As we discussed this morning, among today’s many deadlines: minor leaguers who are eligible can become free agents today if they aren’t yet signed to new minor league contracts or added to the 40-man roster.
For the Cubs, there were two primary players that you’d really like to keep who fell into that category today: outfielder John Andreoli (status TBD) and reliever Matt Carasiti.
So, then, as somewhat expected, to the Cubs added Carasiti to the 40-man roster to ensure they get to keep him. Additionally, the Cubs outrighted Leonys Martin off of the 40-man roster, which is something of a non-move, since he was going to be non-tendered next month in any case. The Cubs may look to try to retain Martin on a new deal, depending on how the rest of the outfield maneuvering shakes out. (He was technically assigned to AAA today, but the Cubs can’t keep him at AAA into next season without his permission, so the assignment appears to be a formality.)
As for Carasiti, 26, the Cubs acquired him at midseason from the Rockies in a swap for Zac Rosscup (it was basically out-of-options big leaguer for with-options minor leaguer). He pitched very well at AAA for both teams this year (groundball rate near 50%, strikeout rate near 30%, walk rate around 11%), and figures to compete for a bullpen spot with the Cubs next spring.