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

Giants Pitchers Throttle Cubs with Smoke

Submitted by Arizona Phil on

P. J. Hilson belted an RBI double and a solo HR, Juan Perez laced a two-run single, Anthony Rodriguez walked four times and scored two runs, and SP Mikell Manzano tossed three innings of one-run ball and combined with three relievers to strike out 14 (including the last six outs by gas throwin' closer William Suarez), as the Giants edged the Cubs 5-4 in Cactus League Extended Spring Training game action Thursday morning at Sloan Park in Mesa, AZ. 

Andrelton Simmons served as a DH and singled twice, tripled, and scored a run, Carlos Sepulveda drove-in two runs with a sacrifice fly and an RBI single and scored a run, and Dilan Granadillo drilled a two-run single, to account for the four Cub runs.  

The game was called after eight innings of play. 
 
Here is the abridged box score from the game (Cubs players only): 

CuBS LINEUP:
X. Andrelton Simmons, DH #1: 3-4 (1B, 5-4 FC, 3B, 1B, R) 
NOTE: Simmons batted second in the 1st & 2nd innngs, and led off the 3rd & 4th innings
1. Felix Stevens, 1B: 0-4 (K, K, K, K) 
2. Rafael Morel, 3B: 1-2 (K, 1B, BB, CS)
3. Cristian Hernandez, SS: 0-3 (4-3, L-8, K)
4. Moises Ballesteros, DH #2: 0-2 (BB, F-9, 6-3)
5. Christian Olivo, CF: 0-3 (K, K, K) 
6. Frank Hernandez, DH #3: 1-3 (5-3, 3B, K, R) 
7a. Carlos Sepulveda, 2B: 1-1 (F-8 SF, 1B, R, RBI)
7b. Reivaj Garcia, 2B: 0-0 (BB)
8. Brayan Altuve, LF: 1-3 (K, 1B, K, R)
9a. Dilan Granadillo, C: 1-2 (3-1, 1B, 2 RBI)
9b. Ronnier Quintero, C: 0-1 (K) 
10. Carlos Morfa, RF: 0-2 (3-U, BB, K) 

CUBS PITCHERS: 
1. Kenyi Perez: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R (1 ER), 5 BB, 4 K, 2 WP, 2/1 GO/AO, 60 pitches (26 strikes) 
2. Alfredo Zarraga: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R (3 ER), 2 BB, 1 K, 1 HR, 1/2 GO/AO, 35 pitches (18 strikes) 
3. Jose Romero: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K, 1 HBP, 1 WP, 1 BALK, 0/1 GO/AO, 31 pitches (17 strikes)
4. Wyatt Short: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, 0/1 GO/AO, 13 pitches (12 strikes) 
5. Starlyn Pichardo: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K, 1 WP, 1 GIDP, 1/1 GO/AO, 23 pitches (13 strikes) 

CUBS ERRORS: 2 
1. SS Cristian Hernandez: E-6 (fielding error allowed batter to reach base safely) 
2. C Ronnier Quintero: E-2 (errant throw to 2nd base on SB attempt allowed runner to advance to 3rd)

CUBS CATCHERS DEFENSE: 
1. Dilan Granadillo: 0-2 CS 
2. Ronnier Quintero: 0-1 CS, 1 E (see above) 

ATTENDANCE: 19 

WEATHER: Sunny with temperatures in the 90's 

Arizona 
Scoring 
Service 

"Just because it isn't official doesn't mean it didn't happen" 

Tags
2022 Cubs Extended Spring Training
Andrelton Simmons
Carlos Sepulveda
Dilan Granadillo

Comments

Submitted by Wrigley Rat on Thu, 05/05/2022 - 05:17 pm

Arizona Phil - I'm wondering about Kenyi Perez as a starter - he has what appears to be VERY POOR control. When you've watched him pitch, are you seeing something that I'm not understanding? Wouldn't he be better served pitching 1-2 innings every few days to see if he can improve his control/command over time, rather than start once a week and have 5 walks in 2.1 innings? I honestly want to know what you would do, because maybe the fact that he has such good movement on his pitches or something is worth putting up with the walks while he tries to figure it all out! And thanks for these daily posts - I enjoy reading them even more than watching the Cubs play (that might not exactly be the compliment I'm intending it to be). :)

[ ]

Submitted by Arizona Phil on Thu, 05/05/2022 - 05:11 pm

W-RAT: Along with Michael Arias, Marino Santy, and Joel Sierra, Kenyi Perez was one of four 2021 DSL Cubs pitchers who were brought up to Minor League Camp in March.

Eleven other 2021 DSL Cubs pitchers (Jose Alcila, Yohan Crispin, Anthony Martinez, Anthony Mendez, Gleiber Morales, Starlyn Pichardo, Cristian Rojas, Jose Romero, Oliver Roque, Tomy Sanchez, and Alfredo Zarraga) came up at the start of EXST in April, and none of them appear to project as a SP at this point, because none of them throw as hard as Arias, K. Perez, Santy, and Sierra and/or have a third pitch.

