NEWSLETTER
As we’ve discussed, eligible players officially became minor league free agents this week if they weren’t earlier signed to a new minor league deal or added to the 40-man roster.
For the Cubs, the latter categories included just one player in each. Shortstop Luis Vazquez was added to the 40-man roster, and triple-digit relief prospect Eduarniel Nunez was signed to a new minor league deal, according to Arizona Phil.
Everyone else, therefore, hit minor league free agency:
P.J. Higgins, C
Yonathan Perlaza, OF
Stephen Gonsalves, LHP
Brailyn Marquez, LHP
Nick Burdi, RHP
Samuel Reyes, RHP
Nick Neidert, RHP
Yovanny Cruz, RHP
Carlos Guzman, RHP
Ben Hecht, RHP
Yonathan Perlaza is obviously the big name there, and, as we’ve discussed, his bat is going to get him a choice minor league deal somewhere, if not a 40-man spot somewhere. He’s a switch hitter who showed good power and discipline at Triple-A this year (and a 130 wRC+), so he’ll find a home. The issue for the Cubs, I suspect, was the glove – it often looked unplayable in the outfield.
The Cubs were able to bring back Brailyn Marquez on a minor league deal last year, but it just didn’t work out. He did get back on the mound and reached Double-A, but the 24-year-old was egregiously wild (27.4% BB rate). It’s possible the Cubs bring him back once again, but it might be time to let him go.
Yovanny Cruz has a huge arm, but hasn’t been able to stay healthy. Ditto Nick Burdi, though I’d love to have both back with the Cubs.
Old friend P.J. Higgins seems destined to be a high-quality back-up-back-up catcher for a few more years yet, and I wouldn’t at all hate him coming back on a minor league deal.
The full list of minor league free agents across baseball is here at Baseball America.
After the minor leaguers’ departures, the Cubs’ domestic reserve list is down to 156 total, per Arizona Phil, which leaves them with 19 open spots currently for other minor leaguers this offseason (i.e., new minor league signings, outrighted players, acquired players, etc.).
