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Cubs 2024 Rule 5 Draft and Minor League Free-Agent Watch List

Arizona Phil — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 01:00:00 +0000

Cubs 2024 Rule 5 Draft and Minor League Free-Agent Watch List

9/29 UPDATE:

The Cubs selected C Caleb Knight to their MLB 40-man roster.

Knight was eligible to be an MLB Rule 9 minor league 6YFA post-2024, and he will have “Draft-Excluded Player” status until 20 days prior to MLB Opening Day.

9/2 UPDATE:

INF Jake Hager retired.

8/31 UPDATE:

RHP Adrian Houser has elected free-agency. (He had a contractual opt-out).

8/25 UPDATE:

The Cubs sent INF David Bote outright to AAA Iowa.

Bote has Article XX-D rights (he has been outrighted previously in his career), so he does have the right elect free-agency (immediately or deferred).

However, because he is under contract for 2025, it is very unlikely that Bote will elect free agency immediately or even elect free-agency after the conclusion of the MLB regular season.

So therefore it will be up to the Cubs to decline Bote's 2025 club option after the World Series and pay the buy-out.

8/22 UPDATE:

The Cubs released RHRP Josh Staumont.

8/20 UPDATE:

The Cubs selected RHP Jack Neely to their MLB 40-man roster.

Neely will have “Draft Excluded Player” status until 20 days prior to 2025 MLB Opening Day.

8/13 UPDATE:

The Cubs released RHP Sam McWilliams and INF Kevin Padlo. (Both were going to be minor league 6YFA post-2024).

So the Cubs minor league 165-man Domestic Reserve List now has twelve slots open (and that is after the draft picks were added).

8/12 UPDATE:

The Cubs released INF Jack Reinheimer.

8/11 UPDATE:

The Cubs released OF Gilberto Celestino.

8/9 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed free-agent RHRP Josh Staumont to a minor league contract.

Because he has Article XIX-A rights (meaning he has accrued at least five years of MLB Service Time), Staumont cannot be sent to the minors (optioned or outrighted) without his consent if he is added to to the 40 at some point in 2024.

8/8 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed free-agent LHRP Lucas Luetge to a minor league contract, and released RHSP Dan Straily, RHSP Kyle McGowin, LHRP Dalton Moats, LHSP Alex Troop, C-1B Wally Soto, and C-OF Frank Hernandez.

Luetge has Article XX-D rights (he has been outrighted previously in his career), so he has the right elect free-agency (immediately or deferred) if he is sent outright to the minors. He is also out of minor league options.

8/7 UPDATE:

The Cubs released RHRP (ex-1B) Francis Reynoso. He was eligible to be a second-contract minor league FA post-2024.

8/6 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed free-agent RHSP Adrian Houser to a minor league contract.

Because he has Article XIX-A rights (meaning he has accrued at least five years of MLB Service Time), Houser cannot be sent to the minors without his consent if he is added to the 40 at some point in 2024 (he is out of minor league options, so this only applies to him being sent outright to the minors if & when he is added to the 40).

8/2 UPDATE:

The Cubs acquired minor league INF Kevin Padlo from the Kansas City Royals. The return did not involve any cash or players (the Cubs merely assumed his contract).

Padlo has Article XX-D rights (he has been outrighted previously in his career), so he has the right elect free-agency (immediately or deferred) if he is sent outright to the minors. He is also out of minor league options.

8/2 UPDATE:

C-INF Bryce Windham retired.

7/30 UPDATE:

The Cubs traded RHRP Mark Leiter Jr to the New York Yankees for INF Ben Cowles and RHRP Jack Neely.

Both Cowles and Neely are Rule 5 Draft-eligible post-2024.

7/29 UPDATE:

The Cubs released OF Jefferson Encarnacion. He was eligible to be a minor league 6YFA post-2024.

7/27 UPDATE:

The Cubs acquired RHP Nate Pearson from the Toronto Blue Jays for minor league OF Yohendrick Pinango and INF Josh Rivera. (Pinango is Rule 5 Draft-eligible post-2024).

7/26 UPDATE:

The Cubs selected C Christian Bethancourt to their MLB 40-man roster.

Bethancourt has Article XX-D rights (he has been outrighted previously in his career), so he has the right elect free-agency (immediately or deferred) if he is sent outright to the minors. He is also out of minor league options.

Also, the Cubs released LHP Jack Patterson.

7/25 UPDATE:

The Cubs released RHP Jackson Tetreault. He was eligible to be a post-2024 MLB Rule 9 minor league 6YFA.

Also, the Cubs acquired minor league OF Gilberto Celestino from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The return did not involve any cash or players (the Cubs merely assumed his contract).

Celestino has Article XX-D rights (he has been outrighted previously in his career), so he has the right elect free-agency (immediately or deferred) if he is added to the 40 at some point and then is sent outright to the minors. He is also out of minor league options.

7/19 UPDATE:

The Cubs selected RHRP Jesus Tinoco to their MLB Reserve List (40-man roster).

Tinoco has Article XX-D rights (he has been outrighted previously in his career), so he has the right to elect free-agency immediately and forfeit what remains of his 2024 salary or accept the outright assignment (and retain his salary) and defer election until the after the conclusion of the MLB regular season if he is sent outright to the minors at some point in the future. He is also out of minor league options.

7/17 UPDATE:

The Cubs purchased the contract of minor league RHRP Jesus Tinoco from the Kansas City Royals.

Because he has been outrighted previously in his career, Tinoco has the right to elect free-agency (immediately or deferred) if he is selected to the MLB 40-man roster and then is outrighted back to the minors at some point in 2024.

7/16 UPDATE:

LHRP Edwin Escobar and LHSP Thomas Pannone have elected free agency. (Both had a 7/15 contractual opt out).

7/15 UPDATE:

The Cubs released RHRP Jake Reindl.

7/12 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed second contract free-agent RHP Jimmy Endersby (ex-HOU) to a minor league contract.

7/10 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed free-agent OF Trayce Thompson to a minor league contract.

Because he has accrued at least three years of MLB Service Time, T. Thompson has the right to elect free-agency (immediately or deferred) if he is selected to the MLB 40-man roster and then is outrighted back to the minors at some point in 2024.

He is also out of minor league options.

7/7 UPDATE:

The Cubs selected RHRP Hunter Bigge to their MLB Reserve List (40-man roster).

7/5 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed free-agent C Christian Bethancourt to a minor league contract.

Because he has been outrighted previously in his career, Bethancourt has the right to elect free-agency (immediately or deferred) if he is selected to the MLB 40-man roster and then is outrighted back to the minors at some point in 2024.

He is also out of minor league options.

7/2 UPDATE:

RHRP Vinny Nittoli elected free-agency.

7/1 UPDATE:

The Cubs sent RHRP Vinny Nittoli outright to AAA Iowa.

Nittoli has Article XX-D rights (he has been outrighted previously in his career), so he has the right to elect free-agency immediately and forfeit what remains of his 2024 salary or he can accept the outright assignment (and retain his salary) and defer election until the after the conclusion of the MLB regular season (he has 48 hours to decide).

6/29 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed free-agent INF Jake Hager to a minor league contract.

Because he has been outrighted previously in his career, Hager has the right to elect free-agency (immediately or deferred) if he is selected to the MLB 40-man roster and then is outrighted back to the minors at some point in 2024.

6/28 UPDATE:

The Cubs selected RHRP Jorge Lopez to their MLB Reserve List (40-man roster).

Because he has Article XIX-A rights (meaning he has accrued at least five years of MLB Service Time), Lopez cannot be sent outright to the minors without his consent (he is out of minor league options).

6/25 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed free-agent INF Jack Reinheimer to a minor league contract, and LHRP Brad Wieck has been released.

Because he has been outrighted previously in his career, Reinheimer has the right to elect free-agency (immediately or deferred) if he is selected to the MLB 40-man roster and then is outrighted back to the minors at some point in 2024.

6/21 UPDATE:

The Cubs purchased the contract of RHP Antonio Santos from Puebla (Mexican League).