Alfredo Zarraga is the smallest in stature of this second group and he is strictly a two-pitch pitcher with probably a two-inning max load per outing before he runs out of gas (like he did on Thursday), but he has the highest FB velo (95) among the pitchers in this second group, combining the mid-90's FB with an 81-84 MPH SL.  

It's fairly obvious that what separates K. Perez, Arias, Santy, and Sierra from the others is that they have a "live" arm and a three pitch mix  - AND - the stamina to throw multiple innings, while the others (as things stand right now) probably project more as one or two inning pitchers at this point. Some even have sub-90 MPH FB velos. For example, Cristian Rojas FB is 86-88, but he has a plus-CH 80-82 that makes up for the low FB velo.  

Whenever possible, clubs prefer pitchers with a SP projection to get as many innings under their belt as possible ASAP in order to get the experience they need to refine their command. Bullpen sessions between outings are also crucial to SP development, which is why the preference is for SP-types like Arias, K. Perez, Santy, and Sierra to throw in games only once every 6-8 days, with two bullpens in between the starts. 

In the case of K. Perez, he features a 94-96 MPH FB, an 84 MPH CH, and a 79-82 MPH CV/SL (SLURVE), none of which he can command. Arias has a 96-99 MPH FB, a mid-80's SL he can't throw for strikes, and a mid-80's CH (in development). Santy is the one LHP in the group and he is only 5'11, but he combines a 93-96 FB, an 84-85 CH, and a 78-80 CV, although he has trouble commanding the pitches. Like Arias, Santy is virtually unhittable.

Because they have "live" arms, a SP repertoire, a high "ceiling," and the ability to throw multiple innings without too much effort, the idea is to keep using Arias, K. Perez, Santy, and Sierra as starters until proven otherwise.  

BTW, the best high-leverage reliever / closer prospect at EXST right now is Gregori Montano. He's no 5'9, either. He's probably at least 6'0 - 6'1. He pitched in the ACL (briefly) last year before getting shut-down, so he is not one of the new guys. He combines a 94-97 MPH FB with a 79-81 CV, and his command is a BIT better than most of what you typically see down here. But if he throws more than one inning, he loses a couple of MPH off his high-octane FB and his CV can hang. Yovanny Cabrera also pitched in the ACL in 2021 and projects as a high-lerverage ACL guy in 2022, too (93-95 MPH FB and an 88-89 SL/CT).   

Also, Yohan Crispin is listed as 5'9, but he actually is one of the taller guys, at least 6'2. Jose Romero is stocky with a mature body type. He looks like he's about 28 (he actually just turned 21) and he might be one of the ACL Cubs closers. Oliver Roque is the "beanpole" (6'3 180).   

Submitted by Wrigley Rat on Fri, 05/06/2022 - 05:13 am

You're the best Phil! I've copied and pasted everything you've written into my spreadsheet - thanks as always for the great information!!!

Submitted by Hagsag on Fri, 05/06/2022 - 05:25 pm

Phil, have you heard the status of the young Cuban lefty the Cubs signed last fall? I see he isn't in camp and it seems like he got a PED suspension. Thanks. I believe his name is Carlos Garcia.

[ ]

Submitted by Wrigley Rat on Fri, 05/06/2022 - 05:17 pm

HAGSAG - Not sure of Carlos Garcia's current status, but here's a note I have on him from Brett Taylor (https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs/2022/01/29/chicago-cubs-pitching-pr…):

19-year-old Cubs lefty Carlos Garcia has suspended for 60 games after testing positive for the steroid Stanozolol.

We’ve talked about how the Cubs generally had an underwhelming statistical year in the Dominican Summer League, but Carlos Garcia was one of the few bright spots. His 1.67 ERA was 12th best in the league among pitchers who threw at least 40 innings, and only one of the 11 pitchers ahead of him was younger. His 47 strikeouts (43.0 IP) led his DSL team.

Moreover, he’d only just signed into the Cubs organization out of Cuba before starting in the DSL. I have a feeling the hopes have been high for him among an otherwise thinner group of DSL pitching prospects. When Northside Bound wrote him up earlier this year, a lot of the commentary was about his impressive size and physique at 18/19 years old, and indeed he is a big dude.

So this news really sucks. Garcia was not considered one of the Cubs’ top pitching prospects or anything, but this is where the Cubs need to pipeline in lots and lots of developing arms, and it seems pretty clear Garcia was going to come stateside this year, with the opportunity to pitch his way from the complex league to Myrtle Beach.

Now that’s all thrown for a loop.

None of that is to say that Garcia’s performance was entirely about the PEDs, or that he can’t continue to develop from here. He’s still very young (which, by the way, makes it all the more concerning – from a health perspective – to see a young guy even trying this stuff). But it’s certainly not a plus, and will put him far behind the 8-ball both because of the development interruption by missing 60 games, but also because it will raise questions about what he can be going forward as the Cubs make decisions about who comes over stateside and when, and who gets promoted and when.

Submitted by Cubster on Fri, 05/06/2022 - 05:45 am

Cubs-Dodgers game today is postponed by rain. Rescheduled for a game 2, split DH tomorrow.

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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