In addition to the players on their 40-man roster, teams generally invite a couple dozen others to major-league spring training. Some of these players will actually have a shot at making the big-league squad on Opening Day; for others, it’s a first glimpse of big-league camp or a reward for good play in the organization.
Here are the 21 players the Cubs have given non-roster invitations to spring camp. That’s down from 27 last year.
In addition to these players, you will likely see some other guys from the minor-league camp play in major-league spring games, especially in the first week or so.
Pitchers (12)
RHP Jason Adam, Oscar De La Cruz, Dakota Mekkes, Brandon Morrow, Caleb Simpson, Brock Stewart and Ben Taylor, and LHP Rex Brothers, Danny Hultzen, Tyler Olson, CD Pelham and Wyatt Short
Catchers (3)
P.J. Higgins, Jhonny Pereda and Josh Phegley
Infielders (4)
Carlos Asuaje, Trent Giambrone, Corban Joseph and Hernan Perez
Outfielders (2)
Noel Cuevas and Ian Miller
The only real surprise here is that Mark Zagunis, who played some major-league games for the Cubs last year and was outrighted to Triple-A Iowa after the season, isn’t getting a big-league spring invite. Given this, I wouldn’t be surprised if Zagunis is released before camp is over, to get him a shot at playing for another team.
Later today I’ll have the complete spring numerical Cubs roster.