According to the collective bargaining agreement between MLB and MLBPA, there’s an upcoming opt-out date for certain players, as indicated in Jon Becker’s recent tweet listing affected players from different leagues. Among them are three Cubs players: Carl Edwards Jr., Garrett Cooper, and David Peralta. The CBA specifies that players with six years of MLB experience, who were on an MLB roster or IL at the end of the previous season and then signed minor-league contracts, have this opt-out privilege. Dominic Smith isn’t eligible due to insufficient MLB experience.
FYI: Article XX(B) FA signed to MiLB deals have a universal opt-out on 3/22 at 2PM EST; the team then has until noon EST on 3/24 to add the player the 40-man or release him. Those players are in the following tweet:
— Jon Becker (@jonbecker_) March 19, 2024
These opt-outs are voluntary, allowing players to choose whether to remain with the signing club, subject to standard roster rules, or to opt-out.
Regarding the Cubs’ situation, it’s unlikely that any of these players would significantly contribute to the team to justify displacing someone from the 40-man roster. The potential placement of Caleb Kilian on the 60-day IL by March 24 could create roster space. However, there seems to be no other player on the current Cubs 40-man roster eligible for the 60-day IL or for designation and waiver.
Here’s an assessment of the three players:
– Carl Edwards Jr.: He has performed decently this spring with promising stats reminiscent of his earlier form with the Cubs. While he could be kept in Iowa for potential call-ups later in the year, his inclusion on the 40-man roster is uncertain.
– Garrett Cooper: Despite a decent performance this spring, his overall offensive numbers and limited defensive capabilities make his inclusion on the team questionable, especially given the need for a 40-man spot.
– David Peralta: With minimal spring performance data, his inclusion seems redundant considering the Cubs already have a left-handed backup outfielder in Mike Tauchman. Additionally, his age and recent performance might not warrant a roster spot.
Ultimately, if the decision were up to me, I wouldn’t add any of them to the 40-man roster if they opt-out. While it’s uncertain whether Edwards will opt out, the decisions of Cooper and Peralta remain unclear.
