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

Cubs @ Reds: Series Thread (Games 82-84)

The Cubs mustered a big comeback and debuted their new closer, Kimbrel, to end the first half of the season. Today, they open the second half with a weekend series against the last-place Cincinnati Reds. Although they bring up the rear of the NL Central, the Reds are hardly a bad club in 2019. They are only 6.5 games behind the Cubs and feature a pretty good pitching staff (fourth in the majors by ERA- at 82). There offense has not kept pace with their run prevention. The two teams last faced off in Chicago near the end of May, when the Reds took the series 2-1. Read past the break for day-by-day matchups and a little first-half questionnaire.


Game 82, June 28, 6:05pmCDT
CHC: LHP Cole Hamels (6-2, 2.92 ERA)
CIN: RHP Sonny Gray (3-5, 4.03 ERA)

Hamels got a no-decision against the Mets, going 7 innings and allowing 3 runs, including two solo homeruns. Javy eventually got the Cubs out of that one with the two-strike, three-run homerun in the eighth. Since his Cubs debut on August 1 of last year, Hamels is 10-5 with a 2.67 ERA. Hard to believe the main piece coming from the Cubs was Eddie Butler (with the caveat that it's still possible Alexander Ovalles, the PTBNL, turns out to be the best player the Cubs sent). Jose Peraza is 4-9 off of him with a HR. Votto is 5-23 with one homerun.

Gray signed with the Reds in the offseason and has been so-so. His peripherals give some reason to hope his results might improve, especially his strikeout rate which has risen to just over 10 per nine innings. Although he has mostly avoided the homerun bug that has swept through the majors this year, he did allow two homeruns (and four total earned runs) in 4.1 during his last start. The Cubs are 6-32 off of him. Almora is 2-2 with a homerun and Russell is 2-4 with a homer. Heyward is 0-8 with a strikeout.


Game 83, June 29, 3:10pmCDT
CHC: LHP Jose Quintana (4-7, 4.50 ERA)
CIN: RHP Luis Castillo (7-2, 2.56 ERA)

Quintana got hung out to dry in his last start, allowing eight earned runs including three homeruns against the Mets. Nothing much has stood out about his first half performance--he just hasn't been as effective as fans would hope. Joey Votto is 10-20 off of him and Suarez is 7-21 with a homerun.

Castillo walked five and allowed six runs, four earned, in 3.1 innings in his last start. It was only the second time this season he's gone less than five. Overall, he's taken a step forward in 2019, and his high strikeout and groundball rates have allowed him to work around an elevated walk rate. He beat the Cubs on 5/16, going 5.1 and allowing two earned runs. Contreras is 4-6 with three doubles and Schwarber is 3-9 with two homeruns.


Game 84, June 30, 12:10pmCDT
CHC: LHP Jon Lester (7-5, 3.83 ERA)
CIN: RHP Anthony DeSclafani (4-4, 4.70 ERA)

Lester allowed two runs, zero earned, in six innings to earn a win against Atlanta in his last start. He spent from mid-May to mid-June regressing from some spectacular early season stats. In his last two starts he's gotten more of the soft contact that's allowed him to last as a top-of-the-rotation starter even as he becomes something of a baseball elder statesman. Suarez is 10-34 with three homeruns off of him. Jose Peraza is 12-29.

Following a breakout in 2016, Desclafani missed all of 2017 to an elbow injury and has not been able to repeat that success since. Homeruns have been the big problem for him so far. Last time out, he pitched 4.1 innings and allowed six earned runs to the Brewers. Current Cubs have an .802 OPS against him in 117 at bats. Bryant is 6-17 with a homerun.


I thought about doing some sort of mid-point stat and storyline roundup. Instead, I'd like to request that you discuss the most fun aspects of the first half in the comments. In particular, I'd love to hear about what you think have been the most fun pitcher, position player, batting event, defensive play, and game of the first half. Thanks in advance for sharing!

Comments

[ ]

In reply to by Eric S

hopefully ham will be fine.  no idea how bad he's hurt, but he walked off the mound while warming for the 2nd and into the dugout...not like he crumpled to the ground or gingerly walked off.

if he does have to sit out a start at least the all-star break is almost here and he'll get a few extra days on top of it.

Most fun pitcher: tie between the Professor (for the Maddux game) and Alzolay (for being a living, breathing and, so far, a tantalizingly talented starting pitching prospect signed and developed during the Jedstein era - who would a thunk it possible??

Doesn‘t Javy have “most fun position player” tattooed on the back of his neck?  Who am I to disagree with that. 

Need to mull over possible batting events and defensive plays, but I’ll vote for game 81 (yesterday) — Early Despair, Comeback, Cookie Monster and Kimbrel‘s first entrance and ensuing drama - everything you could ask for. 

[ ]

In reply to by Eric S

most fun pitcher...sweaty les walrond

honestly, though...i loved Z.  his misplaced hyped up passion...his humor.  toward the end he was just straight up wearing out his welcome, but he was still fun in a drunk uncle at xmas kind of way.