Santos is a second-contract player.

Also, because he has been outrighted previously in his career, Santos has the right to elect free-agency (immediately or deferred) if he is selected to the MLB 40-man roster and then is outrighted back to the minors at some point in 2024.

6/19 UPDATE:

The Cubs sold the contract of catcher Ali Sanchez to the Miami Marlins.

6/18 UPDATE:

The Cubs purchased the contact of catcher Will Simoneit from the Philadelphia Phillies.

6/16 UPDATE:

The Cubs selected RHRP Ethan Roberts to their MLB Reserve List (40-man roster).

Also, RHRP Carl Edwards Jr has elected free-agency (he had a contractual opt-out).

6/15 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed free-agent RHP Daniel Missaki to a minor league contract.

6/12 UPDATE:

The Cubs released RHP Jake Wong.

6/11 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed free-agent RHRP Jorge Lopez (ex-NYM) and second contract free agent RHP Lisandro Almonte (ex-AZ) to minor league contracts.

Because he has Article XIX-A rights (meaning he has accrued at least five years of MLB Service Time), Lopez cannot be sent to the minors without his consent if he is added to the 40 at some point in 2024 (he is out of minor league options, so this only applies to him being sent outright to the minors if & when he is added to the 40).

L. Almonte is not eligible for selection in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft if he is signed beyond 2024. (He will not be Rule 5 Draft eligible until post-2025).

6/5 UPDATE:

OF Bradlee Beesley retired.

6/2 UPDATE:

The Cubs selected INF David Bote to their MLB Reserve List (40-man roster).

Bote has Article XX-D rights (he has accrued more than three years of MLB Service Time) and so he can elect free-agency if he is outrighted back to the minors in 2024. He also has one minor league option available if the Cubs choose to option him back to the minors at some point this season.

Note that if he remains on the MLB 40-man roster continuously going forward, Bote will become an Article XIX-A player on August 28th, at which point he cannot be sent to the minors (optioned or outrighted) without his consent.

6/1 UPDATE:

RHSP Julio Teheran has elected free-agency (he had a contractual opt-out).

Also, RHRP Brad Deppermann (Cubs 2019 7th round draft pick - U. of North Florida) has been reinstated from the Voluntary Retired List. (He retired on May 23, 2023). Deppermann is Rule 5 Draft-eligible post-2024.

Note that Deppermann will not count against the Cubs 165-man Domestic Reserve List until he completes his 30-day "conditioning assignment" at ACL Cubs.

5/28 UPDATE:

The Cubs released INF Luis Maza.

5/21 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed free-agent RHP Jackson Tetreault to a minor league contract.

Because he has been outrighted previously in his career, Tetreault has the right to elect free-agency (immediately or deferred) if he is selected to the MLB 40-man roster and then is outrighted back to the minors at some point in 2024.

5/21 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed free-agent RHSP Trey Supak to a minor league contract.

Because he has been outrighted previously in his career, Supak has the right to elect free-agency (immediately or deferred) if he is selected to the MLB 40-man roster and then is outrighted back to the minors at some point in 2024.

5/18 UPDATE:

The Cubs traded LHRP Richard Lovelady to the Tampa Bay Rays for minor league LHRP Jeff Belge.

Also, the Cubs signed free-agent LHP Dalton Moats to a minor league contract.

Lovelady had been Designated for Assignment by the Cubs last Tuesday (5/14), so 2 PM (Eastern) Sunday 5/19 was the deadline to trade Lovelady before he would have needed to be placed on Outright Assignment Waivers (the waiver claiming period is 47 hours, during which time the player cannot be traded).

Belge is Rule 5 Draft eligible post-2024 (as he was post-2022 and post-2023) and is under club control through the 2025 season, after-which he will be declared an MLB Rule 9 minor league 6YFA at 5 PM (Eastern) on the 5th day after the final game of the 2025 World Series, unless he signs a 2026 minor league successor contract or is added to an MLB 40-man roster prior to the deadline.

5/17 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed free agent LHP Alex Troop to a minor league contract.

5/15 UPDATE:

C Curt Casali elected free-agency and signed a major league contract with the San Francisco Giants (he had an opt out in his contract that was triggered when another MLB club offered him a major league contract and the Cubs declined to select him to their MLB 40-man roster).

5/14 UPDATE:

The Cubs acquired RHRP Tyson Miller from the Seattle Mariners in a trade for minor league INF Jake Slaughter and cash.

Slaughter is eligible to be an MLB Rule 9 minor league 6YFA post-2024 if he is not selected to an MLB 40-man roster prior to 5 PM (Eastern) on the 5th day after the final game of the 2024 World Series.

5/10 UPDATE:

OF David Peralta elected free-agency (he had an automatic Article XX-B opt-out).

Also, the Cubs signed free-agent RHSP Kyle McGowin to a minor league contract.

Should he be added to the MLB 40-man roster at some point in 2024, McGowin is out of minor league options, and he has the right to elect free-agency (immediately or deferred) if he is outrighted back to the minors (he has been outrighted previously in his career).

5/5 UPDATE

The Cubs signed second contract free-agent RHP Carlo Reyes (ex-LAD) to a minor league contract.

5/2 UPDATE:

The Cubs purchased the contract of RHP Aaron Perry from Lexington (Atlantic League) and he has been assigned to the ACL Cubs.

Also, INF Scott McKeon retired.

5/1 UPDATE:

The Cubs purchased the contract of minor league RHRP Jake Wong from the Cincinnati Reds.

If he were to be added to the 40 at some point in 2024, Wong has the right elect free agency (immediately or deferred) if he is outrighted back to the minors, because he was outrighted previously in his career.

4/28 UPDATE:

The Cubs selected the contract of LHRP Richard Lovelady from AAA Iowa.

Lovelady is out of minor league options, and he has the right elect free agency (immediately or deferred) if he outrighted back to the minors because he was outrighted previously in his career.

Note that Lovelady had a 4th minor league option available in 2023, and although he spent less than twenty days on optional assignment in 2023 (so he did not "burn" an option year), he did accrue his 5th "full season" of active service in 2023, so the 4th minor league option that was available in 2023 is no longer available in 2024.

Also, the Cubs have signed free-agent RHP Dan Straily to a minor league contract.

Because he has Article XIX-A rights (meaning he has accrued at least five years of MLB Service Time), Straily cannot be outrighted to the minors without his consent if he is added to the 40 at some point in 2024. (Straily is out of minor league options).

4/27 UPDATE:

The Cubs released RHP Welington Quintero.

4/21 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed second-contract free-agent LHRP Mitchell Tyranski (ex-LAD) to a minor league contract.

4/18 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed free-agent RHSP Julio Teheran to a minor league contract.

Because he has Article XIX-A rights (meaning he has accrued at least five years of MLB Service Time), Teheran cannot be sent to the minors (optioned or outrighted) without his consent if he is added to the 40 at some point in 2024.

4/17 UPDATE:

The Cubs selected the contract of RHRP Colten Brewer from AAA Iowa.

Brewer is out of minor league options, and he has the right elect free agency (immediately or deferred) if he is outrighted back to the minors because he was outrighted previously in his career.

4/12 UPDATE:

The Mets acquired catcher Joe Hudson from the Cubs (Mets assume contract, otherwise no players, cash, or other considerations were exchanged).

4/5 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed free-agent RHRP Carl Edwards Jr and C Ali Sanchez to Minor League contracts.

Edwards had previously signed a 2024 minor league contract with the Cubs in February, but opted out and became a free-agent when he was not added to the MLB Active List (26-man roster) or MLB Reserve List (40-man roster) by the fourth day prior to MLB Opening Day. Because Edwards was a post-2023 MLB Article XX-B free agent, when he signed the first minor league contract prior to the start of Spring Training he had the automatic right to opt out if he was not added to the 40 by the fourth day prior to MLB Opening Day, although he could have waited and opted out on May 1st if he had not been added to an MLB Active List (26-man roster) or MLB 60-day IL by that date, or he could have opted out on June 1st if he had not been added to an MLB Active List (26-man roster) or MLB IL by that date.

