Expecting a ripe free-agent crop, the Chicago Cubs are unlikely to fill out their 40-man roster before Friday’s deadline
With a large batch of free agents expected to be available after the Dec. 2 tender date, the Chicago Cubs likely won’t fill the six remaining open spots on their 40-man roster by Friday’s 5 p.m. deadline.
Third baseman Christopher Morel, who played for the Cubs’ South Bend alternate, likely will be added to the roster. Those eligible players who aren’t protected on the 40-man roster will be eligible for the Rule 5 draft on Dec. 10.
Pitcher Michael Rucker, who was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the Rule 5 draft but returned to the Cubs last March, would be eligible if he’s not added to the 40-man roster. Pitcher Cory Abbott, ranked 11th on Baseball America’s top 30 midseason organizational prospect list for 2020, currently isn’t on the 40-man roster.
Last December, the Philadelphia Phillies drafted infielder Vimael Machin from the Cubs organization and immediately traded him to the Oakland Athletics. The Cubs selected pitcher Trevor Megill from the San Diego Padres and retained him after outrighting him to Triple-A Iowa and sending the Padres a cash payment last summer.
———
©2020 the Chicago Tribune
Visit the Chicago Tribune at www.chicagotribune.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