RIP gatorade machine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlepYUrJ2mk (in case anyone wants to relive this epic meltdown, including Z tossing the ump out of the game)

btw, he's currently on yet another half-assed comeback with a very low-end indie leage "American Association" pitching out of the pen for the Chicago Dogs (yes, seriously)

16.2ip 19h 2bb 9k, 3.78era (13 games)

[ ]

In reply to by Eric S

Javy seems like he'll be a popular choice, for sure. A few years ago I figured Javy must have one of the highest fun:value ratios, but now he's really good too.

I've been thinking that the Maddux might be my favorite game of the first half. But Hamels has been the pitcher I've enjoyed watching the most so far. (All my digits are crossed for this injury to not be serious.)

Hamels to IL with left oblique strain.  Monty/Chatwood DFA’d, Cookie Monster called up

[ ]

In reply to by crunch

After Alzolay starts next Monday and Chatwood or Montgomery starts on Wednesday, the Cubs won't need 4th & 5th starters again until Monday 7/15 & Tuesday 7/16. The Cubs can even option Alzolay to AAA on Tuesday (after his start on Monday) and he could pitch in the Futures Game a week from Sunday, before being recalled on 7/15 or 7/16 (presuming Hendricks isn't back by then).

Meanwhile, the Cubs could add an extra bullpen arm on Tuesday and carry that extra reliever all the way through 7/14 or 7/15 if they wish. Best guess is Barnette gets recalled on Saturday (replacing Hamels on the 25) and Edwards or Cedeno gets reinstated from the IL on Tuesday (replacing Alzolay on the 25 until 7/14 or 7/15). 

Sounds like Cargo was saying his good byes and getting hugs after the game. I believe they will be adding two bullpen arms on Saturday.

Danny Hultzen put on IL by Iowa for groin soreness. Better than shoulder/arm soreness I guess.  Didn‘t see any radar gun readings but his limited outings in Iowa were effective. 

ERIC S: Danny Hultzen's FB velo pre-IL at Iowa was reported at 92-95, which was down a bit from what it was at EXST (93-96 T-97) when he was throwing one inning once or twice a week.

This London game on track for nine + hours, London fans used to all day cricket matches should be comfortable with this. 

What happened to Xavier Cedeno? He hasn't pitched in Iowa since 6/20. Haven't seen any report of a setback.

Q has six prior day starts going into today: 0-4 record with a 6.29 ERA

Also has a lifetime record of 74 wins, 75 losses

I’m a fan of JHey in the month of June

Last June: 327/364/510, 873 OPS with 3 homers (his best OPS month, by far, of his Cubs career going into this season)

This June, going into today: 326/362/539, 901 OPS with 4 homers (now 5 so far today)

As great as it’s going in June, he was even better in March/April with a 932 OPS (5 homers)

Had a poor May (618 OPS, 3 homers) but this has been a banner year so far. 

There was a time when KB had a five hit game, with 3 home runs and 2 doubles, in this park. Today is not that day. 

If the Cubs go on to lose this game ... such a disappointing half inning. I no longer get very disappointed when a Cub bounces into a double play which actually scores a run — seen too many bases loaded, no out situations which come up nil. 

That’s it for Q after 101 pitches: 6 IP, 0 Runs, 4 Hits, 0 BB, 4 Ks.  Hell of a start and badly needed after all the bullpen work yesterday. 

schwarber looks exhausted and not 100% checked into the game out there...bit slumpy with his body.

I was really hoping Javy would go to right field - and boy did he ever! Grand slam!!!

puig has strong opinions about a 3-0 pitch that hit him.

was it on purpose?  probably.  he earned it, though.

now that's maples-as-hell

dude HBP's peraza and the ump doesn't consider it intentional even after warnings were given...cuz, you know, he's maples.

cubs win, brews win...the constant state of closeness continues with the cubs ahead by a game.

cards are currently losing by 6 in the 3rd to SD.

also, BAL beats CLE 13-0, two games in a row.

Alzolay, PROFESSOR, Darvish and Q will start in Pittsburgh 

Carl Jr to start rehab assignment with Iowa on Monday

RHRP Tony Barnette has been placed on the Restricted List, apparently for leaving the Iowa Cubs (they were in San Antonio) after he was not recalled to replace Hamels on the 25-man roster. 

BTW, if Zobrist and/or Barnette are not reinstated from the Restricted List by midnight on 8/31, they will not be eligible to play in the MLB post-season (presuming the Cubs get there). 

[ ]

In reply to by Arizona Phil

honestly, he's got every reason to be pissed.  dunno if this is the proper way to express it, but i get his angst.

he signed on as a MLB injury reclaimation, not "i'm a AAAA player."  he's also in his mid-30s, so he's running out of time to establish himself as a guy worthy of a nice paycheck.

he's healthy, his few weeks in AAA showed he's done with it, and he's not getting work.

DFA lester.

1h, 1bb, 3 runs in.

cubbery.

turns out strop has a rather strong opinion about puig...

“It’s not a secret he’s stupid. He’s stupid as f---. I have nothing against him, but he’s stupid. There’s no doubt about it.”

Remember when we had a deep lineup? Now we’re stuck with Russell, Almora, Descalso, etc in big spots. Not how you win.

What is this thing the Reds keep on doing - this hitting with runners in scoring position thingamjiig thingy?  That’s certainly not in “The Cubs Way” manual.

Did the Cubs win a series in June? brutal

On the other hand, at worst, Cubs will be tied for the division lead heading into July. So there is that ...

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.