However, because he is no longer considered a post-2023 Article XX-B free-agent, Edwards no longer has the automatic opt out rights he had under his previous minor league contract, but that would not preclude Edwards and the Cubs from agreeing to one or more contractual opt outs on dates satisfactory to both parties (TBD).

Also, because he has Article XIX-A rights (meaning he has accrued at least five years of MLB Service Time), Edwards cannot be sent to the minors without his consent if he is added to the 40 at some point in 2024 (he is out of minor league options, so this only applies to him being sent outright to the minors if & when he is added to the 40).

Sanchez is (like Edwards) out of minor league options. However, Sanchez is an Article XX-D player (he has been outrighted to the minors previously in his career), so while he does not have to give his consent before he can be sent outright to the minors if he is added to the 40 at some point in 2024, he would have the right to elect free-agency if he is outrighted to the minors after being added to the 40. Also, there could be one or more contractual opt outs in Sanchez's contract (TBD).

4/1 UPDATE:

LHP Dalton Stambaugh retired.

3/30 UPDATE:

The Cubs released RHP Max Bain, LHP Joel Machado, OF Cristian More, and INF Liam Spence (all four were Rule 5 Draft-eligible post-2024), and INF Juan Mora (he was eligible to be an Rule 9 minor league 6YFA post-2024).
NOTE: The Cubs released OF Ke'Shun Collier at the same time they released Bain, Machado, More, Spence, and Mora, but Collier was not yet Rule 5 Draft-eligible.

3/29 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed free-agent C Curt Casali to a Minor League contract.

Because he has Article XIX-A rights (meaning he has accrued at least five years of MLB Service Time), Casali cannot be outrighted to the minors (he is out of minor league options) without his consent if he is added to the 40 at some point in 2024.

3/28 UPDATE:

The Cubs selected the contract of 1B-OF Garrett Cooper from AAA Iowa.

Because he has Article XIX-A rights (meaning he has accrued at least five years of MLB Service Time), Cooper cannot be sent to the minors (optioned or outrighted) without his consent.

3/25 UPDATE:

C Jorge Alfaro elected free-agency (he had a contractual opt-out).

3/24 UPDATE:

RHP Carl Edwards Jr and 1B Dominic Smith elected free-agency (Edwards had an automatic Article XX-B opt-out, and D. Smith had a contractual opt-out).

3/21 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed second contract free-agent RHP Vince Reilly (ex-OAK) to a 2024 minor league contract.

3/1 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed free-agent 1B-OF Garrett Cooper to a 2024 minor league contract.

Cooper was a post-2023 MLB Article XX-B free agent. If an Article XX-B MLB free-agent signs a minor league contract at least ten days prior to MLB Opening Day, and then is not selected to an MLB Reserve List (40-man roster) or MLB 60-day Injured List by 12 PM (Eastern) on the 4th day prior to MLB Opening Day, the player can unilaterally opt-out of the minor league contract immediately, or on May 1st if he has not been added to an MLB Active List (26-man roster) or MLB 60-day IL by that date, or on June 1st if he has not been added to an MLB Active List (26-man roster) or MLB IL by that date.
NOTE: The $100,000 retention bonus paid to an Article XX-B free-agent signed to a minor league contract who is not released or added to an MLB Active List or MLB 60-day IL by MLB Opening Day was eliminated in 2023.

Also, because he has Article XIX-A rights (meaning he has accrued at least five years of MLB Service Time), Cooper cannot be sent to the minors (optioned or outrighted) without his consent if he is added to the 40 at some point in 2024.

2/27 UPDATE:

The Cubs acquired RHSP Matt Thompson from the Chicago White Sox for LHRP Bailey Horn.

M. Thompson is Rule 5 Draft-eligible (for the second time) post-2024.

If he is not added to the 40 at some point in the meantime, M. Thompson will be under club control through the 2025 season.

2/23 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed free-agent 1B-OF Dominic Smith and OF David Peralta to 2024 minor league contracts.

D. Smith has one minor league option available, but because he is an Article XIX-A player (he has accrued more than five years of MLB Service Time) he cannot be sent to the minors (optioned or outrighted) without his consent if he were to be added to the MLB 40-man roster at some point in 2024.

Peralta was a post-2023 MLB Article XX-B free agent. If an Article XX-B MLB free-agent signs a minor league contract at least ten days prior to MLB Opening Day, and then is not selected to an MLB Reserve List (40-man roster) or MLB 60-day Injured List by 12 PM (Eastern) on the 4th day prior to MLB Opening Day, the player can unilaterally opt-out of the minor league contract immediately, or on May 1st if he has not been added to an MLB Active List (26-man roster) or MLB 60-day IL by that date, or on June 1st if he has not been added to an MLB Active List (26-man roster) or MLB IL by that date.
NOTE: The $100,000 retention bonus paid to an Article XX-B free-agent signed to a minor league contract who is not released or added to an MLB Active List or MLB 60-day IL by MLB Opening Day was eliminated in 2023.

Also, because he has Article XIX-A rights (meaning he has accrued at least five years of MLB Service Time), Peralta cannot be sent to the minors (optioned or outrighted) without his consent if he is added to the 40 at some point in 2024.

2/15 UPDATE:

The Cubs released INF-OF Ezequiel Alvarez.

2/6 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed free-agent RHP Carl Edwards Jr to a 2024 minor league contract, and he will almost certainly receive an NRI to MLB Spring Training.

Edwards is an MLB Article XX-B free agent. If an Article XX-B MLB free-agent signs a minor league contract at leastb ten days prior to MLB Opening Day, and then is not selected to an MLB Reserve List (40-man roster) or MLB 60-day Injured List by 12 PM (Eastern) on the 4th day prior to MLB Opening Day, the player can unilaterally opt-out of the minor league contract immediately, or on May 1st if he has not been added to an MLB Active List (26-man roster) or MLB 60-day IL by that date, or on June 1st if he has not been added to an MLB Active List (26-man roster) or MLB IL by that date.
NOTE: The $100,000 retention bonus paid to an Article XX-B free-agent signed to a minor league contract who is not released or added to an MLB Active List or MLB 60-day IL by MLB Opening Day was eliminated in 2023.

Also, because he has Article XIX-A rights (meaning he has accrued at least five years of MLB Service Time), Edwards cannot be sent to the minors without his consent if he is added to the 40 at some point in 2024 (he is out of minor league options, so this only applies to Edwards being sent outright to the minors if & when he is added to the 40).

2/2 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed free-agent LHP Blake Weiman to a 2024 minor league contract. Weiman has never been on an MLB 40-man roster.

1/31 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed free-agent LHP Richard Lovelady and RHP Sam McWilliams to 2024 minor league contracts. They both will presumably receive an NRI to MLB Spring Training.

Should he be added to the MLB 40-man roster at some point in 2024, Lovelady is out of minor league options, and he has the right to elect free-agency (immediately or deferred) if he is outrighted back to the minors (he has been outrighted previously in his career). Note that Lovelady had a fourth minor league option available for use in 2023 because he had accrued only four full seasons through the 2022 season, and he was in fact optioned to the minors in 2023, but he spent less than twenty days on optional assignment so the option was not spent. HOWEVER, he did accrue his fifth full season in 2024, and so the the fourth minor league option that was available in 2023 is not available in 2024.

McWilliams has minor league options available, but he has the right to elect free-agency (immediately or deferred) if he is outrighted back to the minors after being added to the 40 (he has been outrighted previously in his career).

1/19 UPDATE:

OF-1B Nelson Maldonado (Cubs 2019 21st Round draft pick - U. of Florida) retired.

12/23 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed free-agent RHP Colten Brewer to a 2024 minor league contract. He will almost certainly receive an NRI to MLB Spring Training.

If he is added to the Cubs MLB 40-man roster at some point in 2024, Brewer is out of minor league options, and he has the right elect free agency (immediately or deferred) if he outrighted back to the minors.

