The Cubs will start their slate of Spring Training games on February 20, facing the Dodgers in a pre-Tokyo Series matchup. For Spring Training in Arizona — at least to begin — the Cubs will get many of their best prospects a look. Chicago named their non-roster invite list on February 8, with top prospects Cade Horton and Matt Shaw headlining the list.
The Cubs will bring virtually all of their top-end prospects as non-roster invites, aside from Owen Caissie, who’s on the 40-man roster. Chicago will see former first-round picks Cade Horton and Matt Shaw, plus James Triantos and Moises Ballesteros.
Horton only made nine starts last year, spending most of 2024 on the IL. However, if Horton can progress at Triple-A Iowa — where he’ll likely start 2025 — the former Oklahoma product could be a potential starting option this season. The right-hander has swing-and-miss stuff, as Horton recorded 157 strikeouts over 122.2 career Minor League innings.
Shaw, meanwhile, had a very loud start to his pro career in 2023. The former Maryland product followed it up by hitting .284/.379/.488 (.867 OPS) with 21 home runs, 31 stolen bases, and 44 extra-base hits, ending 2025 in Triple-A.
The 23-year-old received time at second, third, and short down in the Minors. With Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson at the MLB level, Shaw likely will need to play third to get time in Chicago.
Triantos spent most of 2024 in Tennessee (AA) but did get in 26 games with Iowa after a promotion. He hit .306/.351/.384 (.735 OPS) with the baby Cubs and nine stolen bases. The 2021 second-round pick profiles as a contact-first bat with speed, who can play both the infield and outfield.
Other prospects included on the list are Brandon Birdsell, Jonathon Long, Riley Martin, Christian Franklin, Antonio Santos, and Pablo Aliendo.
There are some notable ex-Major Leaguers on the Cubs’ non-roster list, as well. Catchers Reese McGuire and Carlos Perez are there, as is former White Sox Nicky Lopez. Relievers Brooks Kriske, Brandon Hughes, Phil Bickford, and Trevor Richards are also headed to Arizona.
Richards is an interesting name, given his plus-plus changeup that just drops out of the zone with efficiency. However, Richards is only a two-pitch pitcher, with that changeup and fastball. Because of that, it can be very difficult for him to get chases.
Make sure to check out the non-roster lists for the Orioles and Yankees.