Chicago Cubs News: Esteban Quiroz traded to the Philadelphia Phillies
The Chicago Cubs made a minor roster move on Thursday as the team dealt utility infielder Esteban Quiroz to the Philadelphia Phillies for cash considerations.
Quiroz made his Major League debut for the Cubs last season as he appeared in 14 games near the end of the 2022 campaign. Quiroz did show the ability to hit at the Major League level during his brief stint at the Major League level with the Cubs last season as he slashed .275/.370/.275 in 47 plate appearances.
At the beginning of the off-season, the Cubs outrighted Quiroz from their 40-man roster but he remained with the organization, Despite the success that Quiroz saw at the Major League level with the Cubs at the end of the 2022 season, there wasn't a path for consistent playing time with the Cubs for the 31-year-old infielder.
Chicago Cubs Spring Training Notes
Jason Heyward is set to make the Los Angeles Dodgers Opening Day roster. There will undoubtedly be comparisons this season between Heyward with the Dodgers and Cody Bellinger with the Cubs. Bellinger does offer more offensive upside and if that proves to be the case in 2023, that would be an encouraging development for the Cubs.
For the Cubs, two of their games against the Texas Rangers will now be on National TV. The Friday game of the Cubs' home series against the Rangers will be streamed on Apple TV +.
The Cubs were already believed to be in the market to add another veteran left-handed reliever for their bullpen given the fact that Brandon Hughes was the lone southpaw option but with Hughes potentially sidelined, that need may be heightened.
An interesting note in regard to the return of Seiya Suzuki, Sahadev Sharma was on "The Parkins and Spiegel Show" on Thursday afternoon and mentioned that Suzuki being ready sooner than expected may alter how the Cubs handle the Opening Day roster. The indication was that Mike Tauchman may not be added to the 40-man roster if Suzuki is only going to miss a week of games once the season starts.