12/14 UPDATE:

The Cubs signed free-agent LHP Thomas Pannone and catchers Jorge Alfaro and Joe Hudson to 2024 minor league contracts. All three will almost certainly get an NRI to MLB Spring Training.

Pannone (who was selected by the Cubs in the 2012 MLB First-Year Player Draft out of HS but did not sign) is out of minor league options and he has the right to elect free-agency if he is outrighted, in the event that he us added to the MLB 40-man roster at some point in 2024.

Not only is Alfaro out of minor league options, he is also an Article XIX-A player (he has accrued more than five years of MLB Service Time) so he cannot be outrighted to the minors without his consent if he were to be added to the MLB 40-man roster at some point in 2024.

Hudson has accrued 0+131 MLB Service Time over the course of three separate "cups of coffee" in The Show (Angels in 2018, Cardinals in 2019, and the Mariners in 2020), as well as spending multiple minor league seasons in AAA with the Reds, Pirates, Rays, and Braves. Unlike Alfaro, Hudson has minor league options available, but he has been outrighted previously in his career so he has the right to elect free-agency if he were to be added to the 40 at some point in 2024 and then outrighted back to the minors.

As things stand right now (9/29)...

Depending on whether or not Manuel Espinoza can be a minor league 6YFA post-2024 (TBD), 50 or 51 Cubs minor leaguers are eligible for selection in the December 2024 MLB Rule 5 Draft, and 29 or 30 Cubs minor leaguers (21 or 22 post-2024 6YFA and eight 2024 second-contract players) are eligible to be declared MLB Rule 9 minor league free-agents at 5 PM Eastern on the 5th day after the final game of the 2024 World Series (or at 5 PM Eastern on October 15th if the World Series is cancelled).

Among the notable Cubs first-time Rule 5 Draft eligibles post-2024 are OF Owen Caissie, INF Ben Cowles, OF CHristian Franklin, 3B-1B B. J. Murray, LHRP Riley Martin, RHRP Frankie Scalzo Jr, and RHSP Erian Rodriguez.

Noteworthy Cubs minor leaguers who were eligible for selection in the 2023 Rule 5 Draft and who will be eligible again in 2024 are C Ethan Hearn, INF Chase Strumpf, and OF Darius Hill.

The most noteworthy Cubs minor leaguers who will be eligible to be an MLB Rule 9 minor league free-agent for the first time post-2024 (if the player is not added to the 40 or signs a 2024 minor league successor contract prior to being declared a 6YFA at 5 PM Eastern on the 5th day after the final game of the World Series) are RHSP Kohl Franklin, RHRP Cam Sanders, RHP Riley Thompson, C Pablo Aliendo, and OF Cole Roederer.

The most noteworthy Cubs minor leaguer who will be eligible to be a Rule 9 minor league free-agent once again post-2024 (if he is not added to the 40 or signs a 2025 minor league successor contract prior to being declared a 6YFA at 5 PM Eastern on the 5th day after the final game of the World Series) is RHRP Eduarniel Nunez.

There are almost always one or two unexpected pop-up break-out guys every season, so a lot is still TBD.

NOTE: If not added to the MLB 40-man roster, the players underlined and in bold below will likely be placed on the 38-man AAA Iowa reserve list on 11/15 so that they will be eligible for selection only in the Major League Phase of the 2024 Rule 5 Draft.

CUBS MINOR LEAGUERS ELIGIBLE FOR SELECTION IN 2024 RULE 5 DRAFT (last updated 9-29-2024):
Jeff Belge, LHP
David Bote, INF (club option)
Yovanny Cabrera, RHP
Owen Caissie, OF
Hayden Cantrelle, INF
Burl Carraway, LHP
Parker Chavers, OF
Chris Clarke, RHP (Article XX-D player)
Ben Cowles, INF
Andrws Cruz, INF-OF
Brad Deppermann, RHP
Leonel Espinoza, OF
Manuel Espinoza, RHP (see NOTE)
Christian Franklin, OF
Richard Gallardo, RHP
Angel Gonzalez, RHP
Dilan Granadillo, C
Ethan Hearn, C
Angel Hernandez, LHP
Darius Hill, OF
Ed Howard, INF
Chris Kachmar, RHP
Ben Leeper, RHP
Zac Leigh, RHP
Riley Martin, LHP
Ismael Mena, OF
Koen Moreno, RHP
Rafael Morel, INF-OF
B. J. Murray, 3B-1B
Joe Nahas, RHP
Jordan Nwogu, OF
Casey Opitz, C
Johzan Oquendo, RHP
Walker Powell, RHP
Reggie Preciado, INF
Erian Rodriguez, RHP
Jose Romero, RHP
Albaro Santana, RHP (on Restricted List)
Tyler Santana, RHP
Marino Santy, LHP
Frankie Scalzo Jr, RHP
Tyler Schlaffer, RHP
Will Simoneit, C
Felix Stevens, 1B-OF
Chase Strumpf, INF
Anderson Suriel, OF-1B
Matt Thompson, RHP
Sam Thoresen, RHP
Cayne Ueckert, RHP
Chase Watkins, LHP
Jacob Wetzel, OF
NOTE: Manuel Espinoza was signed as an IFA out of Mexico in July 2017, but approval of his contract was held up by MLB while the circumstances of his signing was investigated. He made his pro debut after the contract was approved during Spring Training 2019. Therefore, he can be a MLB Rule 9 minor league 6YFA post-2024 - IF - he was retroactively awarded minor league service time credit for the 2018 season (TBD).

Additionally, a free-agent who signs a 2025 minor league contract prior to the 2024 Rule 5 Draft will be eligible for selection if the player was 18 or younger on the June 5th immediately prior to signing his first contract and it is at least the 5th Rule 5 Draft following his first qualified season, and a minor league player who was 19 years or older on the June 5th immediately prior to signing his first contract becomes eligible for selection starting with the 4th Rule 5 Draft following his first qualified season.

SIX-YEAR MINOR LEAGUE FREE-AGENTS POST-2024:
Pablo Aliendo, C
Luis Devers, RHP
Manuel Espinoza, RHP (see NOTE)
Kohl Franklin, RHP
Reivaj Garcia, INF
Saul Gonzalez, RHP
Lucas Luetge, LHP (Article XX-D player - out of minor league options if added to the 40)
Daniel Missaki, RHP
Eduarniel Nunez, RHP
Miguel Pabon, INF-C
Ezequiel Pagan, OF
Aaron Perry, RHP
Fabian Pertuz, INF
Cole Roederer, OF
Cam Sanders, RHP
Antonio Santos, RHP (Article XX-D player)
Trey Supak, RHP (Article XX-D player)
Riley Thompson, RHP
Trayce Thompson, OF (Article XX-D player - out of minor league options if added to the 40)
Luis Verdugo, INF
Blake Weiman, LHP
Blake Whitney, RHP
NOTE: Manuel Espinoza was signed as an IFA out of Mexico in July 2017, but approval of his contract was held up by MLB while the circumstances of his signing was investigated. He made his pro debut after the contract was approved during Spring Training 2019. Therefore, he can be a MLB Rule 9 minor league 6YFA post-2024 only if he was retroactively awarded minor league service time credit for the 2018 season (TBD).

SECOND CONTRACT MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS (see NOTE-1 below)
Lisandro Almonte, RHP (previously released by AZ - see NOTE-2 below)
Brayan Diaz, RHP (previously released by SEA)
Jimmy Endersby, RHP (previously released by HOU)
Fraiman Marte, RHP (previously released by STL)
Vince Reilly, RHP (previously released by OAK - see NOTE-2 below)
Carlo Reyes, RHP (previously released by LAD)
Mitchell Tyranski, LHP (previously released by LAD)
Jeral Vizcaino, RHP (previously released by MIL - see NOTE-2 below)
NOTE-1: With mutual consent (player & club), a second-contract minor league player who has accrued fewer than seven minor league seasons can be signed to a multi-year minor league contract with club control extending up through the player's seventh minor league season. So it is possible that one or more of the Cubs minor league second contract players are signed beyond the 2024 season (TBD).
NOTE-2: If signed beyond the 2024 season, Lisandro Almonte, Vince Reilly, and Jeral Vizcaino are - NOT - eligible for selection in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft.

