Cubs MLB Roster

Cubs Organizational Depth Chart
40-Man Roster Info

40 players are on the MLB RESERVE LIST (roster is full) 

42 players are at MLB Spring Training 

31 players on MLB RESERVE LIST are ACTIVE at MLB Spring Training, and nine players are on OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT to minors. 
11 players are MLB Spring Training NON-ROSTER INVITEES (NRI) 

Last updated 3-17-2024
 
* bats or throws left
# bats both

PITCHERS: 17
Yency Almonte
Adbert Alzolay 
Javier Assad
Jose Cuas
Kyle Hendricks
* Shota Imanaga
Caleb Kilian
Mark Leiter Jr
* Luke Little
Julian Merryweather
Hector Neris 
Daniel Palencia
* Drew Smyly
* Justin Steele
Jameson Taillon
Hayden Wesneski 
* Jordan Wicks

NRI PITCHERS: 5 
Colten Brewer 
Carl Edwards Jr 
* Edwin Escobar 
* Richard Lovelady 
* Thomas Pannone 

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

NRI CATCHERS: 2  
Jorge Alfaro 
Joe Hudson 

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

NRI INFIELDERS: 3 
David Bote 
Garrett Cooper
* Dominic Smith

OUTFIELDERS: 5
* Cody Bellinger 
Alexander Canario
# Ian Happ
Seiya Suzuki
* Mike Tauchman 

NRI OUTFIELDERS: 1 
* David Peralta

OPTIONED:
Kevin Alcantara, OF 
Michael Arias, P 
Ben Brown, RHP 
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF 
Brennen Davis, OF 
Porter Hodge, RHP 
* Matt Mervis, 1B 
Keegan Thompson, P 
Luis Vazquez, INF 

 



Minor League Rosters
Rule 5 Draft 
Minor League Free-Agents

Cubs vs. Reds: Series Thread (Games 101-104)

The Cubs have one last home series before the trade deadline. These four games might be fans' last look at any one of the trade targets still on the Cubs roster. See below for the projected matchups against the second-place Reds.


Game 101, Monday, July 26, 7:05 pm central

CHC: RHP Kyle Hendricks (12-4, 3.61 ERA)

CIN: LHP Wade Miley (8-4, 2.72 ERA)

Hendricks is one of the few remaining members of the 2016 who has not had trade rumors over the last year or two. He'll be looking to continue a lengthy undefeated streak.

Miley is having a career year at the age of 34, nearly matching his highest single-season WAR with more than two months remaining. Going back to May 31, he's gone at least five innings (and often more) in all of his starts. He pitched a no-hitter against Cleveland back in early May.


Game 102, Tuesday, July 27, 7:05 pm central

CHC: RHP Adbert Alzolay (4-10, 4.58 ERA)

CIN: RHP Vladimir Gutierrez (4-3, 4.97 ERA)

Alzolay's balance has tipped from promise to frustration of late. Really very little has changed about his pitching throughout the season, but he's continued to get dinged by the long-ball. Last time, he took a loss to the Cards despite striking out 8 because he allowed another pair of homeruns. It was the 8th time this season that he's allowed two homers in a game.

The 25-year-old rookie Gutierrez has made ten starts for the Reds this season and has performed at roughly replacement level. He doesn't have any standout peripherals, neither missing bats nor pitchign effectively to contact, and his homerun rate is almost as poor as his opposing pitcher on this day. He does, however, boast a decent fastball and plus breaking stuff.


Game 103, Wednesday, July 28, 7:05 pm central

CHC: RHP Zach Davies (6-6, 4.30 ERA)

CIN: RHP Tyler Mahle (7-3, 3.92 ERA)

Davies earned his sixth win and got a season high eight punchouts in his last start, 5.1 innings against the Diamondbacks.

Tyler Mahle has not earned a decision in four July starts. His last win came more than a month ago, on June 16. He held the Cubs to two runs, one earned, over five innings on July third.


Game 104, Thursday, July 29, 1:20 pm central

CHC: RHP Alec Mills (4-3, 4.55 ERA)

CIN: RHP Luis Castillo (4-10, 4.20 ERA)

Alec "Is this guy good? He might be all right?" Mills gave the Cubs five innings and allowed two earned runs while collecting only one strikeout against Arizona.

