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, twelve players are on OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT to minors, one player is on the 15-DAY IL, and one player is on the 10-DAY IL

Last updated 4-18-2024
 
* 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
Jameson Taillon 
Keegan Thompson
* Jordan Wicks

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

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

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

OPTIONED: 12 
Kevin Alcantara, OF 
Michael Arias, P 
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF 
Jose Cuas, P 
Brennen Davis, OF 
Porter Hodge, P 
* Luke Little, P 
* Miles Mastrobuoni, INF
* Matt Mervis, 1B 
Daniel Palencia, P 
Luis Vazquez, INF 
Hayden Wesneski, P 

10-DAY IL: 1 
Seiya Suzuki, OF

15-DAY IL: 
* Justin Steele, P   

60-DAY IL: 2 
Caleb Kilian, P 
Julian Merryweather, P
 




Minor League Rosters
Rule 5 Draft 
Minor League Free-Agents

Cubs @ Pirates: Quintana vs Cole (Game 139)

Submitted by CTSteve on

CHC (75-63): LHP José Quintana (9-11, 4.49) 
PIT (67-72): RHP Gerrit Cole (11-9, 4.11) 
First pitch: 6:05pmCST

Quintana, who went 3-2 with a 5.73 in August, beat the Pirates on Wednesday (6 IP, 3 ER, 9 K, 0 BB). Overall, they are 16-49 (.327) against him. Freese and McCutchen are 3-6, Bell (1-3) and Rodriguez (3-7) have HRs.

Cole has had a down year, although not against the Cubs, against whom he’s 1-1 with a 1.38. His last outing was a 5 ER, 6-inning loss against the Reds. For their careers, the Cubs are 35-160 (.219) against him. Rizzo, who was told by the magic iPad to stay on the bench and watch the Cubs lose last night’s game by a run, is 9-29.

Lester (9-7) and Taillon (7-5) go tomorrow at the same time.

Go Cubs!

Tags
2017 Season Game Thread

Comments

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Wed, 09/06/2017 - 09:22 pm

The Philadelphia Phillies have traded RHRP Juan Nicasio to the St. Louis Cardinals for INF Eliezer Alvarez. Nicasio will not be eligible to play for the Cards in the post-season, but he could help them get there. 

The Phils claimed Nicasio off Outright Assignment Waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates on 8/31. 

But remember... 

A club is not permitted to make a waiver claim and then trade the player to another club if the purpose or effect of the claim was to prevent a third club from being awarded the waiver claim. (A waiver claim that is judged by the MLB Commissioner to have been made for this purpose will be revoked).

So - IF - another club that had a waiver claim priority between the Phillies and the Cardinals as of 9 AM on 8/31 put in a claim on Nicasio but was not awarded the claim because the Phillies had a worse record, that club could file a grievance and the whole House of Cards could come crashing down. The original waiver claim by the Phillies would get revoked, the trade between the Phillies and the Cardinals would be revoked, the third club (the one that wasn't awarded the waiver claim on 8/31) gets Nicasio for the $50,000 waiver price, and Nicasio would likely be ruled eligible to play in the post-season with that club (since that club should have been awarded the claim on 8/31).  

Again, that's - ONLY - if another club (besides the Phillies) put in a claim when Nicasio was on Outright Assignment Waivers 8/29 - 8/31 - AND - that club cares enough to file a grievance.

If I'm Theo & Jed, I'm calling all clubs who had a waiver claim priority between the Phils and Cards on 8/31 (SF, CHW, CIN, OAK, NYM, DET, SD, TOR, ATL, SEA, KC, MIA, TB, and TEX) to find out if another claim was made, and if so, I would certainly encourage that club to Do the Right Thing and file a grievance. 

[ ]

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Wed, 09/06/2017 - 09:11 pm

NICKEL23: The procedure for awarding waiver claims is different depending on the type of waivers and the time of the year.


