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

Beeler Back on Hill at Salt River Fields

Submitted by Arizona Phil on

Kevonte Mitchell (RBI single), Michael Foster (RBI double), and Vimael Machin (RBI single) stroked run-scoring hits and RHP Jesus Castillo tossed four innings of one-run ball with seven strikeouts, helping the Cubs edge the Diamondbacks 3-2 in Cactus League Extended Spring Training action this morning on Ramada Field at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick Resort east of Scottsdale, AZ. 

Joel Novas belted an RBI triple and a double for the Diamondbacks in a losing cause. 

The game was called by mutual consent after7-1/2 innings of play. 

On the Cubs MLB 15-day DL since Spring Training with right shoulder inflammation, RHSP Dallas Beeler saw his first Cactus League EXST game action since being shut-down mid-AB in a rehab start at Riverview Park on April 30th. Beeler threw a 1-2-3 inning (14 pitches) with two strikeouts today, and is scheduled to make his next start (where the number of innings and pitches will be increased) early next week 

Prior to the Cactus League EXST game, RHSP Jen-Ho Tseng (on AA Tennessee DL since May 9th with right shoulder inflammation) threw a two-inning 40-pitch "live" BP session at Riverview Park and looked very good. Whether he will return directly to Tennessee or make a rehab start or two at EXST is TBD.

In EXST Cubs roster news, RHRP Daniel Lewis has been moved-up to Myrtle Beach. Lewis was one of the last pitchers cut from the South Bend roster at the end of Minor League Camp, so it is not surpising that he got the call. Lewis served four years in the U. S. Air Force after graduating from high school, and was discovered by a Cubs scout pitching at Pensacola  JC in Florida in 2014. He's 25, but because of the years lost to military service he still has a "young arm" (he's only been pitching for two years). He throws hard (a 94-96 MPH fastball that touches 97 and a mid-80's slider), and is a fierce competitor.      

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

CUBS LINEUP: 
1. Ruben Reyes, LF: 1-4 (P-4, K, K, 1B, CS)
2. Roberto Caro, CF: 2-4 (1B, 1B, 5-3, K, R, SB)
3. Vimael Machin, SS: 1-4 (1-3, 1B, 6-3, L-1, RBI, SB)
4. Kevonte Mitchell, DH #1: 1-2 (1B, K, BB, RBI)
5. Marcus Mastrobuoni, 1B: 0-3 (F-9, F-7, 4-3)
6. Kwang-Min Kwon, RF: 0-2 (F-8, 3-U, BB)
7. Jhonny Pereda, C: 0-3 (F-7, 6-3, 6-4 FC) 
8. Rafael Mejia, 3B: 0-3 (K, E-5, 6-3)
9. Edgar Rondon, 2B: 1-2 (1B, K, BB, R, PO) 
10. Michael Foster, DH #2: 1-3 (2B, F-7, F-9, R, RBI)

CUBS PITCHERS: 
1. Dallas Beeler: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, 0/1 GO/AO, 14 pitches (10 strikes) 
2. Jesus Castillo: 4.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 7 K, 1 HBP, 3/1 GO/AO, 53 pitches (38 strikes) 
3. Scott Frazier: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, 0/1 GO/AO, 16 pitches (10 strikes) 
4. Alexander Santana: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 0 K, 3/0 GO/AO, 14 pitches (8 strikes) 

CUBS ERRORS: NONE 

CUBS CATCHERS DEFENSE: 
Jhonny Pereda: 1-1 CS 

ATTENDANCE: 6 

WEATHER: Sunny with temperatures in the 80's 

Tags
Cubs Extended Spring Training
Dallas Beeler
Jesus Castillo
Daniel Lewis
Jen-Ho Tseng

Comments

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Thu, 05/26/2016 - 05:06 pm

The Cubs have sent LHRP C. J. Riefenhauser outright to Iowa. 

Cubs MLB 40-man roster now stands at 37 (three slots open). 

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Thu, 05/26/2016 - 05:00 pm

CHARLIE: The Cubs did the same thing with LHSP Eric Jokisch last month, and it has nothing to do with needing the player's 40-man roster slot. 

The hope is that another MLB club will claim the player, so that you aren't on the hook for any termination pay (which you would be if you release him) AND you pick up $20,000 from the claiming team, all for a guy you don't want going forward anyway.  