Castillo appears to have figured something out around the end of May. Since May 29, he's held an ERA of only 1.84.

Comments

not gonna lie...looking at what PIT got from SD for 2 months (and playoffs) of a.fraizer vs what the cubs got for years of a cheap ace...feeling a bit ripped off again.

they got their #5 club prospect and a couple other good pieces (though 1 is just a relief pitcher).

[ ]

In reply to by Dolorous Jon Lester

one of the many "best" things about that quote from our dear leaders was it happened the same week as Ricketts-family-led  Marquee Raine Acquisition Corp had a $375,000,000 IPO in order to fund their "as of yet undertermined" entry into owning a sports betting company.  they were looking for $325,000,000 so hey, good for them for getting that extra $50m.

[ ]

In reply to by Sonicwind75

yup, 1 left.

risky(ish) re-sign given his past performance and low power output vs this single awesome season (leading NL in hits, currently).  he's gonna get $10m+ in arb if he keeps up his current pace. average at best glove at 2nd, but he keeps managing to hang out there when people have had him penciled in as an eventual full-time OF'r for years.

m.feinsand on twitter (mlb.com reporter)

Mark Feinsand @Feinsand
Although the Cubs have a number of players up for grabs, don't count on Kyle Hendricks being part of the exodus. The pitcher is "definitely not being shopped" according to a source, and barring an unexpectedly great offer, the Cubs are "not trying to move him."

[ ]

In reply to by Charlie

truth.  i'm a fan of swagger, attitude, and fun...was/am a big Z fan...etc.

cubs need to leave this alone, though.

CIN/CHC already has a nasty fighting past going back decades, and kicking it up a notch over amir is stupid.  amir will piss you off if you want to be pissed off...he'll even give you reasons to be pissed off if you'd like some.  he's passing this out to anyone that wants it.

wow, trea turner pulled from his game in WAS.  that's a big move for someone.  he's got 1 season of club control left.

this trade deadline gonna be wild.

astros have traded for k.graveman.  that's one high end closer/reliever off the market.

alzolay should IBB any and every lefty hitter who's capable of hitting a fly ball.

2 more HR's in the 1st, both lefty.

d.ross and chirinos on the top steps during a game is getting to be a regular thing.  they seem to be becoming bros.

it's kinda weird seeing a player/manager relationship like that, but chin knows he's a bench guy and isn't threatening anyone's playing time through "appearing to suck up."

Cubs 2021 Performance Bonus Watch 

RYAN TEPERA: $800K base salary, but he has already earned additional $500K in performance bonuses ($50K for 30 games, $50K for 35 games, and $100K for games, plus $175K for 60 days spent on MLB Active List roster and $175K for spending at least 90 days on MLB Active List roster), with additional $750K possible if he pitches in 45 games ($100K), 50 games ($150K), 55 games ($150K), and 60 games ($200K), and spends at least 120 days on MLB Active List roster ($150K projected to happen on 8/10).    

TREVOR WILLIAMS: $2.5M base salary, but has already earned additional $175K in performance bonuses ($175K when he threw 50 IP), with additional $825K possible if he throws at least 75 IP ($175K), 100 IP ($175K), 125 IP ($175K), 150 IP ($175K), and 175 IP ($125K). 

It is unlikely that Jake Arrieta and Jake Marisnick will earn any of their performance bonuses. 

It can get a little tricky when a player with performance bonuses and/or post-season club or mutual options with buy-outs in his contract is traded, because the clubs must decide at the time of the trade who is responsible for any buy-outs and/or potential bonuses still outstanding. 

Joc Pederson has $500K in potential performance bonuses outstanding based on PA ($125K each for 500, 525, 550 and 575 PA), but he had only 287 PA when he was traded and if he gets to 500+ PA it won't happen until probably sometime in September. There also is the matter of which club pays Pederson's $2.5M post-season buy-out if the Braves choose not to exercise the club option side of the mutual option.

Andrew Chafin also has $500K in potential performance bonuses outstanding based on GAMES ($125K each for 50, 55, 60 and 65 games), but he won't reach those until sometime later in the season. (The Cubs have already agreed to pay Chafin's $500K post-season buy-out if the A's choose not to exercise the club option side of the mutual option). 

heyward's batting average drops below .200 again

he's close to having a sub-.600 OPS

the D isn't even good enough to excuse ignoring the bat and having him as an everyday regular at this point in his career.  it's not like that matters this season or they need him to sit so someone else can shine, though.

