Normally, a team keeps 40 men on their protected roster during a season. It is from the 40 man pool that a 25 man major league roster (26 on double header days).
Granted, the Cubs have players on the 60 day DL (Schwarber, Nathan) who do not count against the 40 man, but they should not be in the plans for 2016 anyway.
There are several reasons why a team would pare back their 40 man roster during the season.
1. They need to make space for promotion of prospects to the major league team. You have to be on the 40 man roster in order to be called up to the major league team. The most ready AAA players appear to be catcher Contreras and outfielder Almora, but the front office has told reporters that the team plays to keep them down on the farm for the entire AAA season.
2. They need to make space in order to slot in players from other organizations, such as waiver selections or via trades. It is still very early to make a major league level trade, but the waiver wire is active throughout the season. The Cubs have had a remarkable starting rotation, but no depth in starters in the minors. They may be looking out for a waiver arm.
3. The team wants to save some money. Every player on the 40 man roster is entitled to a major league contract and a minimum salary.
Here is a good breakdown of minor league pay from the Sports Law Blog:
- Until a minor league player is placed on a 40-man roster, monthly salaries are $1150 for the short season teams, $1300 for low A and $1500 for high A. For players repeating a year at the same level, the salary goes up $50 each year. For AA, the monthly salary is $1700 and it goes up $100 per month for subsequent years. For AAA, the monthly salary is $2150 per month and it goes up to $2400 the second year and $2700 the third year.
- If a player becomes a minor league free agent, higher salaries can be negotiated.
- A player must be placed on the team’s 40-man roster or be subject to the Rule 5 Draft at the end of his fourth season (if signed at age 19 or higher) or fifth season (if signed at age 18 or lower).
- Salary for first year on 40-man roster:
2013: $39,900
2014: $40,750
2015: $41,400 - Salary for second year on 40-man roster or if one or more days of Major League service time:
2013: $79,900
2014: $81,750
2015: $82,700 - Meal money is $25 per road day.
- Minor league salary must be at least 60% of the player’s combined minor league and Major League salary in the preceding season.
It is most likely that the Cubs are moving pieces around looking for an opportunity to sign veteran players to supplement the team in case of injury.