Arizona Phil Sun, 09/29/2024 - 08:00 pm

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Cubs Minor League free-agents

Rule 5 draft

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Giants Ignore the Heat and Walk Past Cubs in Mesa

Arizona Phil — Sat, 28 Sep 2024 21:01:58 +0000

Giants Ignore the Heat and Walk Past Cubs in Mesa

Jose Ramos belted a two-run HR, Bo Davidson singled, doubled, walked, and scored two runs, and the Giants took advantage of eight walks and five wild pitches, en route to a 6-1 victory over the Cubs in Arizona Instructional League game action Saturday morning on Field #1 at the Cubs Sloan Park Complex in Mesa, AZ.

Jose Escobar collected three singles, stole a base, and drove-in the lone Cub run, Jan Luis Reyes doubled, singled, and scored the lone Cub run, and RHRP Kenyi Perez struck out the side 1-2-3 (filthy stuff, totally unhittable) for the Cubs in a losing cause.

The game was called after eight innings of play.

RHP Joel Sierra saw his first game of 2024 (he has been on the Myrtle Beach 60-day IL since Spring Training), working one inning and allowing two runs (both earned) on one hit (a single) and two walks, plus one strikeout (looking). He also uncorked three wild pitches (he clearly had difficulty throwing strikes).

Here is the abridged box score from the game (Cubs players only):

AZIL CUBS LINEUP:
1. Yahil Melendez, SS: 0-4 (K, K, 4-3, K)
2. Angel Cepeda, 2B: 1-4 (K, K, K, 1B)
3. Jose Escobar, LF-3B: 3-4 (1B, 1B, 1B, 4-3, RBI, SB)
4. Albert Gutierrez, 1B: 0-3 (P-6, 4-6 FC, F-7)
5. Michael Carico, C-DH: 0-3 (K, F-9, 3-U)
6. Matt Halbach, 3B-DH: 0-3 (F-9, K, L-4)
7. Derik Alcantara, CF: 1-2 (F-8, BB, 2B)
8. Geuri Lubo, RF: 0-3 (F-8, K, K)
9. Adan Sanchez, DH-C: 0-3 (P-6, P-4, 5-3)
10. Jan Luis Reyes, DH-LF: 2-2 (2B, 1B, R)
NOTE: Slot was skipped first time thru batting order

AZIL CUBS PITCHERS:
1. Joel Sierra: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 2 R (2 ER), 2 BB, 1 K, 3 WP, 1/0 GO/AO, 26 pitches (12 strikes)
2. JP Wheat: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 3 R (3 ER), 6 BB, 2 K, 1 WP, 1 HR, 2/0 GO/AO, 50 pitches (22 strikes)
3. Johzan Oquendo: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, 1/3 GO/AO, 26 pitches (17 strikes)
4. Mason McGwire: 2.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 2 K, 1 WP, 4/0 GO/AO, 37 pitches (25 strikes)
5. Kenyi Perez: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K, 14 pitches (9 strikes)

AZIL CUBS ERRORS: NONE

WEATHER: Sunny with temperatures 110+

ATTENDANCE: 25

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Arizona Phil Sat, 09/28/2024 - 04:01 pm

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Cubs AZ Instructional League game report

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Ayers & Cruz Double-Time Rockies in Mesa

Arizona Phil — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 21:25:01 +0000

Ayers & Cruz Double-Time Rockies in Mesa

Owen Ayers and Ronny Cruz each drilled a two-run double to highlight a five-run 4th inning, and then the Cubs held-on to edge the Rockies 5-4 in Arizona Instructional League game action Friday morning on Field #1 at the Cubs Sloan Park Complex in Mesa, AZ.

Darius Perry and Jesus Ordonez belted solo home runs and SP Gabriel Hughes (Colorado's 2022 1st round draft pick - Gonzaga - July 2023 TJS) tossed three innings of one-hit shutout ball with five strikeouts for the Rockies. (Colorado has assigned Hughes to their Salt River Rafters AFL affiliate).

Here is the abridged box score from the game (Cubs players only):

AZIL CUBS LINEUP:
1. Jose Escobar, 2B: 1-4 (1-3, K, 2-3, 1B, CS)
2. Ty Southisene, 3B: 0-2 (K, BB, BB, F-9, R, SB)
3. Edgar Alvarez, 1B: 0-2 (F-7, BB, F-8, R)
4. Owen Ayers, LF: 1-3 (4-3, 2B, P-2, R, 2 RBI, SB)
5. Cameron Sisneros, DH #1: 0-3 (K, L-8, F-9)
6. Eli Lovich, RF: 1-2 (K, BB, 1B, R, SB)
7. Ronny Cruz, SS: 1-3 (K, 2B, F-8, R, 2 RBI)
8. Jairo Diaz, C: 0-1 (BB, BB, 3-1)
9. Jan Luis Reyes, CF: 1-3 (K, 1B, F-7)
10. Albert Gutierrez, DH #2: 1-3 (1B, F-7, F-8)
11. Derik Alcantara, DH #3: 0-3 (F-8, F-8, K)

AZIL CUBS PITCHERS:
1. David Bracho: 3.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HR, 1 GIDP, 3/4 GO/AO, 50 pitches (31 strikes)
2. Alfredo Romero: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R (1 ER), 4 BB, 2 K, 1 HBP, 1 WP, 1/4 GO/AO, 53 pitches (26 strikes)
3. Connor Schultz: 3.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R (2 ER), 1 BB, 2 K, 1 HR, 0/6 GO/AO, 54 pitches (36 strikes)

AZIL CUBS ERRORS: 1
CF Jan Luis Reyes: E-8 (errant throw back to infield after bloop single allowed batter to advance to 2nd base)

AZIL CUBS CATCHERS DEFENSE:
Jairo Diaz: 2-3 CS

WEATHER: Sunny with temperatures 100+

ATTENDANCE: 22

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Arizona Phil Fri, 09/27/2024 - 04:25 pm

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Cubs AZ Instructional League game report

Cubs vs. Reds: Series Thread (Games 160-162)

Charlie — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 16:42:32 +0000

Cubs vs. Reds: Series Thread (Games 160-162)

The Cubs won a single game in Philadelphia and return to Wrigley with a 81-78 record. They wrap up the 2024 regular season with three games against the Reds. See below for matchups.

Game 160, Friday, September 27, 1:20 pm central
CIN: RHP Nick Martinez (10-6, 3.22 ERA)
CHC: RHP Jameson Taillon (11-8, 3.41 ERA)

Game 161, Saturday, September 28, 1:20 pm central
CIN: RHP Rhett Lowder (2-2, 1.40 ERA)
CHC: RHP Kyle Hendricks (4-12, 6.28 ERA)

Game 162, Sunday, September 29, 2:20 pm central
CIN: RHP Hunter Greene (9-5, 2.83 ERA)
CHC: TBD

Charlie Fri, 09/27/2024 - 11:42 am

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2024 Cubs

2024 Series Thread

Cincinnati Reds

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A's Draft Picks & IFA Inflict Damage at Fitch Park

Arizona Phil — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 21:10:24 +0000

A's Draft Picks & IFA Inflict Damage at Fitch Park

2024 Big Ten Player of the Year and Oakland's 2024 3rd round pick (Rutgers) Josh Kuroda-Grauer clubbed a solo HR, and A's 2024 3rd round pick (LSU) Tommy White (RBI double), A's 2024 12th round pick (Texas A&M) Ali Camarillo (RBI single), A's 2021 IFA ($2.5M bonus - Cuba) Pedro Pineda (two-run double), and A's July 2024 IFA (Australia) Max Durrington (RBI single) contributed run-scoring hits, helping the Athletics defeat the Cubs 7-3 in Arizona Instructional League game action Thursday morning on Field #4 at the Lew Wolff Training Complex at Fitch Park in Mesa, AZ.

