Cubs Invite 19 Minor Leaguers to Spring Training

Right-Handed Pitchers

• Colton Brewer
• Chris Clarke
• Carl Edwards Jr.
• Sam McWilliams
• Ethan Roberts
• Cam Sanders
• Riley Thompson

Brewer, Edwards Jr., McWilliams, and Roberts signed minor-league deals with the Cubs this offseason. Edwards Jr. returns to the Cubs for the first time since 2019. The other three names are homegrown arms. Clarke was a fourth-round pick in 2019, Sanders was a 12th-round pick in 2018, and Thompson was an 11th-round pick in 2018.

Most of these hurlers will likely serve as organizational depth. However, there's a chance a few of these names appear for the Cubs throughout the 162-game grind.

Left-Handed Pitchers

• Edwin Escobar
• Richard Lovelady
• Thomas Pannone
• Brad Wieck

Escobar was one of the Cubs' first additions during the offseason. Pannone followed by signing in December. More recently, Lovelady joined the organization as another left-handed option out of the bullpen.

Of these players, Wieck's name will likely resonate most with fans. Wieck was solid for the Cubs out of the bullpen in 2019 and 2021 but unfortunately dealt with some crazy injuries. A hamstring issue ended his 2020 season and then a heart procedure did the same in 2021. Before returning in 2022, an elbow injury once again derailed Wieck's progress. 

There is a happy ending. Wieck was signed to a two-year minor-league deal before the 2023 season so he could rehab and get healthy. Now, he looks primed to return to the majors as a much-needed left-handed option for the Cubs.

Infielders

• David Bote
• Matt Shaw
• Chase Strumpf

Shaw is the most exciting name among the non-roster infield group. The Cubs' 2023 first-round pick quickly rose through the minors in limited action. He'll likely begin the season at Double-A but could earn a call-up at some point in the season.

Finally, a pair of familiar faces round out the group. Bote is under contract for one more season after signing a huge contract back in 2020. However, his next two years include team options for $7 million, meaning this could be his final season in the organization. As for Strumpf, the 2019 second-round pick has an opportunity to become more than just a forgotten prospect.

Outfielders

Owen Caissie is the Cubs' only minor-league outfielder to receive an invitation to Spring Training. Although he's only 21 years old, Caissie had a sensational season at Double-A Tennessee in 2023. Caissie slashed .289/.398/.519 with 22 home runs and 84 RBIs in 120 games. The power-hitting lefty added 31 doubles and 77 runs scored to his total stats.

If he continues to impress, Caissie may earn an opportunity with the Cubs at some point in 2024. Although it isn't guaranteed given his youth, Caissie could emerge as one of the power-hitting lefties the Cubs desperately need. He's one of the most exciting prospects to follow in 2024.

Catchers

• Jorge Alfaro
• Pablo Aliendo
• Joe Hudson
• Bryce Windham

Of the four catchers invited to camp, two are homegrown talents and two are veteran additions for proper depth. Alfaro and Hudson signed minor-league deals during the offseason. Alfaro has the most MLB experience of the group and will likely be called upon if an injury affects Yan Gomes or Miguel Amaya.

Aliendo and Windham are homegrown talents. Aliendo reached Double-A in 2023 and Windham spent the whole season at Triple-A Iowa. The 27-year-old Windham is a name to watch as the season moves on. He may be the most-ready catcher in the prospect pool. Alfaro will be important, but Windham might be just as valuable. 

What's On Tap Next?

The Cubs begin Spring Training activities on Wednesday, Feb. 14. Pitchers and catchers report before the first full-team workout on Feb. 19. Baseball is so close and the Cubs will begin gearing up for an intriguing and possibly contending season in 2024.