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

Bard, Russell, and Denorfia Get Pre-Game Reps at Extended Spring Training

Submitted by Arizona Phil on

Adonis Paula singled twice, stole a base, and drove-in a run, Kevonte Mitchell singled twice and scored a run, and Carlos Sepulveda smacked a solo home run, in Cubs Extended Spring Training intrasquad game action this morning on Field #5 at Mesa CubTown at Riverview Park. 

The game was called after 4-1/2 innings with the score tied 2-2. (All three Extended Spring Training intrasquad games played this week have ended in a tie)

RHP (ex-C) Mark Malave finally made his game debut as a pitcher, throwing a shutout inning (4-3, 3-1, BB, 4-6 FC). I didn't see anthing special with his stuff, although he throws both a two-seam fastball and a curve (and the curve might be his best pitch). Malave received a reported $1.6M bonus when he was signed by the Cubs as a 16-year old switch-hitting catcher out of Venezuela in July 2011, the highest bonus ever given by the Cubs to an international amateur free-agent up to that point in time. He was moved almost immediately to 3rd base, and then he was moved back to catcher again (and gave up switch-hitting to hit only RH) after the 2013 season. He struggled offensively throughout his pro career as a postion player (248/347/305 in 141 career minor league games and 560 career minor league PA), and then was converted to a pitcher at Minor League Camp last month.       

In Cubs minor league roster news, RHP Daniel Bard (signed to a minor league contract during the off-season with an NRI to Spring Training, then couldn't throw strikes) and ex-Cubs LHP James Russell (signed to a minor league contract by the Cubs this morning after being released by the Atlanta Braves last week) have been assigned to Extended Spring Training. Both pitchers threw morning bullpen side-sessions but did not pitch in the game. Rehabbers RHP Dylan Cease (2014 TJS), RHP Trey Masek (2014 shoulder surgery), and RHP Austin Reed (2014 TJS) also threw bullpen side-sessions this morning.  

Chicago Cubs OF Chris Denorfia (15-day DL - hamstring) took BP on Field #6 prior to the game.  

Here is the box score from the game: 

SQUAD "A" LINEUP: 
1. Kevonte Mitchell, CF: 2-3 (1B, 5-3, 1B, R)
2. Frandy de la Rosa, 2B: 1-3 (1B, 5-3, F-9, R)  
3. Bryant Flete, SS: 0-2 (4-3, K) 
4. Eloy Jimenez, RF: 1-2 (5-3, 1B, RBI)
5. Adonis Paula, 3B: 2-2 (1B, 1B, RBI, SB)
6. Tyler Alamo, 1B: 0-2 (FC, K) 
7. Ricardo Marcano, LF: 0-2 (L-8, 4-3) 
8. Miguel Rico, DH #1: 0-2 (5-3, 4-3) 
9. Jordan Hankins, DH #2: 0-2 (K, L-6) 
10. Eric Gonzalez, C: 0-2 (3-U, 5-3) 

SQUAD "B" LINEUP: 
1. Kevin Brown, 1B: 1-2 (3B, 1-3, R)
2. Ho-Young Son, SS: 1-2 (1B, 5-3, RBI, CS) 
3. Carlos Sepulveda, 2B: 1-2 (HR, 3-1, R, RBI)
4. Tyler Pearson, DH #1: 0-2 (K, 4-3)
5. Varonex Cuevas, LF: 0-2 (K, 3-1)
6. Jhonny Pereda, DH #2: 0-0 (BB, BB)
7. Roney Alcala, RF: 0-2 (FC+E4, 4-6 FC)
8. Carlos Jimenez, 3B: 0-1 (3-U)
9. Kevin Encarnacion, CF: 0-1 (4-1)
10. Roberto Vahlis, C: 1-1 (1B)

SQUAD "A" PITCHERS:
1. Brad Markey: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R (2 ER), 0 BB, 2 K, 1 HR, 16 pitches (10 strikes)
2. Michael Wagner: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K, 3/0 GO/FO, 15 pitches (9 strikes)
3. Austyn Willis: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, 3/0 GO/FO, 12 pitches (7 strikes)
4. Mark Malave: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K, 3/0 GO/FO, 13 pitches (6 strikes)   

