitchers as well as an unearned run.

Crappy pitcher on the mound, the other team's pitcher grounds to short with 2 on and 2 out -- Castro boots it. Crappy pitcher then hits a guy on 0-2 -- four runs score. I'm sure Theo put another mark next to "Castro as future SS?' in his book.

tie game...walked the pitcher with the bases loaded...go taka. ...giants lead on a sac fly...sigh. 6-5, top 5. ...make that 7-5 with a single.

Feldman will be a bullpen pitcher when Garza comes back (if he does). So, let's see, Risk pitchers 2, Theo 1 ('neuva)

cubs have the umps names taped up in the dugout..for some reason nelson's (3rd base) name is in red and the rest are in black text.

Speaking of walks -- coming into play today, the Cubs were dead last in the NL in walks (by a large margin -- only 15 vs. 2nd-to-last at 23) and were 2nd-to-last in OBP. Castro has yet to walk. Uh....Theo? This is the model?

"it's still a very winnable game. the cubs are only down by 2. it just doesn't feel that way." - jd jd understands...welcome to the cubs.

Long game on a miserable day....could be close to 4 hours. This is why I have a "not before Memorial Day" rule for Cubs tickets.

I know we are supposed to put up with these kids and their growing pains and all, but that 9th inning was painful. Castro must be taking hitting lessons from Soriano, and Rizzo put super glue on his shoulder, because that bat? It didn't move when some perfectly hittable pitches came softly up the middle.

"jay_jaffe @jonmorosi Quentin is hit at 2nd highest rate of any MLBer in history. For him to take offense by charging mound was totally uncalled for" yeah, when it's the 3rd time the same pitcher has hit you...you're probably gonna get charged at some point. it would have happened the 2nd time if it wasn't for a teammate and an ump. either way, he's gonna get suspended for it...hope greinke enjoys the sore shoulder he got trying to block the attack.

[ ]

In reply to by jacos

it might get worse...
In league with NASA scientists, New York Times' best-selling author Gregg Braden expects that when the earth completes its transit of the Equator of the Milky Way, sometime between 2013 and 2015, ...Jorge Soler flares will destroy power grids and damage communications systems.

Per Rotoworld...
Ian Stewart (quad) is expected to begin a rehab assignment soon. Stewart has been playing in extended spring training games, most recently hitting a couple doubles on Thursday while playing four innings. He should be able to rejoin the Cubs' lineup before the end of the month.

RIP Johnathan Winters. For youngsters, he was Robin Williams before Robin Williams but Winters was funnier.

clevenger getting his first start at 3rd this year...he played an inning there late game yesterday and a few games there this spring.

welly's catching some bad breaks on SB calls early...this is the 2nd "missed/blown" SB call going against him in the very early season. 8sb/3cs...should be 6sb/5cs...woo, the human element.

castro 1st HR on the year... 2 solo HR's (dejesus other one in the 3rd) give the cubs a 0-2 lead, bottom 5.

vanillawafers with 82 pitches through 7ip...nice...could be the first complete game for the cubs on the season. 7ip 2h 1bb 3k

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).