We are just one week away from 2025 MLB Opening Day and teams are beginning to cut en masse. Several teams sent down notable top young prospects and players over the last 48 hours, including the Blue Jays, Cubs, and Diamondbacks.
Blue Jays cut down
The Blue Jays officially demoted pitchers Jake Bloss and Josh Walker on March 20. Toronto now has 17 pitchers on their roster, meaning the Blue Jays will have to cut four more to get down to 13.
It’s unlikely at this point Max Scherzer goes on the IL, as he’s set to pitch on March 22. Unless Scherzer has any complications, he’ll likely be on the Jays’ Opening Day roster.
Bloss didn’t see any time in Toronto last season after he was acquired in the Yusei Kikuchi trade with the Astros. He didn’t help his case in camp to make it up to Toronto, as he conceded eight runs and walked six over eight innings.
Walker, meanwhile, was vying for a spot as a left-handed reliever in the Jays bullpen. However, Toronto somewhat telegraphed the move when the Jays selected Richard Lovelady‘s contract on March 17. Lovelady struck out eight over seven frames and with a low arm slot, gives Toronto a different looking reliever.
Those two were joined by Jonatan Clase, Orelvis Martinez, and reliever Dillon Tate.
Cubs demote Morgan & Wicks
After the Cubs were swept in the Tokyo Series, Chicago optioned Eli Morgan and Jordan Wicks to Iowa (AAA). Morgan pitched in Japan, throwing 1.1 scoreless and struck out one.
While Morgan pitched fine, the reality is the Cubs had to cut down to 13 pitchers. The demotions do just that, as the team now has 13 pitchers on their roster.
Wicks will stay warm for the Cubs in Iowa, and it’ll give him a chance to start, as the Cubs have five starters (Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, Colin Rea, Jameson Taillon) to work with.
Other notable demotions
The Diamondbacks and Nationals made cuts on March 19. Trey Lipscomb and Robert Hassell were optioned to Rochester, while D-Backs prospect Jordan Lawlar will start the year in Reno. Lawlar was joined by pitchers Kyle Nelson and Drey Jameson.
Tampa optioned Kameron Misner, Jake Mangum, Logan Driscoll, and Cole Sulser.
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