SQUAD "B" PITCHERS 
1. Ben Wells: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R (2 ER), 0 BB, 0 K, 1 WP, 2/0 GO/FO, 14 pitches (8 strikes) 
2. Alexander Santana: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 2/1 GO/FO, 12 pitches (9 strikes)
3. Jesus Castillo: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 1/1 GO/FO, 12 pitches (7 strikes)
4. Andin Diaz: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 2/0 GO/FO, 15 pitches (8 strikes) 
5. Jose Zapata: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, 1/2 GO/FO, 17 pitches (9 strikes) 

SQUAD "A" ERRORS: 1 
2B Frandy de la Rosa - E-4 (throwing error attempting to turn DP allowed batter to advance to 2nd base)

SQUAD "B" ERRORS: NONE 

SQUAD "A" CATCHERS DEFENSE: 
Eric Gonzalez: 1-1 CS 

SQUAD "B" CATCHERS DEFENSE: 
Roberto Vahlis: 0-1 CS, 1 PB

ATTENDANCE: 7 

WEATHER: Sunny with temperatures in the 70's 

2015 CUBS EXTENDED SPRING TRAINING ROSTER: 63+7

Last updated 4-8-2015

NOTE: The Extended Spring Training (EXST) group (AKA "Eugene/Mesa") is formed during Minor League Camp. This group consists of players who are the replacement cadre for the full season affiliates, players deemed not ready for full-season leagues, and injured players.

PITCHERS: 39+6
Adbert Alzolay
Pedro Araujo
Daniel Bard
Dallas Beeler (INACTIVE - shoulder)
Jordan Brink
Jesus Camargo
Marcelo Carreno (LIMITED ACTIVITY REHAB - post-2013 shoulder surgery)
Jesus Castillo
Dylan Cease  (ACTIVE REHAB - 2014 TJS) 
Oscar de la Cruz
* Andin Diaz
Greyfer Eregua
Scott Frazier
David Garner
Trevor Graham 
Taner Griggs
Luis Hernandez
Corbin Hoffner
Pierce Johnson (INACTIVE - lat strain)
John Michael Knighton 
Daniel Lewis 
Mark Malave (ex-C)
Dillon Maples
Brad Markey 
Trey Masek (ACTIVE REHAB - 2014 shoulder surgery)
Trey McNutt (INACTIVE - 2014 shoulder surgery)
Yomar Morel
Erling Moreno (LIMITED ACTIVITY REHAB - 2014 TJS)
* Ariel Ovando (ex-OF)
* Jose Paulino
Hector Perez
Austin Reed (ACTIVE REHAB - 2014 TJS)
* James Russell
* Carson Sands 
Alex Santana
* Justin Steele
Jacob Turner (INACTIVE - shoulder)
Michael Wagner
* Tsuyoshi Wada (ACTIVE REHAB - groin)
Ben Wells 
Austyn Willis
* Sam Wilson
Jose Zapata

CATCHERS: 7+1
Tyler Alamo (also has been playing 1B)
Eric Gonzalez
* Jordan Hankins (ex-3B)
Tyler Pearson 
Jhonny Pereda
Will Remillard (INACTIVE - 2015 TJS) 
Miguel Rico (ex-3B)
Roberto Vahlis

INFIELDERS: 10+2
# Roney Alcala
* Danny Canela (LIMITED ACTIVITY REHAB)
# Varonex Cuevas
# Frandy de la Rosa
* Bryant Flete 
Carlos Jimenez
Joey Martarano (INACTIVE - attending college)
Adonis Paula 
Tim Saunders (LIMITED ACTIVITY REHAB)
* Carlos Sepulveda
Ho-Young Son 
* Logan Watkins (INACTIVE - torn achilles tendon) 

OUTFIELDERS: 8
* Kevin Brown
Chris Denorfia (LIMITED ACTIVIIY REHAB)
* Kevin Encarnacion (formerly a switch-hitter, he is now hitting only LH)
Calvin Graves (LIMITED ACTIVITY REHAB)
Jae-Hoon Ha (LIMITED ACTIVITY REHAB)
Eloy Jimenez
Kevonte Mitchell
* Ricardo Marcano