The game was called after seven innings of play. (This was the A's final instructs game).

Cubs 2024 7th round pick Ivan Brethowr (UC - Santa Barbara) drilled a triple and an RBI single, Cubs 2024 8th round pick Edgar Alvarez (Nicholls State) singled twice, walked, and drove-in a run, and Adan Sanchez (Cubs 2022 IFA - Panama - $1.5M bonus) singled, doubled, and scored a run for the Cubs in a losing cause.

In 21 games combined between bridge and instructs games since the end of the ACL season two months ago, A. Sanchez is hitting 313/365/563 (928 OPS - 250 ISO SLG) with two HR, four doubles, and one triple, with a 6% walk-rate / 31% K-rate, in 52 PA.

Here is the abridged box score from the game (Cubs players only):

AZIL CUBS LINEUP:
1. Jose Escobar, 2B: 0-4 (K, F-8, K, 4-3)
2a. Ronny Cruz, DH #1: 1-2 (4-3, 1B, R, RBI)
2b. Adan Sanchez, C: 2-2 (1B, 2B, R)
3. Ivan Brethowr, RF: 2-4 (3B, 1B, K, 5-3, RBI)
4. Edgar Alvarez, 3B: 2-3 (BB, 1-3, 1B, 1B, RBI)
5. Owen Ayers, 1B: 1-4 (L-9, F-9, 1B, E-7)
6. Eli Lovich, CF: 0-4 (6-3, K, F-8, L-6)
7. Michael Carico, C-DH: 0-2 (BB, K, F-8)
8. Matt Halbach, DH #2: 0-2 (K, E-1, BB)
9. Brian Kalmer, LF: 0-2 (K, BB, K)
10. Ty Southisene, SS: 1-3 (1B, 1-U, K, R, SB)

AZIL CUBS PITCHERS:
1. Hayden Frank: 4.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R (3 ER), 1 BB, 2 K, 1 HR, 4/5 GO/AO, 56 pitches (41 strikes)
2. Wilme Mora: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R (1 ER), 3 BB, 0 K, 1 WP, 2/1 GO/AO, 30 pitches (15 strikes)
3. Lisandro Almonte: 2.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R (3 ER), 2 BB, 1 K, 1 HBP, 1 WP, 1 GIDP, 1/2 GO/AO, 43 pitches (23 strikes)

AZIL CUBS ERRORS: NONE

AZIL CUBS CATCHERS DEFENSE:
Adan Sanchez: 0-1 CS, 1 PB

WEATHER: Sunny with temperatures 100+

ATTENDANCE: 18

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Arizona Phil Thu, 09/26/2024 - 04:10 pm

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2024 Arizona Fall League Primer / Preview

Arizona Phil — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0000

2024 Arizona Fall League Primer / Preview

9/25 UPDATE:

The Cubs have assigned RHP Grant Kipp, RHP Shane Marshall, RHP Aaron Perry, RHP Vince Reilly, RHP Luis Rujano, C Moises Ballesteros, INF-OF Jonathon Long, and INF Ben Cowles to the Mesa Solar Sox. The Cubs have not yet announced if they will assign a player to the MSS taxi squad.

Also, Hi-A South Bend pitching coach Bruce Billings will be the Solar Sox pitching coach.
NOTE: Each of the five MLB clubs affiliated with the Solar Sox must contribute either the manager, bench coach, pitching coach or a hitting coach (rotates from year to year).

9/8 ORIGINAL POST:

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE (AFL)

The Arizona Fall League (AFL) is an MLB developmental league (approximately equivalent to "AA") that operates in the Phoenix metropolitan area for six weeks after the MLB-affiliated minor leagues have concluded their seasons. It was founded in 1992, the "brain-child" of long-time MLB executive Roland Hemond. The AFL operated continuously for 28 seasons, until the 2020 season was canceled due to the CoViD-19 pandemic. So 2024 will be the 32nd AFL season.

Games are played in MLB Spring Training stadiums.

2024 AFL Opening Day will be on Monday, October 7th, and the season concludes on Saturday, November 16th (the AFL Championship Game).

The 2024 AFL schedule continues to feature a 30-game "regular season." Each AFL team plays a total of six games (three home / three road) against the other five AFL teams.

The six AFL teams play as one league (no divisions), with the second and third place teams playing a semi-final "play-in" game on Friday, November 15th, at Scottsdale Stadium, and then the winner of the "play in" game faces the first place team in the AFL Championship Game the next day at Salt River Fields

An All-Star Game known as the "Fall Stars Game" will be played on Saturday, November 9th, at Sloan Park in Mesa.

The Cubs (as well as the other 29 MLB clubs) usually assign some of their better prospects to the Arizona Fall League, and sometimes minor leaguers who are eligible for selection in the MLB Rule 5 Draft might be sent to the AFL to give them a chance to play their way onto the MLB 40-man roster. Others might be assigned as a reward for signing a minor league successor contract, or after missing significant time during the minor league regular season due to injury or illness (or rehabilitation from an injury or illness).

AFL ELIGIBILITY RULES & RESTRICTIONS

Here are the current AFL eligibility rules & restrictions (last updated in 2024).

1. There are six AFL teams, and each AFL team is affiliated with five MLB clubs. SEA & SD (Peoria Javelinas), KC & TEX (Surprise Saguaros), LAD & CHW (Glendale Desert Dogs), AZ & COL (Salt River Rafters), CUBS (Mesa Solar Sox), and SF (Scottsdale Scorpions) are the "host organizations" for the six AFL teams, but the affiliations of the other twenty MLB clubs can vary from year-to-year. (OAK, LAA, TB, and BOS are the other four MLB organizations affiliated with the Mesa Solar Sox in 2024).
NOTE: BAL, HOU, NYY, and OAK were the other four MLB organizations affiliated with the Mesa Solar Sox in 2023, MIA, OAK, TB, and NYY were the other four MLB organizations affiliated with the Solar Sox in 2022, BAL, MIA, OAK, and TOR were the other four MLB organizations affiliated with the Solar Sox in 2021, the AFL season was canceled due to CoViD in 2020, and CLE, DET, LAA, and OAK were the other four MLB organizations affiliated with the Solar Sox in 2019.

2. Each MLB organization must assign a minimum of eight players (seven prior to 2023) under its control to its AFL affiliate, including five pitchers (formerly four) with preferably at least one pitcher capable of starting, and a minimum of three position players (specific positions needed to be filled by each organization TBD by a conference call "position draft" between the Player Development Directors of the five MLB organizations affiliated with that particular AFL team).
NOTE: RHP Nick Hull, RHP Chris Kachmar, LHP Adam Laskey, RHP Jose Romero, RHP Tyler Santana, OF Kevin Alcantara, INF James Triantos, and OF Christian Franklin (replaced OF Alexander Canario who decided to go home and play in the Dominican Winter League instead of the AFL) were the eight Cubs players assigned to the Mesa Solar Sox in 2023, LHP Bailey Horn, RHP Zac Leigh, LHP Riley Martin, RHP Sheldon Reed, 1B Matt Mervis, OF Owen Caissie and OF Brennen Davis were the seven Cubs players assigned to the Mesa Solar Sox in 2022, RHP Danis Correa, RHP Ryan Jensen, RHP Caleb Kilian, LHP Brendon Little, INF Luis Vazquez, INF Andy Weber, and OF Nelson Velazquez were assigned to the Mesa Solar Sox in 2021, the AFL was canceled due to CoViD in 2020, C Miguel Amaya, RHRP Scott Effross, LHRP Jordan Minch, INF Zack Short, RHSP Keegan Thompson, RHSP Erich Uelmen, and 1B-OF Jared Young were assigned to the Mesa Solar Sox in 2019, RHRP Bailey Clark, C-INF P. J. Higgins, SS Nico Hoerner, LHSP Justin Steele, RHSP Erick Leal, LHRP Manuel Rondon, and OF D. J. Wilson were assigned to the Mesa Solar Sox in 2018, RHSP Adbert Alzolay, RHRP Pedro Araujo, INF David Bote, OF Charcer Burks, RHSP Alec Mills, RHRP Jake Stinnett, and 3B-1B Jason Vosler were assigned to the Solar Sox in 2017 (RHSP Oscar de la Cruz was removed from the Solar Sox roster on 9/18 due to injury and was replaced by Alzolay), and C-1B Victor Caratini, RHRP James Farris, 2B-OF Ian Happ, LF Eloy Jimenez, RHRP Ryan McNeil, RHRP Steve Perakslis, and RHSP Duane Underwood Jr were assigned to the Solar Sox in 2016.

