NEWSLETTER
Wow. Turns out, the Nico Hoerner cut wasn’t the only surprising roster decision coming for the Cubs today.
The team just announced its fourth round of cuts from big league camp, and there are multiple surprises:
Infielder Nico Hoerner and left-handed pitcher Brad Wieck have been optioned to Triple-A Iowa.
Four non-roster invitees have been assigned to minor league camp: right-handed pitchers Shelby Miller, Trevor Megill and Pedro Strop, and outfielder Rafael Ortega. In addition, outfielder Cameron Maybin has been granted his release.
Chicago’s spring roster of 31 players consists of 17 pitchers (which includes two non-roster invitees), three catchers (one non-roster invitee), seven infielders (two non-roster invitees) and four outfielders.
We have already discussed Hoerner and Wieck, but I absolutely did not see Shelby Miller getting cut at this point. He has looked so good and ready this spring, and was getting high praise from David Ross as a possible reliever and/or swing guy. Miller, 30, is in on a minor league deal, so he is still in the organization, but The Athletic has reported that he has an opt-out at some point in April. So he didn’t make the team yet, but if the Cubs want to keep him around, he’ll have to make the team pretty soon after Opening Day.
I am also mildly surprised that Pedro Strop was cut, given how good he’s looked, and given that Miller’s cut just opened up another bullpen spot. Is this a sign that Adbert Alzolay might make the roster? A sign that the Cubs just can’t quit Dillon Maples? Both? Strop will go to the alternate site, and there’s no word on whether he’s got an opt-out (though veterans like him usually do have to be paid a $100,000 retention bonus to keep around on a minor league deal after Opening Day). I hope the Cubs keep him, and not just for nostalgia. I thought he looked great this week.
The Cubs must have told Cameron Maybin he wasn’t making the team, which is why they granted him his release from his minor league deal. Maybin is just such a solid player, but I reckon the decision was made by the preference to carry only a fourth outfielder (Jake Marisnick), and have an extra infielder on the bench. Does that mean both Eric Sogard and Ildemaro Vargas get to stick around? Kinda seems like it now, unless the Cubs opt to carry nine relievers.
Rafael Ortega got to stick around much longer than the other minor league deal outfielders, but he was always a deep long-shot to make the Opening Day roster. He’s good outfield depth to have available at the alternate site and then Triple-A Iowa.
Trevor Megill is likely to impact the bullpen at some point this year, but the Cubs had flexibility on him, so I’m not surprised he’s not making the crowded mix just yet.