GAME MANAGERS: 
Carmelo Martinez (AZL Cubs Manager)
Gary Van Tol (Eugene Manager)

COACHES
Oscar Bernard (AZL Cubs Hitting Coach)
Tom Beyers (Assistant Minor League Hitting Coordinator)
Nate Maldonado (Mesa Rehab Assistant Coach)
Ricardo Medina (Eugene Hitting Coach)
Terrmel Sledge (Eugene Assistant Coach)
Anderson Tavares (Eugene Pitching Coach) 
Rick Tronerud (Mesa Rehab Pitching Coach)
Ron Villone (AZL Cubs Pitching Coach) 
Ty Wright (AZL Cubs Assistant Coach)

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACHES 
Sean Folan (AZL Cubs)
Ryan Nordvedt (Eugene)

ATHLETIC TRAINERS: 
Chuck Baughman (Assistant Minor League Training Coordinator - Mesa Rehab)
Mike McNulty (Eugene) 
Toby Williams (AZL Cubs)


Tags
Cubs Extended Spring Training
Mark Malave
James Russell
Daniel Bard
Dylan Cease
Trey Masek
Austin Reed
Adonis Paula
Carlos Sepulveda
Kevonte Mitchell
Chris Denorfia

Comments

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Wed, 04/08/2015 - 04:23 pm

The Cubs have released VSL Cubs IF-OF Humberto Garcia and RHP Julio Sanchez. Neither player could return to Latin rookie ball in 2015 because they have spent four "full seasons" playing in Latin rookie leagues, and players can't go back there once they reach the four year limit, Apparently the Cubs did not feel either was worthy of getting a shot in Extended Spring Training.

Both Garcia and Sanchez were "second contract players," with Garcia having signed with the Cubs in 2013 after being released by the White Sox, and Sanchez having signed with the Cubs in 2014 after being released by Cleveland. 

Submitted by crunch on Wed, 04/08/2015 - 04:23 pm

ichiro's 1st hit as a marlin is a bunt single to 3rd. i hope he gets 3000 hits (2845 now)...it'll probably take another season beyond this age 41 season, though. he got his start on the quest for 3000 at age 27...crazy.

Submitted by crunch on Wed, 04/08/2015 - 04:47 pm

a.cashner is throwing 98-99mph tonight on his fastball (one at 100mph)... ...and he just walked in a run to tie the game at 2 in the bottom 2nd.

Submitted by mannytrillo on Wed, 04/08/2015 - 04:00 pm

Latoya does his best Hawkins impression and just blows a 2 run lead in the 9th for Colorado. What great memories...

Submitted by bigsky33 on Wed, 04/08/2015 - 04:13 pm

Phil, Kevin Brown is leaving tomorrow morning to join AAA . Happy for him. He is a player! Just like you mentioned, he will probably make out better being here in Mesa a couple of extra days. It worked out for him. I know he will deliver.

Submitted by Carlito on Wed, 04/08/2015 - 04:12 pm

He has 5 HR on the year thru 3 games. Cashner dropped his head in defeat after delivering the pitch for 3rd one.