3. An MLB organization can assign additional position-players to its AFL team's "Taxi Squad." Players assigned to an AFL team's "Taxi Squad" can play in no more than two games per week (it used to be Wednesday and Saturday games only, but now it's just no more than two games per week regardless of the day), but a player can be transferred from the Taxi Squad to the Active Roster to replace an injured or inactive player.
NOTE: C-1B Carter Trice was assigned to the Mesa Solar Sox Taxi Squad in 2023, INF B. J. Murray was assigned to the Mesa Solar Sox Taxi Squad in 2022, INF-OF Trent Giambrone and C Jhonny Pereda were assigned to the Mesa Solar Sox Taxi Squad in 2018, C-1B Ian Rice was assigned to the Mesa Solar Sox Taxi Squad in 2017 and he replaced David Bote on the MSS Active Roster with about two weeks left in the AFL season after Bote left the team to attend to a personal matter, and while the Cubs initially did not assign any players to the Solar Sox Taxi Squad in 2016, OF-DH Kyle Schwarber was briefly assigned to the MSS Taxi Squad 10/22-10/25 while preparing to play in the World Series.

4. A player can be selected to play in the AFL more than once.

5. Beginning in 2019, all MLB and minor league players under the control of an MLB organization are eligible to play in the AFL.
NOTE: Prior to 2019, an MLB player (including players selected in a preceding Rule 5 Draft) with less than one year (1+000) MLB Service Time accrued (not including time spent on an Injured List) as of September 1st and players who were on the Active List, Injured List, or Temporarily Inactive List of an MLB minor league affiliate (regardless of classification) on August 15th were eligible, international players from the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Mexico, and/or Australia were eligible only if the player was not on the reserve list of a Winter League club from the player's home country, and a player who was on a minor league or MLB Injured List at the close of the regular season was eligible to play in the AFL as long as the player had been reinstated, but there could be no special limits or restrictions placed on the player's playing time (other than the automatic restrictions imposed on a player assigned to an AFL team's "Taxi Squad").

6. A player must be invited by his MLB organization to participate in the AFL and then the player must accept the invitation before he can be assigned to an AFL team.

7. A player on an MLB or minor league injured list of an MLB or minor league club that is still in the process of playing regular season or post-season games must be reinstated before he can be assigned to the AFL.
NOTE: OF-DH Kyle Schwarber was added to the 2016 Mesa Solar Sox Taxi Squad on 10/22 only after being reinstated from the Cubs MLB 60-day DL (so therefore it was NOT considered a "rehab assignment"), and he played in two AFL games before re-joining the Cubs for the World Series on 10/25.

8. A player on the Restricted List, Military List, Disqualified List, Ineligible List, or Voluntary Retired List is not eligible to participate in the AFL.

9. All AFL players receive the same salary, and the salaries are paid out of a special fund managed by MLB.
NOTE: If a club assigns an additional player or players to the Taxi Squad of its AFL affiliate, the player's MLB organization must pay the player's salary.

10. Only players who are under control of an MLB organization are eligible to play in the AFL. A free-agent (unsigned player) is not eligible to play in the AFL.

Each MLB organization provides either the manager, a pitching coach, a hitting coach, or a bench coach to its affiliated AFL club (assignments rotate every year). The Cubs provided a hitting coach (Dan Puente) to their AFL club (Mesa Solar Sox) in 2023.

CUBS ASSIGNED TO MESA SOLAR SOX in 2024 (updated 9-24-2024):

* bats or throws left

* Moises Ballesteros, C
Ben Cowles, INF
Grant Kipp, P
Jonathon Long, INF-OF
Shane Marshall, P
Aaron Perry, P
Vince Reilly, P
Luis Rujano, P

Bruce Billings, PITCHING COACH

Arizona Phil Wed, 09/25/2024 - 11:00 am

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Arizona Fall League

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Espinal Goes Yard Twice for Rockies at Riverview

Arizona Phil — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 21:12:40 +0000

Espinal Goes Yard Twice for Rockies at Riverview

Alan Espinal (Rockies 2024 11th round draft pick - Vanderbilt) blasted two solo HR over the LF fence and onto Cubs Way (and he didn't even start the game!), Benny Montgomery drilled a two-run single and drew a walk, Aidan Longwell singled, doubled, walked, stole a base and scored a run, Nolan Clifford singled twice, walked, and scored a run, Blake Wright doubled, walked and scored a run, and SP Jordy Vargas and six relievers combined to hurl a four-hitter while striking out nine, as the Rockies defeated the Cubs 5-1 in Arizona Instructional League game action Tuesday morning on Field # 6 at the Riverview Baseball Complex in Mesa, AZ.

Ronny Cruz ripped a pinch-hit RBI double down the LF line and into the LF corner to drive-in the lone Cub run.

The game was called after eight innings of play.

3B Matt Halbach (Cubs 2024 10th round draft pick - UC San Diego) made his pro game debut, batting clean-up and playing third base for six innings before moving to DH. He went 0-3 at the plate (5-3, L-8, K-swinging), including an inadvertent mega-bat toss on the swinging strikeout that landed somewhere near 1st base on Field #5.

Michael Carico (on Myrtle Beach 60-day IL since May 20th) saw his first game action in more than four months, serving as a DH and going 0-2 (K-looking, L-9, BB).

Here is the abridged box score from the game (Cubs players only):

AZIL CUBS LINEUP:
1. Jose Escobar, 2B-DH: 2-3 (1B, 3-1, 1B)
2. Ivan Brethowr, RF: 0-3 (K, K, L-7)
3. Michael Carico, DH #1: 0-2 (K, L-9, BB)
4. Matt Halbach, 3B-DH: 0-3 (5-3, L-8, K)
5. Edgar Alvarez, LF-3B: 1-2 (2B, P-5, BB)
6. Ty Southisene, SS: 0-3 (6-3, L-8, 1-6 FC)
7. Cameron Sisneros, 1B: 0-3 (K, K, 4-3)
8. Jairo Diaz, C: 0-2 (P-6, BB, K)
9. Joan Delgado, CF: 0-3 (6-3, 5-4 FC, K, R)
10a. Adan Sanchez, DH #2: 0-1 (K)
10b. Ronny Cruz, PH-2B: 1-2 (2B, F-8, RBI)
11. Eli Lovich, DH-LF: 0-1 (BB, 6-3)

AZIL CUBS PITCHERS:
1. Ben Johnson: 3.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R (3 ER), 0 BB, 2 K, 1 WP, 2/5 GO/AO, 52 pitches (32 strikes)
2. Johzan Oquendo: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K, 1 HBP, 2/1 GO/AO, 22 pitches (12 strikes)
3. Kenyi Perez: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R (1 ER), 3 BB, 2 K, 1 HR, 1 WP, 1 GIDP, 1/1 GO/AO, 36 pitches (16 strikes)
4. Luis A. Reyes: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, 0/2 GO/AO, 25 pitches (12 strikes)
5. Yoendris Gonzalez: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 0 K, 1 HBP, 1 HR, 0/2 GO/AO, 28 pitches (16 strikes)

AZIL CUBS ERRORS: NONE

AZIL CUBS CATCHERS DEFENSE:
Jairo Diaz: 1-3 CS

AZIL CUBS OUTFIELD ASSIST:
RF Ivan Brethowr- batter thrown out 9-6 attempting to stretch single into double

WEATHER: Sunny with temperatures 100+

ATTENDANCE: 24

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Cubs AZ Instructional League game report

Cubs @ Phillies: Series Thread (Games 157-159)

Charlie — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 19:19:37 +0000

Cubs @ Phillies: Series Thread (Games 157-159)

The Cubs took three of four games from the Nationals to complete their homestand. They're record sits at 80-76. Only pride remains on the line for the final six games, as the Cubs are now mathematically too far out of both the Central and the Wild Card. They travel to Philadelphia next, where the NL East leaders await their chance to clinch their division. See below for matchups in the three-game road series.

