Cubs Invite 18 Non-Roster Players To Spring Training

In recent years, the Cubs have invited about 25 non-roster players to spring camp.

It is perhaps a sign of the Cubs being a better team, and not having as much room for non-roster guys potentially making the 25-man roster, that only 18 non-roster invitations have been issued to spring camp this year. You'll note that some players who were announced as having signed minor-league deals with the team over the winter have not been issued NRIs.

Here's the complete list of non-roster invitations for 2016. Including the 40-man roster, there will be 58 players in camp.

Pitchers (10)

Right-handed pitchers Stephen Fife, Brandon Gomes, Jean Machi, Felix Pena, Jonathan Pettibone, Armando Rivero, Drew Rucinski and Duane Underwood; Left-handed pitchers Luis Cruz and Jack Leathersich.

Infielders (3)

Jesus Guzman, Munenori Kawasaki and Kristopher Negron.

Outfielders (3)

Albert Almora, John Andreoli and Juan Perez.

Catchers (2)

Taylor Davis and Tim Federowicz.

Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to camp Friday, February 19, with the first pitcher and catcher workout Saturday, February 20. Position players are expected in camp Tuesday, February 23, with the first full-squad workout Wednesday, February 24.

Baseball is getting closer!