Submitted by toonsterwu on Thu, 04/09/2015 - 04:18 am

AzPhil, Hope all's well. Been trying to find a way onto TCR all spring, but my carrier abroad kept blocking me (Rob, if you go through your list of people blocked from accessing TCR ... that would be me trying to log-in from Taiwan ... I guess it's possible there's others, but a lot of them were likely my attempts ... am using someone else's carrier right now and this question has been bugging me for a long time now). Anyhow, AzPhil, it's possible you've answered this, but as noted, haven't been able to get on. Can you give me your take on what's happened to Ben Wells in the past year? Admittedly, I was always higher on him than most (although, it was more of the "profile" that I liked, the big, strong power sinkerballer who, during his draft year, supposedly showed a decent breaking ball). Anyhow, he's 22 now, so the intrigue is gone, but ... what happened? It wasn't that long ago that he held some intrigue - 2012 he started of real well in A ball before getting hurt. I don't think people remember how ... good he was to start that year. Even in 2013, he was ... passable in High A. No one expected the K rate to stay high, as the secondaries weren't that good, but he was still ... usable. At the very least, I thought he could move into a pen role and become a power sinker guy out of the pen and have an outside shot of reaching the upper minors. Then 2014 came and he just ... collapsed. Heck, IIRC, there was talk he might start in AA to start 2014 before being bumped down (memory could be shoddy). And now, he doesn't seem to be doing much in XST. What happened? Velocity was down from his Boise days, but that was to be expected, IMO, as he was sort of a wild power sinker guy back then. Anyhow, it's been bugging me for long enough for me to work to find a way to get on TCR and ask you. Best.

[ ]

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Thu, 04/09/2015 - 04:37 am

TOONSTER: I don't know the cause of it (and he probably does not know either), but Ben Wells showed up at Minor League Camp last season (2014) with a case of the yips. It wasn't as bad as the Daniel Bard or Scott Frazier cases (which are REALLY bad), probably more like Dillon Maples, or Trey Lang (before he retired).   

He eventually ended up at Extended Spring Training and they tried to adjust his mechanics (grip, arm slot, release point landing spot), but it didn't really fix the problem. 

Some days are better than others, but he still isn't throwing with much confidence. He's been getting cuffed around, almost like he's throwing BP.

 

Submitted by mannytrillo on Thu, 04/09/2015 - 04:50 am

Does anyone have a site that easily gives a breakout of career numbers of a hitter vs. today's probable starter?

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Thu, 04/09/2015 - 04:07 am

Based uppn the sequence they were in at Minor League Camp from this past weekend, the Myrtle Beach starting rotation is Underwood-Torrez-Blackburn-Skulina-Tseng (in that order), and the South Bend rotation is Stinnett-Hedges-Null-Leal-Clifton. However, Hedges got bombed on Friday and so he could be replaced by Ryan Williams or Ryan McNeil (both are stretched-out). James Norwood was stretched-out as a starter but then he was moved to the bullpen this past weekend. 

Iowa had Roach-Pimentel-Jokisch-Loux #1-4 through this past weekend with the #5 slot TBA (could be a Britton-Negrin piggy-back, or maybe Tsuyoshi Wada on a 30-daty minor league rehab assignment, since Wada threw 64 pitches in an Extended Spring Training intrasquad game on Tuesday).  

Tennessee had Black-Pineyro-Zastryzny-Pena #1-4 through this past weekend with the 5th slot TBA. 

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Thu, 04/09/2015 - 04:18 am

The minor league third-catchet/player-coach DL assignments have begun... 

3rd catcher Alberto Mineo to 7-day DL at Myrtle Beach, and I would expect the same thing for Erick Castillo (3rd catcher) at AA Tennessee. 

Submitted by Rob G. on Thu, 04/09/2015 - 04:22 pm

http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/san-diego-padres-a-j-preller-search-…

Rosenthal on Padres SS search has this about Castro

Much of the recent media speculation centers on Castro, whom the Cubs likely will attempt to move to clear the position for top prospect Addison Russell.

Well, the Padres indeed have talked to the Cubs about infielders, but not recently, one source said. What’s more, some with the Pads are less than enamored of Castro’s defense, another source said, echoing a view held by many in the industry.

Don't know about the first part because I doubt they're really sold on LaStella/Alcantara at 2b or Baez and Castro can move to 2B for Russell or vice-versa (guessing it's Castro that moves).

[ ]

Submitted by George Altman on Thu, 04/09/2015 - 04:54 pm

For some time now, Theo & Jed have been very coy when it comes to Castro doing everything possible (IMO) to keep his trade value as high as possible. I feel if Baez could show any semblance of plate discipline, he and Russell would solve the 2B/SS situation. Until then, I look for continued talk of 'Starlin is our SS....we're satisfied with his progress....etc., etc.'

