“The Chicago Cubs have assigned 15 players to minor league camp, reducing their spring roster from 55 to 40 players.
Right-handed pitchers James Norwood, Duane Underwood Jr. and Rowan Wick have been optioned to Triple-A Iowa.
Twelve non-roster invitees have been assigned to minor league camp: Right-handed pitchers Christian Bergman, Matt Carasiti, George Kontos and Dakota Mekkes; left-handed pitcher Mike Zagurski; infielders Ryan Court, Phillip Evans, Trent Giambrone and Zack Short; infielder/outfielder Jim Adduci; and catchers Francisco Arcia and P.J. Higgins.
Chicago’s spring roster of 40 players consists of 23 pitchers (which includes two non-roster invitees plus right-handed pitcher Kendall Graveman, 60-day I.L.), three catchers, eight infielders (one non-roster invitee) and six outfielders (one non-roster invitee).”
This cut is a bit more interesting than the last one since at least a few of these guys had at the least a shot at a role on the big league team.
All three of the players optioned should see some time at Wrigley this year, whether it be as as a September call-up or an injury replacement.
The most interesting name off this list is Dakota Mekkes, who shot up prospect lists after a dominating 2018 out of the bullpen. He pitched well in his six Spring appearances, but the Cubs clearly feel like he needs more seasoning. In 94 games for the Cubs organization he has an incredible 1.16 ERA with 190 strikeouts to 67 walks in 147 innings.
Another interesting name is infielder Trent Giambrone who was cut despite a 1.027 OPS in 33 Spring plate appearances. The former 25th round pick posted a .772 OPS for Tennessee, and will likely open the season in Iowa.
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