As the Chicago Cubs head into the 2025 season, one of the biggest questions of roster management is who is out of minor-league options. This can impact who makes the Opening Day roster and who might be threatened with designation for assignment. With injuries to Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw, the front office is paying close attention to the contract status of the players fighting for the bottom of the roster spots.
What Does It Mean to Be Out of Options?
When a player is out of options, it means they can’t be sent to the minors without being exposed to waivers. This puts pressure on the team to either keep the player on the big league roster or lose them to someone else. For the Cubs, this adds another layer of complexity as they finalize their 2025 roster.
Gage Workman: A Rule 5 Draft Standout
One of the hottest names this spring is infielder Gage Workman. The Cubs Rule 5 draft pick has looked good in spring training and is making a strong case to be on the Opening Day roster. But Rule 5 rules require him to be on the big league roster all season or the Cubs have to return him to the Tigers. The Cubs could also negotiate a trade with the Tigers to keep Workman’s rights and he’d get standard minor league options.
Full List of Cubs Players Out of Options for 2025
Here’s a breakdown of every Chicago Cubs player with less than five years of service time who is out of minor-league options for the 2025 season:
Miguel Amaya, Catcher
2025 is a big year for Miguel Amaya. After a strong second half in 2024, the Cubs may not see him as their everyday catcher. Carson Kelly will still spell him against lefties, but Amaya gets a chance to prove he’s the long term answer behind the plate.
Vidal Bruján, Utility Infielder
Acquired from the Marlins for Matt Mervis, Vidal Bruján is in the mix for the last bench spot. He’s utility and speed are valuable, but he’ll need to outperform Gage Workman and Nicky Lopez to make the team.
Julian Merryweather, RHP
Injuries limited Julian Merryweather in 2024 but he was a high leverage reliever for the Cubs in 2023. With a new bullpen featuring Eli Morgan, Ryan Pressly and Ryan Brasier, Merryweather will need to stay healthy and effective to make the roster.
Tyson Miller, RHP
Tyson Miller was a bright spot in the pen last year with a 2.15 ERA in 49 appearances. He’s going to be a key piece for the bullpen in 2025.
Justin Steele, LHP
Justin Steele is the ace of the rotation so there’s no way the Cubs would option him.
Keegan Thompson, RHP
Keegan’s future with the Cubs is uncertain. He was 2.67 in 24 appearances last year but his command is still an issue (14.2% walk rate) so he’s a likely candidate to be designated if the Cubs need to clear a roster spot.
What’s Next for the Cubs?
As the Cubs get down to Opening Day roster those three will be a big story. The decisions on Workman, Bruján and Thompson will impact the team’s depth and flexibility all season.
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