2/44m left on his deal. 

INF Eric Sogard (Designated for Assignment by the Cubs last Friday) has been released. 

[ ]

In reply to by crunch

"Ross says Bryzzo knew they would be off today. “They need a break.” Says it has no relevance to trade deadline." - paul sullivan

this is the last home game before the trade deadline.

also, that's shit planning to have 2/3rd of your middle lineup core sitting on the same day if that's not just a b/s excuse for sitting them.

Nico Suave to IL, Sergio Alcantara back up.

Cory Abbott optioned, Jake Jewell purchased from Iowa. Kohl Stewart transfer to 60 day IL

I get the sense they're trying to showcase Brothers, Morgan, and Ryan to see if they can get anything for any of them. If they stick around, might also be auditioning them to see if any are worth keeping on 40 man over the winter. My guess is only one survives. Morgan and Brothers have 1 year of control left, Ryan will have two or three, depending how long he stays up for the rest of the year.

"we want rizzo" chant going unmentioned by the booth.

c'mon guys.  let's not pretend this isn't the trade deadline, the 9th inning, and neither rizzo/bryant seem to be grabbing a bat to pinch hit.

Twitter says Alcantara and Vizcaino are coming back.  #7 and #12 ranked prospects (fangraphs) in Yankees system.  Cubs paying all of Rizzo salary.

"Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports that the Mets and Cubs are currently in discussion on deals for Kris Bryant And Zach Davies."

that's like ordering ice cream with mustard on top.

s.castro suspended 30d (domestic violence).  WAS has stated they will immediately release him at the end of his suspension.

Rosenthal tweeted KB to Giants. Passan said Marisnick also in the deal.

I drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry

But we were still stuck with Zach Davies and his shitty mustache

Yes, Marisnick to Padres. The #Cubs receive pitcher Caleb Killian and outfielder Alexander Camargo from #SFGiants in Bryant trade

 

Jeff Passan of ESPN reports that the Padres have acquired Jake Marisnick from the Cubs.

The Cubs will be getting Anderson Espinoza, a former top prospect whose career has been derailed by injuries. Marisnick will give the Padres a quality extra outfielder who should see some playing time against left-handed pitching.

We're really gonna be stuck with Davies aren't we? Not a peep anywhere about that clown

Marisnick netted SD 9th ranked player, Bryant SF 9th and 30th ranked.  That's just sad.

Looking back at all the trades (Starting with the Darvish deal) the only guy I feel excitement for is the 2B they got for Kimbrel from the Sox.  After that it's just another player taking up a roster spot.

[ ]

In reply to by cubbies.4ever

i'm not about to trust the killer numbers of a 24 year old in AA (rather freshly turned 24, to be fair), but kilian has been performing over expectations at every level as a giant.  mid-90s fastball, curve, cutter, changeup...technically a slider, but doesn't seem to be using it this year too much.  it seems the fastball/cutter mix is what makes a good chunk of his game.  either way, he's got a feel for a variety of pitches and any adjustment to approach as he moves up isn't starting from ground-zero.

i'd like to see him in iowa rather than TN.  i'd like to feel good about 2022 beyond just our new 2nd baseman (who won't be back on the field until 2022).

Recent comments

  • crunch (view)

    SF snags b.snell...2/62m

  • Cubster (view)

    AZ Phil: THAT is an awesome report worth multiple thanks. I’m sure it will be worth reposting in an “I told you so” in about 2-3 years.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    The actual deadline to select a post-2023 Article XX-B MLB free agent signed to 2024 minor league contract (Cooper, Edwards, and Peralta) to the MLB 40-man roster is not MLB Opening Day, it is 12 PM (Eastern) this coming Sunday (3/24). 

    However, the Cubs could notify the player prior to the deadline that the player is not going to get added to the 40 on Sunday, which would allow the player to opt out early. Otherwise the player can opt out anytime after the Sunday deadline (if he was not added to the 40 by that time). 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Today is an off day for both the Cubs MLB players and the Cubs minor league players.  