Game 157, Monday, September 23, 5:40 pm central
CHC: RHP Nate Pearson (2-2, 4.71 ERA)
PHL: RHP Aaron Nola (12-8, 3.54 ERA)

Game 158, Tuesday, September 24, 5:40 pm central
CHC: LHP Justin Steele
PHL: TBD

Game 159, Wednesday, September 25, 5:05 pm central
CHC: RHP Javier Assad (7-5, 3.34 ERA)
PHL: LHP Cristopher Sánchez (11-9, 3.25 ERA)

Charlie Mon, 09/23/2024 - 02:19 pm

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2024 Series Thread

2024 Cubs

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Slade Caldwell - Snake Has Feet, Will Travel

Arizona Phil — Sat, 21 Sep 2024 22:14:28 +0000

Slade Caldwell - Snake Has Feet, Will Travel

Slade Caldwell (Arizona Diamondbacks 2024 1st round draft pick - Valley View HS - Jonesboro, AR) walked, singled, stole two bases, and scored two runs, sparking the Diamondbacks to a 5-2 victory over the Cubs in Arizona Instructional League game action Saturday morning on Whirlwind Field at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, located on Salt River-Pima Indian Community land east of Scottsdale, AZ.

The game was pre-planned as a seven inning contest.

Adan Sanchez belted a solo HR and Yahil Melendez singled twice, walked, stole a base, and scored a run for the Cubs.

With Adan Sanchez and Jairo Diaz both likely to move-up from the ACL to Myrtle Beach in 2025, the Pelicans should have the Cubs #3 (J. Diaz) and #4 (A. Sanchez) catching prospects as their primary receivers, with probably either Owen Ayers or Michael Carico as the #3 catcher (whichever one isn't at South Bend with Ariel Armas).

Here is the abridged box score from the game (Cubs players only):

AZIL CUBS LINEUP:
1. Yahil Melendez, SS: 2-3 (1B, 4-3, 1B, BB, R, SB)
2. Angel Cepeda, 2B: 0-2 (K, HBP, BB, K)
3. Eli Lovich, RF: 0-4 (K, K, K, 6-3)
4a. Albert Gutierrez, DH #1: 1-1 (1B)
4b. Ivan Brethowr, PH-DH: 0-3 (5-3, K, K)
5. Owen Ayers, 1B-DH: 0-1 (BB, BB, F-7)
6. Joan Delgado, CF: 0-3 (5-4 FC, 6-3, F-8)
7. Adan Sanchez, C: 1-3 (HR, K, 5-3, R, RBI)
8. Geuri Lubo, DH-1B: 0-1 (BB, K, BB)
9. Jan Luis Reyes, LF: 0-3 (K, 1-3, K)
10. Christian Olivo, 3B: 1-2 (K, HBP, 2B, SB)

AZIL CUBS PITCHERS:
1. JP Wheat: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 4 R (3 ER), 3 BB, 2 K, 2 HBP, 2 WP, 0/3 GO/AO, 50 pitches (24 strikes)
2. Johzan Oquendo: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 1 K, 0/2 GO/AO, 12 pitches (9 strikes)
3. Mason McGwire: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 0/1 GO/AO, 13 pitches (10 strikes)
4. Wilme Mora: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 4/1 GO/AO, 27 pitches (16 strikes)

AZIL CUBS ERRORS: 2
1. LF Jan Luis Reyes: E-7 (missed catch on fly ball allowed batter to reach 2nd base safely and runner to score from 2nd)
2. RF Eli Lovich: E-9 (dropped pop fly in RF allowing batter to reach 2nd base safely)

AZIL CUBS CATCHER DEFENSE:
Adan Sanchez: 2-6 CS, 1 PB

WEATHER: Mostly sunny with temperatures in the 80's

ATTENDANCE: 14

Arizona
Scoring
Service

“Just because it isn't official doesn't mean it didn't happen”

Arizona Phil Sat, 09/21/2024 - 05:14 pm

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Cubs AZ Instructional League game report

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Cubs Pitchers Dominate Rockies Hitters at Salt River Fields

Arizona Phil — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 21:43:58 +0000

Cubs Pitchers Dominate Rockies Hitters at Salt River Fields

Ivan Brethowr reached base four times (a double and three walks) and scored twice, Ty Southisene singled twice and drove-in three runs, and SP David Bracho and three relievers combined to hurl a three-hitter, helping the Cubs defeat the Rockies 4-1 in Arizona Instructional League game action Friday morning on Dust Storm Field at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, located on Salt River-Pima Indian Community land east of Scottsdale, AZ.

In his last five games going back exactly one month (to 8/20), David Bracho has allowed one run (it was unearned) on five hits with 6/16 BB/K in 16.1 IP (0.00 ERA - 0.67 WHIP - .106 OppBA).

Although the Cubs won the game, Rockies pitchers fanned 15 Cubs batters for the second day in a row.

The lone Rockies run was driven in by Colorado's 2024 1st round draft pick (3rd overall pick in the draft) 6'6 LF Charlie Condon (a two-out line-drive RBI single in the 7th). Unlike Cubs 1st round draft pick Cam Smith, Condon has not exactly had an easy go of it so far in pro ball (he hit 180/248/270 with only one HR and 34 K in 109 PA in 25 games at Hi-A Spokane, before reporting to Rockies instructs at Salt River Fields last week).

Here is the abridged box score from the game (Cubs players only):

AZIL CUBS LINEUP:
1a. Pedro Ramirez, 2B: 1-3 (3-U, K, 1B, R)
1b. Derik Alcantara, PH-CF: 1-2 (1B, K, SB)
2a. Cameron Sisneros, 1B: 1-3 (K, K, 1B, R, RBI)
2b. Owen Ayers, PH-1B: 0-2 (K, P-5)
3a. Brian Kalmer, DH: 0-2 (K, BB, F-7)
3b. Adan Sanchez, PH-C: 0-2 (5-3, K)
4. Ivan Brethowr, RF: 1-1 (2B, BB, BB, BB, 2 R)
5. Edgar Alvarez, LF: 0-4 (K, K, E-4, K)
6. Ty Southisene, SS-2B: 2-3 (1B, K, 1B, 3 RBI)
NOTE: Slot was skipped fourth time thru batting order
7. Reggie Preciado, CF-SS: 2-4 (K, F-8, 1B, 2B)
8. Jairo Diaz, C-DH: 0-3 (L-8, K, BB, K)
9. Ronny Cruz, 3B: 0-4 (6-3, 4-3, 4-3, K)

AZIL CUBS PITCHERS:
1. David Bracho: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HBP, 1 GIDP, 4/3 GO/AO, 43 pitches (23 strikes)
2. Lisandro Almonte: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K, 1 WP, 2/0 GO/AO, 43 pitches (23 strikes)
3. Connor Schultz: 3.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R (0 ER), 2 BB, 2 K, 4/3 GO/AO, 54 pitches (33 strikes)
4. Yoendris Gonzalez: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HBP, 0/2 GO/AO, 22 pitches (11 strikes)

AZIL CUBS ERRORS:
SS Reggie Preciado: E-6 (bobble while fielding grounder allowed batter to reach base safely)

AZIL CUBS CATCHER DEFENSE:
Jairo Diaz: 1-2 CS

WEATHER: Partly cloudy with temperatures in the 90's

ATTENDANCE: 11

Arizona
Scoring
Service

“Just because it isn't official doesn't mean it didn't happen”

Arizona Phil Fri, 09/20/2024 - 04:43 pm

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Cubs AZ Instructional League game report