Roster Moves: Cubs reduce spring roster to 35 players

Ballestros has returned to minor league camp (Photo courtesy: Iowa Cubs)

MESA, Ariz. – The Chicago Cubs today reduced the spring roster from 42 to 35 players.

Infielder Ben Cowles has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

Right-handed pitcher Cade Horton; left-handed pitcher Brandon Hughes; catchers Moises Ballesteros and Carlos Perez; infielder Nicky Lopez and outfielder Travis Jankowski have been returned to camp.

Chicago’s spring roster of 35 players consists of 19 pitchers (one non-roster invitee), three catchers (one non-roster invitee), eight infielders (one non-roster invitee) and five outfielders.

Nicky Lopez, the veteran infielder who had been in camp with the Cubs on a minor-league deal, is expected to explore his options elsewhere after the club decided to not place him on their traveling roster for the Tokyo Series.

— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) March 9, 2025

The Cubs have not yet made a final decision on whether top prospect Matt Shaw will be on their Opening Day roster. Today’s cuts included Cade Horton, Brandon Hughes, Moises Ballesteros and Ben Cowles as the Cubs reduced their spring roster to 35 players.

— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) March 9, 2025

Gage Workman, a Rule 5 pick, and Vidal Bruján have been informed that they will be traveling with the Cubs to Japan for Opening Day.

— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) March 9, 2025