Cade Horton, Other Top Prospects Among Cuts as Cubs Trim Roster to 35

Jacob ZanollaMarch 9, 2025

The Cubs have announced several new cuts from big league camp, lowering their roster to 35 players.

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

No surprises in this latest announcement, although all these players could see time on the major league roster this season. Patrick Mooney noted that the club has not yet made a decision on whether Matt Shaw will make the Opening Day roster, and also mentions that Nicky Lopez is expected to elect free agency. Gage Workman and Vidal Bruján will head to Tokyo.

Four more cuts must be made before the Cubs fly to Japan on Tuesday, so be on the lookout for additional news tomorrow. See below for the media release on the moves.

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.

Jacob ZanollaMarch 9, 2025