So the Cubs probably intended to release Jokisch when they placed him on Outright Assignment Waivers and were thrilled when the Marlins claimed him, and they were probably disappointed that Riefenhauser wasn't claimed.

Look for Riefenhauser to get released sooner rather than later, as soon as his slot on the Iowa roster is needed. He is on AAA death row awaiting execution. 

Submitted by John Beasley on Thu, 05/26/2016 - 05:32 pm

Awesome report, and good to see Beeler on his way back. I'm also very happy to hear about the bi-level bump for Daniel Lewis. In the Name of Theo, he was the Last of the Full-Season Cuts, and There Will Be Blood for those who unnecessarily slow his development. Sure, he might end up in independent ball pitching for Lincoln. But if everything breaks right, he may even have a shot at joining up with the Gangs of Chicago. I wouldn't bet My Left Foot on it, though.

Submitted by billybucks on Thu, 05/26/2016 - 05:56 pm

Speaking of pitching -- another ugly outing for Underwood at AA. Through 6 starts: 5.19 ERA, WHIP 1.69. Yikes! Man, do we need starting pitching depth. Our best hopes are still hanging with AZ Phil in Arizona. Very scary.

[ ]

Submitted by crunch on Thu, 05/26/2016 - 05:53 pm

so far ryan williams (AAA) is the only system prospect on the "could be ready soon" horizon doing well...that said, he's not very exciting and he's assumed to be an end-rotation talent at best. paul blackburn is getting great early returns in AA, but he's getting surprisingly low K numbers doing it. he throws lot of low/sinking stuff with good control...also assumed to be an end-rotation guy, but he's got room to be better, especially given his control as base to build on. that said, the entire MLB rotation is under contract/control for 2017...assuming they'd rather pay j.hammel 10m rather than let him walk for 2m. underwood+blackburn could probably use another year...and there's emerging team prospects like trevor clifton and his high-end fastball who will probably be in AA next year (if not later this season).

[ ]

Submitted by VirginiaPhil on Fri, 05/27/2016 - 05:13 am

Yeah, Underwood impresses the internet scouts more than the opposing hitters. Blackburn and Williams have pitched well but they would be more interesting if they missed more bats. Myrtle Beach has a couple of guys--Trevor Clifton and Jake Stinnett--worth keeping an eye on. South Bend has the best record in the Midwest League but it's more about their bats than their starting pitching.

Submitted by Hagsag on Fri, 05/27/2016 - 05:10 am

Phil, it looks like Kevonte Mitchell has made some progress this Spring. Your thoughts please, thanks.

Submitted by The E-Man on Fri, 05/27/2016 - 05:50 am

PHIL: Thanks for the wrap. A 2010 early-ish round Hendry draft pick, why do you surmise the new management team just doesn't cut bait on Beeler? Not shown that much as a starter. Does he have a power arm when right? Is he another Schlitter? Or, is he rosyer filler while the org waits out the lower-level arms to surpass him?

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Fri, 05/27/2016 - 05:35 am

E-MAN: I don't think Dallas Beeler has a long-term future with the Cubs, but (when healthy) he has gotten the call over the past couple of years as the "26th man" when the Cubs needed an extra starter in a doubleheader. 

The Cubs have four starters at Iowa (Dallas Beeler, Aaron Brooks, Pierce Johnson, and Ryan Williams) who could be considered as a potential "sixth starter" in 2016, except all four are presently on the disabled list, and none of them are the type of pitcher you would want to be an MLB starter for any length of time on a contending team in 2016. (Johnson and Williams have some upside, but neither is a realistic option in 2016). And I don't think the Cubs would consider any of the 4-A type starters at Iowa (Jake Buchanan, Drew Rucinski, Alex Sanabia, or Stephen Fife) as viable options, either   

So if a sixth starter is needed at some point in 2016 either because of an injury to one of the five starters or because of a doubleheader, I suspect we will see Trevor Cahill, Clayton Richard, or Adam Warren get the start, with the rest of the bullpen ready to cover the remaining innings, since neither Cahill, Richard, or Warren are presently stetched-out as a starter. Cahill is the closest to being stretched-out, but Maddon seems to like him as an innings-eater out of the pen.  

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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