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

2016 Winter Meetings (Day One)

It's time for the Winter Meetings!--in National Harbor, Maryland (for some reason).Last year at this time, the Cubs resigned Cahill, traded Castro to the Yanks for Warren, and signed Zobrist and Heyward.

This year, the Cubs have the luxury of coming off a 103-win championship season. And with the exception of Dexter Fowler, who might just show up at Spring Training, they have not suffered any major losses. After signing Jon Jay for a one-year $8m deal to support and test Almora's transition to every day CF, the big question seems to be if they're going to make a run at a top closer. Melancon is already reported to have received a number of offers (at least from the Giants and Nationals) in the 4yr/$60m range, which would not seem to put the Cubs out of it.

It's also likely that the Cubs will trade from their depth of position players to address their pitching needs. Chris Archer has been mentioned, provided that the Rays are not harboring any grudges about losing their former manager. In any event, if I were Soler, I would not buy a plane ticket to the Cubs Convention quite yet.

There was also the rumor from last week about a (highly unlikely) trade involving Arrieta and a minor leaguer or two for Justin Verlander and maybe some cash. He has 3 years and $84 million left on his recent extension with the Tigers but would have a guaranteed fourth year at $22m, if he finishes in the top five Cy Young voting in 2019--which I don't think anyone would complain about.

Keep an eye on the Twitter feed for the most outlandish rumors and small updates. If anything big happens, I'll post an update.

Go Theo!

Comments

Off topic -- I just can't cheer for a draft pick while I'm watching a game. Go Bears!

bud selig to the HOF via the "today's game committee" the vet's committee is now a bunch of smaller committes devoted to watering down the HOF making important HOF decisions. can't argue against it...for his few follies, he changed the game in many positive ways while attendance and revenues soared during his tenure.

[ ]

In reply to by John Beasley

I think the All-Star game final score should determine if Bud gets in. Or, maybe the score after 7 innings. Or after the top of the 7th. Something random and ridiculous to determine something meaningful. And, having different DH rules for the 2 leagues is odd, given that there is interleague play on a daily basis. But -- kudos for the best wild card in sports (huge difference between being a WC and being a division winner) and good job on labor peace.

Melancon signs with Giants 4/62M The great eye of the Cubs casts its eye towards Jansen and W. Davis. Good riddance Chapman (hopefully). I imagine Davis would cost a little more than what Yanks paid for Chapman last offseason. (1 year left to free agency, a bit older but no DV issue or suspension looming). Marlins owner Loria supposedly really likes Chapman. 30 teams gonna freak out about relievers now...god help us. * Also Nats really want McCutchen and Sale. Cards looking at Fowler. Rich Hill ends up at 3/48M with Dodgers. *The Cubs going big on Jansen actually makes some sense considering their offense will be cheap (relatively) for a few years and they're obviously in position to win every year AND if you think Jansen is the next Mariano Rivera, then probably a wise investment. For about 25 other teams spending big on relievers is going to end up being really dumb.

Rangers showing interest on Soler. Cubs upgraded to the "most serious" on Wade Davis. Melancon deal is front-loaded with player opt out after 2 years.

Bruce Levine says Cubs will most likely be in on Tyson Ross, almost had a deal for him in 2015 involving either Castro or Baez.

Some other pitchers that have had thoracic outlet syndrome:

  • Jeremy Bonderman
  • Josh Beckett
  • Chris Carpenter
  • Chris Young
  • Jamie Garcia
  • Matt Harvey
  • Matt Harrison
  • Noah Lowry
  • Phil Hughes
  • Mike Foltynewicz
  • Luke Hochevar
  • Clayton Richard
  • Shaun Marcum

Kind of hit and miss there...mostly miss. So I imagine a very incentive-laden deal if they bring him in...some sort of 2nd year option. Gotta love the upside though.

from Jesse Rogers (slightly edited to try and make sense of last sentence) 1) Sounds like a little change in philosophy for Cubs in terms of starting depth. Instead of former starters like Cahill, Wood, etc. in pen 2) Cubs would rather stash a few reliable arms with options in the minors...[couldn't get] Cahill, Warren, Wood stretched out mid-season [even though] They tried

Sale to Nationals deal escalating per Rosenthal....Robles and Giolito included, haggling over final pieces.

"Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports that the Cubs and Dodgers are showing interest in Derek Holland." seeing as his season high for IP since 2013 has been 117.1ip, last season (counting minors)...and not good numbers last season to go with it...he could be targeted as a pen option that "gets a shot" at the rotation in spring.

As the winter meetings heat up, and trades/FA signings are discussed and debated, and 2017 comes into focus, we should keep in mind: - We just experienced the greatest baseball season of our lives. No other fan base will ever experience what we did in 2016, nor will we, ever again. Enjoy the hell out of it. Don't quibble about Maddon's Game 7 moves -- instead, marvel at Schwarber's return, Ross hitting a Game 7 HR, the look on Rizzo's face after Zobrist's 10th inning double, and the smile on Bryant's face as he fields the final ground ball. My goodness, what a wonderful year! It has been a pleasure sharing it with all of you!

