Cubs make their first cuts plus a trade

The Cubs began trimming their roster as we get closer to the start of the season, they cut 15 players from their roster and bring the roster from 69 players to 54.

"Alzolay, Tseng optioned to Iowa, De La Cruz, Steele optioned to Tennessee; Duncan Robinson, Ian Clarkin, Alberto Baldonado, Craig Brooks, Carlos Ramirez, Colin Rea, Ian Rice, Charcer Burks, Evan Marzilli, Jacob Hannemann assigned to minor league camp. Scahill granted release." - Mark Gonzales of the Tribune.

None of these should be a particular surprise as they didn't really have a serious shot at making the big league roster. Most of these players will go to the minor leagues and work on theirs skills to try and contribute to the big league roster in 2019 and beyond.

Albert Alzolay should have a legitimate shot to contribute on the big league roster later in the year as long as he can prove he's healthy. He had his 2018 season cut short due to a lat issue, and was dealing with another injury early in the Spring.

Ryan Scahill was granted his release after signing a minor league deal in January. He was lit up to the tune of five hits and three runs in two and a third innings pitched. The 31-year old has a lifetime 3.85 ERA in 124 big league appearances, but his 1.44 WHIP and a 4.49 xFIP cast some doubt on his numbers. He will be able to sign with any club looking to contribute to their bullpen.

The Cubs also made a minor trade with the Kansas City Royals sending right-handed pitching prospect Stephen Ridings to KC in exchange for familiar face outfielder Donnie Dewees. Ridings pitched alright out of the Eugene bullpen last year with a 4.15 ERA in 22 appearances, he struck out 44 while walking 15 and allowing four home runs.

Dewees was the Cubs 2nd round pick back in 2015, but he was traded after the 2016 season in exchange for RHP Alec Mills. Last year he hit just .258/.310/.351 split between the Royals AA and AAA teams. He's a high contact kind of guy with just 93 strikeouts in 507 at bats. He's likely to serve as AAA depth, but could be useful in case of an injury.