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    For those of you keeping track, so far nine players have been called up to Mesa from the Cubs Dominican Academy for Minor League Camp and they will be playing in the ACL in 2024: 

    * bats or throws left 

    Angel Cepeda, INF 
    * Miguel Cruz, P
    Yidel Diaz, C 
    * Albert Gutierrez, 1B
    Fraiman Marte, P  
    Francis Reynoso, P (ex-1B) 
    Derniche Valdez, INF 
    Edward Vargas, OF 
    Jeral Vizcaino, P 

    And once again, despite what you might read at Baseball Reference and at milb.com, Albert Gutierrez is absolutely positively a left-handed hitter (only), NOT a right-handed hitter.

    Probably not too surprisingly, D. Valdez was the Cubs #1 prospect in the DSL last season, Cepeda was the DSL Cubs best all-around SS prospect not named Derniche Valdez, Gutierrez was the DSL Cubs top power hitting prospect not named Derniche Valdez, E. Vargas was the DSL Cubs top outfield prospect (and Cepeda and E. Vargas were also the DSL Cubs top two hitting prospects), Y. Diaz was the DSL Cubs top catching prospect, and M. Cruz was the DSL Cubs top pitching prospect. 

    F. Marte (ex-STL) and J. Vizcaino (ex-MIL) are older pitchers (both are 22) who were signed by the Cubs after being released by other organizations and then had really good years working out of the bullpen for the Cubs in the DSL last season. 

    The elephant in the room is 21-year old Francis Reynoso, a big dude (6'5) who was a position player (1B) at the Cardinals Dominican Academy for a couple of years, then was released by STL in 2022, and then signed by the Cubs and converted to a RHP at the Cubs Dominican Academy (and he projects as a high-velo "high-leverage" RP in the states). He had a monster year for the DSL Cubs last season (his first year as a pitcher). 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    DJL: The only players who definitely have opt outs are Cooper, Edwards, and Peralta (Opening Day, 5/1, and 6/1), and that's because they are post-2023 Article XX-B MLB free agents who signed 2024 minor league contracts and (by rule) they get those opt outs automatically. 

    Otherwise, any player signed to a 2024 minor league contract - MIGHT or - MIGHT NOT - have an opt out in their contract, but it is an individual thing, and if there are contractual opt outs the opt out(s) might not necessarily be Opening Day. It could be 5/1, or 6/1, or 7/1 (TBD).

    Because of their extensive pro experience, the players who most-likely have contractual opt outs are Alfaro, Escobar, and D. Smith, but (again), not necessarily Opening Day. 

    Also, just because a player has the right to opt out doesn't mean he will. 

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    I love the idea that Madrigal heads to Iowa in case Morel can’t handle third.

    The one point that intrigues me here is Cooper over Smith. I feel like the Cubs really like Smith and don’t want to lose him. Could be wrong. He def seems like an opt out if he misses the opening day roster

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Childersb3: Both Madrigal and Wisdom can be optioned without any restriction. Their consent is not required. 

    They both can be outrighted without restriction, too (presuming the player is not claimed off waivers), but if outrighted they can choose to elect free agency (immediately, or deferred until after the end of the MLB season).

    If the player is outrighted and elects free-agency immediately he forfeits what remains of his salary.

    If he accepts the assignment and defers free agency until after the conclusion of the season, he continues to get his salary, and he could be added back to the 40 anytime prior to becoming a free-agent (club option). 

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Phil, 
    Madrigal and Wisdom can or cannot refuse being optioned to the Minors?
    If they can refuse it, wouldn't they elect to leave the Cubs org?

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    In my opinion, the biggest "affirmative" mistake the Cubs made in the off-season (that is, doing something they should not have done), was blowing $9M in 2024 AAV on Hector Neris. What the Cubs actually need is an alternate closer to be in the pen and available to close if Alzolay pitched the day before (David Robertson would have been perfect), because with his forearm issue last September, I would be VERY wary of over-using Alzolay. I'm not even sure I would pitch him two days in a row!  

    And of course what the Cubs REALLY need is a second TOR SP to pair with Justin Steele. That's where the Cubs are going to need to be willing to package prospects (like the Padres did to acquire Dylan Cease, the Orioles did to acquire Corbin Burnes, and the Dodgers did to acquire Tyler Glasnow). Obviously those ships have sailed, but I would say right now the Cubs need to look very hard at trying to acquire LHSP Jesus Luzardo from the Marlins (and maybe LHP A. J. Puk as well).