PROCEDURE FOR AWARDING OF WAIVER CLAIMS (TYPE OF WAIVERS): 

1. For Outright Assignment Waivers and Outright Release Waivers (but NOT for Trade Assignment Waivers): If a player is claimed by only one club, that club is awarded the claim. If more than one club makes a claim, the club with the lowest winning percentage (regardless of league) either from the previous season (beginning on the day after the conclusion of the MLB regular season through the 30th day of the MLB regular season) or on the day the player clears waivers (beginning on the 31st day of the MLB regular season through the last day of the MLB regular season) is awarded the claim. If two clubs with the same winning percentage make a claim, the club in the player's own league is awarded the claim. If two clubs from the same league make a claim and they are tied in the standings, the club with the lowest winning percentage from the previous season is awarded the claim. If the clubs are still tied, standings from two years back (or three years back, four years back, etc) are used to break the tie.

2. For Trade Assignment Waivers (only): If a player is claimed by more than one club, the club in the player's own league with the lowest winning percentage is awarded the claim, even if that club has a higher winning percentage than the club or clubs making a claim from the other league. So a player placed on Trade Assignment Waivers must essentially be "waived out of his own league" before he can be assigned to a club in the other league. But again, this ONLY applies to Trade Assignment Waiver claims. 

PROCEDURE FOR AWARDING OF WAIVER CLAIMS (TIME OF THE YEAR)

1. During the off-season and up through the first 30 days of he MLB regular season, the previous season's MLB standings are used to determine waiver claim priority. 

2. Beginning on the 31st day of the MLB regular season through the conclusion of the MLB regular season, the MLB standings as of the date the player clears waivers are used to determine waiver claim priority, with the previous season's MLB standings only used to break ties.

RESTRICTION ON MAKING WAIVER CLAIMS:

A club is not permitted to make a waiver claim and then trade the player to another club if the purpose or effect of the claim was to prevent a third club from being awarded the waiver claim. (A waiver claim that is judged by the MLB Commissioner to have been made for this purpose will be revoked).

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

So (reportedly) what happened with Juan Nicasio is this: 

According to Pirates GM Neal Huntington, the Bucs placed Nicasio on Trade Assignment Waivers sometime around 8/25, and he was claimed by a National League Central club (Reds, Brewers, Cardinals, or Cubs, but it was probably the Cards). The waiver request was then withdrawn (since Trade Assignment Waiver requests are revocable the first time they are requested by a team), because Huntington said he did not want Nicasio to go to a team in the N. L. Central. (Remember, clubs in the same league have waiver claim priority over clubs in the other league for Trade Assignment Waivers ONLY). 

The Pirates then placed Nicasio on Outright Assignment Waivers (which cannot be withdrawn if a claim is made), hoping he would be claimed by an American League team (since no distinction is made between leagues when determiining waiver claim priority for Outright Assignment Waiver requests). But then the Phillies unexpectedly claimed Nicasio off Outright Assignment Waivers (after not claiming him off Trade Assignment Waivers a few days earlier) and were awarded the claim on 8/31. The Phillies then placed Nicasio on Trade Assignment Waivers within a day or two (which is the only way they could get a player back for him), and the Cardinals obviously won the claim and worked out a deal with the Phillies to acquire Nicasio.    

I think that it is fairly obvious that the Phillies claimed Nicasio of Outright Assignment Waivers for the purpose of placing him on Trade Waivers and trying to get a player back for him (which they did). The only problem with doing that is if another National League club or an American League club with a waiver claim priority between the Phillies and Cardinals on 8/31 (like the Texas Rangers, for example) put in a claim on Nicasio when he was on Outright Assignment Waivers 8/29 - 8/31 and then was not awarded the claim because the Phillies claimed him (the Phils had the worst record in MLB at the time). 

Is it possible that the Cardinals asked rhe Phillies to make the claim to keep Nicasio from being claimed by an A. L. club? (Not that the Cardinals would ever do something like that!).