I'm cool with Soler for Wade Davis. I imagine a lot of folks wouldn't be, but Cubs really do have a glut of outfielders and Soler's value isn't trending in the right direction. There's slightly better than 50/50 odds Cubs could get back a draft pick for Davis after this year too or maybe he even takes the qualifying offer. On the other hand, Davis had a lot of forearm strains last year and that sometimes leads to TJ surgery, and Soler has an option year lefto so I'm cool with them not making that deal either.

[ ]

In reply to by John Beasley

I fear Soler's value will continue to go down -- assuming health of others, he won't get enough ABs to really get going. Heyward, Jay, Schwarber, Almora and possibly Zobrist (if Javy at 2B) are all in line for OF time ahead of him. My issue with Miller is the one-year left on his contract.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

If the Cubs trade for a reliever this off-season, I'd rather they privilege 3-4-year value over name recognition and closer pedigree. I'd rather another Mike Montgomery move than another Aroldis Chapman move. I don't really keep track of other teams' relievers, but I wonder how much more it would take to get Keone Kela or Sam Dyson from the Rangers or Matt Strahm or even Joakim Soria from the Royals than it would take to get Davis. I'm assuming Danny Duffy is out of reach if Wade Davis is even being discussed.

[ ]

In reply to by Charlie

Duffy is a year from free agency I believe and vastly overrated when you look at his FIP. Davis is also a year from free agency but one of the best 5-6 relievers in the game (Jansen, Chapman, Miller, Betrances, Kimbrel would be the others).

That being all said, I understand the hesitation on Davis or any reliever but I'm sure you can also see what they're costing in terms of money or prospects these days. I just think this is one of the few things they need and they're going to have to pay now or mid-season. And paying now for Davis means you might get him for a 2nd season or get a draft pick.

i doubt Kela or Strahm could be had for a reasonable price. Dyson is not good and Soria is pretty hit and miss, not really guys worth going after imo.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

It would all depend on what you have to give up, and I feel clueless at this point about what a reliever is worth. But the combo of many worthy outfielders and Soler not staying healthy enough to play over the last couple seasons means there's hardly any choice but to try to deal him for something they need, which I understand. I'm a little worried that baseball is going crazy for closers, but I don't have any evidence to back up that worry.

[ ]

In reply to by Charlie

oh baseball is definitely going crazy for closers, although little has or will change during the season. It's really just how they're being used in the playoffs. It's just a matter of identifying which ones are legit and which ones were just opportunistic. There's really only a handful that I believe are worth overpaying for which I listed earlier.

[ ]

In reply to by Rob G.

I like the idea of investing in T. Ross and G. Holland rehab projects and saving some resources to make a play for a controllable starting pitcher. Obviously Soler alone won't get much done on that front at this point, but he could be a piece. Maybe I should let go of my 1990s + 2000s closer distrust, but I still think of them as a volatile investment.

Recent comments

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Javier Assad started the Lo-A game (Myrtle Beach versus Stockton) on the Cubs backfields on Wednesday as his final Spring Training tune-up. He was supposed to throw five innings / 75 pitches. However, I was at the minor league road games at Fitch so I didn't see Assad pitch. 

  • crunch (view)

    cards put j.young on waivers.

    they really tried to make it happen this spring, but he put up a crazy bad slash of .081/.244/.108 in 45PA.

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Seconded!!!

  • crunch (view)

    another awesome spring of pitching reports.  thanks a lot, appreciated.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Here are the Cubs pitchers reports from Tuesday afternoon's Cardinals - Cubs game art Sloan Park in Mesa:

    SHOTA IMANAGA
    FB: 90-92 
    CUT: 87-89 
    SL: 82-83 
    SPLIT: 81-84
    CV: 73-74 
    COMMENT: Worked three innings plus two batters in the fourth... allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits (six singles and two doubles) walked one, and struck out six (four swinging), with a 1/2 GO/AO... he threw 73 pitches (52 strikes - 10 swing & miss - 19 foul balls)... surrendered one run in the top of the 1st on a one-out double off Cody Bellinger's glove in deep straight-away CF followed one out later by two consecutive two-out bloop singles, allowed two runs (one earned) in the 2nd after retiring the first two hitters (first batter had a nine-pitch AB with four consecutive two-strike foul balls before being retired 3 -U) on a two-out infield single (weak throw on the run by Nico Hoerner), a hard-contact line drive RBI double down the RF line, and an E-1 (missed catch) by Imanaga on what should been an inning-ending 3-1 GO, gave up another run in the 3rd on a two-out walk on a 3-2 pitch and an RBI double to LF, and two consecutive singles leading off the top of the 4th before being relieved (runners were ultimately left stranded)... threw 18 pitches in the 1st inning (14 strikes - two swing & miss, one on FB and the other on a SL - four foul balls), 24 pitches in the 2nd inning (17 strikes - three swing & miss, one on FB, two SPLIT - six foul balls), 19 pitches in the 3rd inning (13 strikes - seven swing & miss, three on SL, two on SPLIT, one on FB - three foul balls), and 12 pitches without retiring a batter in the top of the 4th (8 strikes - no swing & miss - four foul balls)... Imanaga throws a lot of pitches per inning, but it's not because he doesn't throw strikes...  if anything, he throws too many strikes (he threw 70% strikes on Tuesday)... while he gets a ton of swing & miss (and strikeouts), he also induces a lot of foul balls because he doesn't try to make hitters chase his pitches by throwing them out of the strike zone... rather, he uses his very diverse pitch mix to get swing & miss (and lots of foul balls as well)... he also is a fly ball pitcher who will give up more than his share of HR during the course of the season...   
     
