Cubs Outright Number of Players as Offseason Begins

The Chicago Cubs are starting to reshape their roster as the MLB offseason is in full swing and all eyes are set on the 2024 MLB season. 

As the Cubs start to look at how to construct their roster, they have just sent three players through outright waivers. That means those three players can now either be claimed or sign a free agent deal.

According to The Athletic, Jared Young, Jeremiah Estrada and Nick Burdi were all outrighted by Chicago. 

None of these come as a huge surprise and none played a pivotal role in the Cubs' success in 2023. 

Young appeared in just 16 games for Chicago in 2023 and slashed .186/.255/.455. It was his second year with the club and he regressed from his 2022 form. 

Estrada, also in his second year with the club, threw 10.2 innings for the Cubs to the tune of a 6.75 ERA and 2.250 WHIP. He was not a usable piece out of the bullpen and an easy decision to cut ties with. 

As for Burdi, there was some hope for him during MLB Spring Training to make a mark on the active roster. However, he threw just 3.0 innings for the Big League club and gave up three earned runs. It was the first time he had pitched in the Majors since 2020. 

The Cubs are shaping up to be significant players in free agency, especially at the third base position and with relief pitchers. 

They are also tabbed as one of the potential top suitors for Shohei Ohtani. 

These minor moves are just the first as Chicago prepares to carry out their offseason plan laid out by Jed Hoyer and the front office.