I think what might be confusing is that in the Rule 5 Draft, a club picking early in the 1st round will sometimes make a proxy-pick for a club selecting lower in the 1st round, and then will subsequently trade the drafted player to the other club (usually for cash). Waivers are different, because the MLB office knows how many claims were made and which club(s) made the claim(s). There is no way to prove in a draft if a player would have been selected by a third club (with a draft slot between the club that makes the pick and the club that acquires the drafted player in a trade) if the third club had been given the chance. 

[ ]

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Thu, 09/07/2017 - 09:22 pm

TIM: If the Cubs claimed Juan Nicasio when he was on Outright Assignment Waivers 8/29 - 8/31 it wouldn't affect yesterday's trade between the Phiillies and Cardinals because only a club that had a waiver claim priority between the Phillies and Cardinals on 8/31 (like the Rangers, Royals, or Rays for example, but NOT the Cubs) - AND - that made a claim could file a grievance that could result in the trade being voided. (So the Cubs can't file the grievance, but another club that was affected by the Phils waiver claim and subsequent trade could). 
 
The MLB office does not advise clubs how many waiver claims were made and which clubs made claims. Sometimes the information leaks out, but the process is supposed to remain confidential and free from collusion.

[ ]

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Thu, 09/07/2017 - 09:38 pm

If anybody is wondering how it was that the Phillies were able to place Juan Nicasio back on Trade Assignment Waivers after he had been placed on Trade Waivers and then pulled back by the Pirates last month, it's because the rule only applies if it's the same team. Once Nicasio was claimed off Outright Assignment Waivers by the Phillies on 8/31, the Phillies can place Nicasio on Trade Waivers again (and they could have pulled him back once he was claimed by the Cardinals if they were so inclined). 

And again, Nicasio was NOT placed on  Outright Release Waivers on 8/29 after the Pirates withdrew the Trade Waiver request. He was placed on Outright Assignment Waivers (which are usually used to outright a player to the minors, but in this case it was to allow A. L. clubs have a chance to win the waiver claim, since Outright Assignment Waiver claims are awarded to the club with the worse record regardless of league). 

Submitted by billybucks on Wed, 09/06/2017 - 09:29 pm

Reds sweep Brewers! Let's go Q! Let's go bullpen!! Let's go offense!!!

[ ]

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Wed, 09/06/2017 - 09:27 pm

BOB R: After today's Brewer loss at CIN, the Cubs Magic number is 21 over STL and 20 over MIL pending tonight's action. (Right now the Cardinals are one game ahead of the Brewers in the loss column, so the Cards are actually in second place by % points).   

But you are right about the magic number not meaning much right now. The Cubs have seven games left against both the Brewers and the Cardinals (including four games each at both MIL and STL).

There is also a very real possibility that the Cubs could end up being the #2 Wild Card team. 

[ ]

Submitted by blockhead25 on Wed, 09/06/2017 - 09:19 pm

"There is also a very real possibility that the Cubs could end up being the #2 Wild Card team" I have trouble seeing this, as if they lose enough ground to fall behind MIL or STL, it will be difficult to stay ahead of COL (or the other of STL/MIL that doesn't lose the division). Cubs lose 5 of 7 to those teams, that's 5 games they can't make up to win the WC.

Submitted by crunch on Wed, 09/06/2017 - 09:09 pm

ian happ spectacularly tripped over his own bat running to 1st. it got some serious air. he doesn't seem injured or amused.

Submitted by crunch on Wed, 09/06/2017 - 09:57 pm

happ...bruh... when a pitcher throws 6 balls in a row, walking the dude before, don't swing at the 2-0 pitch outside the zone...or the 3-0 pitch outside the zone that would have walked you. but yeah, go ahead and K. nice.

[ ]

Submitted by billybucks on Wed, 09/06/2017 - 09:11 pm

Avila -- throws out a runner in the bottom of the 8th, drives in the winning run in the 9th. That's 16 RBI in 24 games for him to go along with a .370 OBP and .812 OPS. Nice pickup there, Theo. Now, if his buddy Wilson can find his stuff...

