While the coaching change was the big news Monday, the Cubs also made a number of other smaller roster moves.
The team designated infield prospect Luis Vazquez and added the 24-year-old to the 40-man roster.
In other moves, pitcher Jeremiah Estrada was acquired by the Padres, Brendon Little was traded to the Blue Jays for cash, and Jared Young was acquired by the Cardinals.
Nick Vardy also cleared waivers and is eligible to play at Triple-A Iowa.
Vazquez was Rule 5 eligible this winter, so another team could pry him from the Cubs in next month’s Rule 5 Draft.
He was originally selected by the Cubs in the 14th round of the 2017 MLB Draft and has since worked his way up through the farm system over the years.
In 124 games with Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa in 2023, Vazquez hit .271/.361/.456 (.817 OPS) with 20 home runs, 80 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases. He is praised for his glove handling in the field, and although he spends most of his time as a shortstop, he can also play second or third base.
Bourdy, 30, appeared in three games as a reliever for the Cubs in 2023, but missed the final months of the season with an injury.
Estrada, 25, pitched in seven games in the major leagues over the past two seasons, posting a 5.51 ERA and 2.02 WHIP. Young will have coffee in the majors in 2022, appearing in 16 games last year and posting a .720 OPS.
Little was a first-round pick of the Cubs in 2017, but the left-handed pitcher only appeared in one game in the major leagues (he won’t start until 2022).
The Cubs’ 40-man roster currently stands at 37 players.