Submitted by crunch on Thu, 04/09/2015 - 04:18 pm

CLE loses their bid for a multi-pitcher no-hitter (t.bauer went 111 pitches in 6 innings) with 1 out in the bottom 9th...so close. dave steib laughs at your pain, CLE.

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Thu, 04/09/2015 - 04:55 pm

To get down to the 25-man Opening Day active roster limit, the Iowa Cubs have placed INF Javy Baez on the Bereavement List and LHP Joe Ortiz on the Suspended List, and have released RHP Jorge DeLeon. OF Kevin Brown has been moved up to Iowa from Extended Spring Training to replace Baez. Also, LHP James Russell is supposedly en route to Memphis to join the I-Cubs after throwing a bullpen side-session at Cubs Minor League Camp at Riverview Park yesterday morning (he spent most of Spring Traning with the Atlanta Braves). 

The reason for Ortiz's suspension would NOT be a Prohibited Substance violation, because if that's what it was he would have been placed on the Restricted List. So best guess would be that there was some violation of team rules, like he missed the bus when the I-Cubs left for Memphis from Des Moines yesterday, or he got arrested, or he had a fight with the manager or with a coach or a teammate. 

To get down to the 25-man active roster limit, the Tennessee Smokies have placed C Erick Casillo on the 7-day DL and LHP Jeffry Antigua has been sent to Extended Spring Training, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans have placed LHP Michael Heesch and C-1B Alberto Mineo on 7-day DL. and the South Bend Cubs have placed LHP Tyler Ihrig and OF Yasiel Balaguert on the 7-day DL. 

The fact that E. Castillo, Heesch, Mineo, Ihrig, and Balaguert were not left behind at Extended Spring Training (and they all looked perfectly healthy on Sunday) tells me they are not really injured (at least not enough to require rehab) and that they will be the in-house "replacement players" for those affiliates. The "injured" pitchers will throw bullpen side-sessions and the "injured" position-players will work as a bullpen catcher or a 1st base coach, and  be available to be reinstated whenever needed to replace a player or pitcher who goes on the 7-day DL, and then they go back on the 7-day DL when they are not needed. 

Submitted by Rob G. on Thu, 04/09/2015 - 04:06 pm

Minor league games begin...early returns.

Iowa: Russell 2/2,  Bryant 1/2 with a SB, D. Roach starting

Tenn: C. Black starting, 2 shutout innings so far

Myrtle Beach: J. Rogers 3/3 with a HR, V. Caratini 2/3, Penalvar 2/2 and D. Underwood went 5 innings, no earned runs, 5 K, 2 BB

South Bend: Jeffrey Baez 1/3 with a HR, J. Stinnett went 5 innings, 1 ER, 4 K, 2 BB

Submitted by mannytrillo on Fri, 04/10/2015 - 04:02 am

Cubs Lineup today: Fowler Soler Rizzo Castro Olt Szczur Castillo Wood Alcantara

[ ]

Submitted by crunch on Fri, 04/10/2015 - 04:19 am

who the hell is castillo? also, he's been one hell of a sport not pushing his "3rd string" status in public. if he's not traded and everyone stays in roles as expected he's going to be lucky to see 200-250 PA...and pretty much ruin his immediate future earning potential in the process unless he puts up some nice numbers doing it.

[ ]

Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 04/10/2015 - 04:43 pm

we got that...move on, because literally no one else here or in the universe has mentioned, cared or said one thing about Castillo being a distraction about this. He's on the Geovany Soto career journeyman path, I'm sure he knows his place in the baseball world by this point.

[ ]

Submitted by Jace on Fri, 04/10/2015 - 04:11 pm

I completely agree with crunch. I think it is remarkable that Castillo is not making a stink about this. I am not saying he should. I think he should be commended for it. Doesn't seem right for Rob to just tell crunch to move on...

[ ]

Submitted by crunch on Fri, 04/10/2015 - 04:10 pm

that comes with a membership card, an actual piece of the bench he sits on, a signed game-unused bat, and a packet of Oltimate Orange Gatorade. you're also entered to win a yearly drawing for one of the rarest pieces of olt memorabilia, an actual cubs lineup card where he's penciled in as a starter and played all 9 innings.

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. 

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