Cubs News: Non-roster invitees to keep an eye on in camp

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The Chicago Cubs have announced the 25 non-roster invitees they will have in camp this spring. Like every season it is a mix of players with MLB experience and minor league players looking to crack the opening day roster.

Cubs: A quick breakdown of the 25 players

To sum up the list of guys: 13 pitchers, five infielders, four outfielders and three catchers. Obviously the majority of the Opening Day roster will be players from the current 40-man roster, but there is reason to believe a few of the non-roster invitees can make it. Considering the lower part of the pitching rotation is up in the air, the bullpen is not fully set in stone and the bench depth is pretty thin.

Which of these invitees should we keep an eye on? Here is a breakdown of some of the key names. These players will have potential to possibly make an impact on the MLB roster based on either their experience, and/or if they can fill holes on the roster. This is where we always hope the team can find some diamonds in the rough.

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Cubs looking for answers on the pitching staff in camp

Shelby Miller:

Far and away the player with the biggest resume among the invitees is Shelby Miller. It was a shocking fall from grace for the righty starter after such a good start to his career. From 2012-2015 with the Cardinals and Braves he pitched to a 3.22 ERA, 3.82 FIP, 1.24 WHIP and 483 strikeouts in 102 games (96 starts). Since being traded to the Diamondbacks in 2016, he has bounced around and pitched to a dismal 6.89 ERA, 1.85 WHIP and 5.21 FIP in 48 games.

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He will be pitching for a spot on the Cubs this spring. Hard to say of he has anything left but if he shows something in spring he could be a candidate to fill in a spot at the bottom of the rotation. This is a pretty big if, but they need any help they can get and hope for the best.

Adam Morgan:

The lefty reliever had spent his entire MLB journey with the Phillies organization. It has been an up and down career so far for him. He sports a career 4.84 ERA and 1.4 WHIP. His best work came in 2018-2019 when he pitched to a cumulative 3.87 ERA, 3.99 FIP, 9.0 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9. He has missed some bats but the walks are a bit high. The Cubs need some lefty depth so hopefully he can pitch well enough to make the roster.

Rex Brothers:

At 33 years old, Rex Brothers has pitched in 317 games in the majors. From 2011-2015 he pitched with the Rockies and put up a 3.42 ERA and 1.5 WHIP. Since then he has been with the Cubs, Braves and Yankees organizations and made his way back last year. He appeared in three games last year and gave up three runs.

Cubs: Depth in the infield will be a key for the team this season

Matt Duffy:

A versatile veteran who can play multiple infield positions, Matt Duffy is one of the more intriguing position players in camp. Duffy has played in 452 games and sports a career .282/.338/.380 slash with 22 home runs and 101 wRC+. He began his career in San Francisco where he won a World Series in 2014 and has also played with the Rays. This is a versatile depth piece who could prove useful in 2021.

Patrick Wisdom:

Fans might remember him last year when he appeared in two games as a Cub at the end of the season. Wisdom was a member of the Cardinals and Rangers organizations before making his Cubs debut last year. Look at it as more organizational depth piece rather than an Opening Day candidate.

Trent Giambrone:

Here is another guy who is more of an organizational depth piece. Giambrone was drafted by the Cubs in the 25th round of the 2016 draft and is no stranger to Cubs camp. He has played in 39 Cactus League games with the Cubs going back to 2018 and has always been one of those “borderline guys”. Giambrone recently played in the Puerto Rican Winter League and hit .220/.377/.390 in 12 games.

Cubs could use a quality fourth or fifth outfielder

Nick Martini:

If there is indeed room for a fifth outfielder on the roster, one of the top candidates is this guy. Martini, 30, made his MLB debut in 2018 with the Oakland A’s. Between the A’s and Padres (2018-2019) he has hit .269/.372/.380 in 87 games. Martini plays primarily left field and could be a welcome depth piece as an outfielder and pinch hitter.

Ian Miller:

He was a member of the Cubs organization last year and had a very impressive spring, hitting .371/.450/.457 in 20 games. His most notable asset is his speed. While he has only played in 13 career MLB games between the Cubs and Twins, he is another organization depth piece that could have a place at some point. Doubtful it is the opening day roster unless there is an injury.

Cubs know catching depth could end up being critical this summer

Jose Lobaton:

Here is another veteran catcher option. The 36-year-old has played in 413 MLB games from 2009-2018 and is a .215/.293/.319 hitter. He was brought to the Cubs organization last year before being released. Now he is back in camp. Most of his MLB career was spent with the Nationals and Rays, while also playing with the Padres and Mets.

P.J. Higgins:

Drafted in the 12th round of the 2015 draft by the Cubs, Higgins has played around the infield in the minors. In 2019 he hit .281/.349/.416 with 10 home runs between the Smokies and Iowa Cubs. He has had a successful minor league career as a whole and one day might just get his shot at the majors. In addition to catcher he has played first, second and third base.

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Cubs camp begins very soon and before we know it we (should) be watching spring games. The roster questions will be answered over the next month.

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