The news that righthanded free-agent reliever Brad Brach signed with the Cubs almost three weeks ago. I reported that here January 24, and Sara Sanchez wrote him up by the numbers the very same day.
And yet, he wasn’t added to the 40-man roster, and the Cubs did not officially announce the signing.
Until today, when it was announced by press release. It might have had something to do with him passing a physical, and perhaps he wasn’t available for that until he arrived in Mesa, which likely happened today, since the official pitcher and catcher reporting date is tomorrow.
This, obviously, is a procedural move, as it had been expected for the last 18 days. What’s most important here is that the Cubs’ 40-man roster is now officially full at 40. You’ll note that the roster does not include Addison Russell or Oscar De La Cruz, both of whom are under suspension and on the restricted list. Restricted list players do not count against the 40-man limit.
Russell’s suspension ends May 3, and De La Cruz should also be able to be activated around the end of April. Both of them can work out with the team, but cannot play in games for which admission is charged (basically, they can play in minor-league spring training games). When they are activated, 40-man roster moves will be needed.
Just 12 more days until an actual Cubs baseball game!