Chicago Cubs: A look at the spring roster as games begin

As Spring Training games begin, many of you may be wondering who exactly the Chicago Cubs have in camp. With all the minor league signings and non-roster invitees, here is a look at how the roster stacks up.

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40 Man Roster

The following are the list of players on the 40 man roster. These players are signed to a major league contract and can be called up to the 25-man roster throughout the season. Here is the list of the players current on the 40 man roster:

Pitchers

1. Andury Acevedo
2. Jake Arrieta
3. Dallas Beeler
4. Aaron Brooks
5. Rex Brothers
6. Trevor Cahill
7. Carl Edwards Jr.
8. Justin Grimm
9. Jason Hammel
10. Kyle Hendricks
11. Pierce Johnson
12. Eric Jokisch
13. John Lackey
14. Jon Lester
15. Spencer Patton
16. Neil Ramirez
17. Clayton Richard
18. C.J. Riefenhauser
19. Hector Rondon
20. Pedro Strop
21. Adam Warren
22. Travis Wood

Catchers

1. Wilson Contreras
2. Miguel Montero
3. David Ross
4. Kyle Schwarber

Infielders:

1. Arismendy Alcantara
2. Javier Baez
3. Kris Bryant
4. Jeimer Canderlario
5. Tommy LaStella
6. Anthony Rizzo
7. Addison Russell
8. Christian Villanueva
9. Dan Vogelbach
10. Ben Zobrist

Outfielders:

1. Dexter Fowler
2. Jason Heyward
3. Jorge Soler
4. Matt Szczur

The 40 man roster is currently full at 40 men. Christian Villanueva will be out several months with a broken fibula so expect the Cubs to place him on the 60- Day DL, which would this open up one roster spot. Barring injuries, any of other players would be removed (known as designating for assignment) and have to clear waivers in order to return to the club.

Non-Roster Invitees

These are players that currently are not signed to a major league contract. Most of them are either prospect players in the minor leagues or veterans who are signed to minor league deals. If these players don’t make the team, they can either be assigned a minor league club or released, which makes them a free agent. Here is the list of non-roster invitees.

Pitchers

• Aaron Crow
• Stephen Fife
• Brandon Gomes
• Jack Leathersich
• Jean Machi
• Edgar Olmos
• Manny Parra
• Felix Pena
• Jonathan Pettibone
• Armando Rivero
• Drew Rucinski
• Duane Underwood
• Ryan Williams

Catchers

• Taylor Davis
• Tim Federowicz

Infielders:

• Jesus Guzman
• Munenori Kawasaki
• Kristopher Negron

Outfielders:

• Albert Almora
• John Andreoli
• Matt Murton
• Juan Carlos Perez
• Shane Victorino

While most of these players will not make the big league club, many are prospects who will be assigned to a minor league club some point this spring. With a 40 man roster spot opening up, it’s possible one of these non-roster invitees (like Shane Victorino or Matt Murton) could be added to the 40 man roster. If a player stays with the organization at the minor league level, the Cubs can add them to the 40 man roster at any time, as long as there is an open space on it.

Projected 25-Man Roster

Pitchers:

1. Jake Arrieta
2. Jon Lester
3. John Lackey
4. Jason Hammel
5. Kyle Hendricks
6. Hector Rondon
7. Pedro Strop
8. Justin Grimm
9. Adam Warren
10. Travis wood
11. Trevor Cahill
12. Clayton Richard
13.  ??? (Rex Brothers, Neil Ramirez, Carl Edwards Jr, Manny Parra)

Position Players:

Miguel Montero

Anthony Rizzo

Ben Zobrist

Addison Russell

Kris Bryant

Kyle Schwarber

Dexter Fowler

Jason Heyward

Jorge Soler

David Ross

Javier Baez

???? (Tommy LaStella, Matt Szczur, Shane Victorino)

Next: Former starters will be stretched out early

As you can see, there is not much room on the Cubs 25 man roster. While there is some competition for the final bullpen spot, Rex Brothers is getting paid more than a $1 million this season and likely has the upper hand for that final bullpen spot. In regards to the bench, if the Cubs want to carry a fifth outfielder, then it will be Victorino. If not, then it will likely be Tommy LaStella. Either way, there is three or four guys competing for one spot. It should be a fun spring and obviously, injuries could cause more changes, but let’s hope everyone stays healthy.