    JOE NAHAS
    FB: 90-92 
    SL: 83-85 
    CV: 80-81 
    COMMENT: Was called up from the Hi-A South Bend group at Minor League Camp for the day... relieved Imanaga with runners at first and second and no outs in the top of the 4th, and after an E-2 catcher's interference committed by Miguel Amaya loaded he bases, Nahas struck out the side (one swinging & two looking)... threw 16 pitches (11 strikes - two swinging)...   

    YENCY ALMONTE
    FB: 89-92 
    CH: 86 
    SL: 79 
    COMMENT: Threw an eight-pitch 5th (five strikes - no swing & miss), with a 5-3 GO for the first out and an inning-ending 4-6-3 DP after a one-out single... command was a bit off but he worked through it...   

    FRANKIE SCALZO JR
    FB: 94-95
    CH: 88 
    SL: 83
    COMMENT: Was called up from the AA Tennessee group at Minor League Camp for the day and worked the 6th inning... got the first outs easily (a P-5 and a 4-3 GO) on just three pitches, before allowing three consecutive two-out hard-contact hits (a double and two singles), with the third hit on pitch # 9 resulting in a runner being thrown out at the plate by RF Christian Franklin for the third out of the inning... 

    MICHAEL ARIAS
    FB: 94-96
    CH: 87-89
    SL: 82-83
    COMMENT: Was called up from the AA Tennessee group at Minor League Camp for the day and allowed a hard-contact double on the third pitch of the 7th inning (a 96 MPH FB), and the runner came around to score on a 4-3 GO and a WP... gave up two other loud contact outs (an L-7 and an F-9)... threw 18 pitches (only 10 strikes - only one swing & miss)... stuff is electric but still very raw and he continues to have difficulty commanding it, and while he has the repertoire of a SP, he throws too many pitches-per-inning to be a SP and not enough strikes to be a closer... he is most definitely still a work-in-progress...   

    ZAC LEIGH: 
    FB: 93-94 
    CH: 89 
    SL: 81-83 
    CV: 78
    COMMENT: Was called up from the AA Tennessee group at Minor League Camp for the day and tossed a 1-2-3 8th (4-3 GO, K-swinging on a sweeper, K-looking on another sweeper)... threw 14 pitches (11 strikes - one swing & miss - eight foul balls)... kept pumping pitches into the strike zone but had difficulty putting hitters away (ergo a ton of foul balls)... FB velo is nowhere near the 96-98 MPH it was a couple of years ago when he was a Top 30 prospect, but his secondaries are better...   

    JOSE ROMERO:  
    FB: 93-95
    SL: 82-84
    COMMENT: Was called up from the Hi-A South Bend group at Minor League Camp for the day and worked the 9th (14 pitches - only six strikes- no swing & miss) and allowed a solo HR after two near-HR fly outs to the warning track, before getting a 3-1 GO to end the inning... it was like batting practice when he wasn't throwing pitches out of the strike zone...

  • crunch (view)

    pablo sandoval played 3rd and got a couple ABs (strikeout, single!) in the OAK@SF "exhibition"

    mlb officially authenticated the ball of the single he hit.  nice.

    he's in surprisingly good shape considering his poor body condition in his last playing seasons.  he's not lean, but he looks healthier.  good for him.

  • crunch (view)

    dbacks are signing j.montgomery to a 1/25m with a vesting 20m player option.

    i dunno when the ink officially dries, but i believe if he signs once the season begins he can't be offered a QO...and i'm not sure if that thing with SD/LAD in korea was the season beginning, either.

  • crunch (view)

    sut says imanaga getting the home opener at wrigley (game 4 of the season).

  • crunch (view)

    cubs rolling out the who's who of "who the hell is this guy?" in the last spring game.

  • videographer (view)

    AZ Phil, speaking of Jordan Wicks having better command when he tires a bit, I remember reading about Dennis Lamp 40 years ago and his sinker that was better after 3 or 4 innings when he would tire a bit and get more sink with a little less speed on the pitch.  The key for Lamp was getting to the 4th inning.