Submitted by blockhead25 on Wed, 09/06/2017 - 09:13 pm

Feels like a long time since the Cubs won a game like this. Good stuff. Props to Q and the bullpen. Now, even with a Brewers Sweep...Cubs will still be in first place. Cubs win 2 of 3 at Wrigley, Brewers will be far back in the rearview mirror.

Submitted by billybucks on Wed, 09/06/2017 - 09:29 pm

Contreras out for rehab assignment with Myrtle Beach -- ummm, the Carolinas are in the path of the worst hurricane in decades.

Recent comments

  • TarzanJoeWallis (view)

    Totally depends on the team and the player involved. If your team’s philosophy is to pay huge dollars to bet on the future performance of past stars in order to win championships then, yes, all of the factors you mentioned are important.

    If on the other hand, if the team’s primary focus is to identify and develop future stars in an effort to win a championship, and you’re a young player looking to establish yourself as a star, that’s a fit too. Otherwise your buried within your own organization.

    Your comment about bringing up Canario for the purposes of sitting him illustrates perfectly the dangers of rewarding a non-performing, highly paid player over a hungry young prospect, like Canario, who is perpetually without a roster spot except as an insurance call up, but too good to trade. Totally disincentivizing the performance of the prospect and likely diminishing it.

    Sticking it to your prospects and providing lousy baseball to your fans, the consumers and source of revenue for your sport, solely so that the next free agent gamble finds your team to be a comfortable landing spot even if he sucks? I suppose  that makes sense to some teams but it’s definitely not the way I want to see my team run.

    Once again, DJL, our differences in philosophy emerge!

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    That’s just kinda how it works though, for every team. No team plays their best guys all the time. No team is comprising of their best 26 even removing injuries.

    When baseball became a business, like REALLY a business, it became important to keep some of the vets happy, which in turn keeps agents happy and keeps the team with a good reputation among players and agents. No one wants to play for a team that has a bad reputation in the same way no one wants to work for a company that has a bad rep.

    Don’t get me wrong, I hate it too. But there’s nothing anyone can do about it.

    On that topic, I find it silly the Cubs brought up Canario to sit as much as he has. He’s going to get Velazquez’d, and it’s a shame.

  • TarzanJoeWallis (view)

    Of course, McKinstry runs circles around $25 million man Javier Baez on that Tigers team. Guess who gets more playing time?

    But I digress…

  • Sonicwind75 (view)

    Seems like Jed was trying to corner the market on mediocre infielders with last names starting with "M" in acquiring Madrigal, Mastroboney and Zach McKinstry.  

     

    At least he hasn't given any of them a Bote-esque extension.  

  • Childersb3 (view)

    AZ Phil:
    Rookie ball (ACL) starts on May 4th. Do yo think Ramon and Rosario (maybe Delgado) stay in Mesa for the month of May, then go to MB if all goes "solid"?
     

  • crunch (view)

    masterboney is a luxury on a team that has multiple, capable options for 2nd, SS, and 3rd without him around.  i don't hate the guy, but if madrigal is sticking around then masterboney is expendable.

  • TarzanJoeWallis (view)

    I THINK I agree with that decision. They committed to Wicks as a starter and, while he hasn’t been stellar I don’t think he’s been bad enough to undo that commitment.

    That said, Wesneski’s performance last night dictates he be the next righty up.

    Quite the dilemma. They have many good options, particularly in relief, but not many great ones. And complicating the situation is that the pitchers being paid the most are by and large performing the worst - or in Taillon’s case, at least to this point, not at all.

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Wesneski and Mastrobuoni to Iowa

    Taillon and Wisdom up

    Wesneski can't pitch for a couple of days after the 4 IP from last night. But Jed picked Wicks over Wesneski.

  • crunch (view)

    booooooooooo

    also, wisdom and taillon are both in chicago.

  • TarzanJoeWallis (view)

    Tonight’s game postponed. Split games on Saturday.

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