As spring training creeps closer, the Chicago Cubs appear to have most of their Opening Day roster in place. Barring a surprise splash - Zac Gallen’s name still lingers as a long-shot possibility - the Cubs seem content to work around the margins. That means keeping an eye out for a veteran outfielder who might shake loose or adding some extra pitching depth, which, let’s be honest, you can never have enough of.
The Cubs were active enough this offseason, and several familiar faces from recent years have already found new homes. Kyle Tucker, Brad Keller, and Willi Castro are all off the board. But a handful of former Cubs - not just from last season - are still looking for their next opportunity, and at least one name stands out as a realistic candidate for a reunion.
Mike Tauchman: A Fit That Still Makes Sense
Let’s talk about Mike Tauchman. Even after the Cubs brought in Chas McCormick and Dylan Carlson on minor-league deals, the search for a reliable fourth outfielder hasn’t stopped. Their reported interest in Austin Hays shows they’re still looking for someone who can step in when needed and hold their own.
That’s where Tauchman fits - maybe even better than he did the first time around. He’s a left-handed bat who can play all three outfield positions, and he’s already shown he can handle the Wrigley spotlight.
Bringing him back wouldn’t just be a nostalgia play; it’s a move that makes baseball sense. For a team that values versatility and depth, Tauchman checks a lot of boxes.
If the Cubs are looking to round out the roster with someone who knows the ropes and can contribute in a meaningful way, it might be time to cue up The Summer of Tauchman once again.
Four Former Cubs Still on the Market
While Tauchman might be a fit, the same can’t be said for every ex-Cub still out there. A few names jump out, but not necessarily for the right reasons - whether it’s age, performance, or simply a case of the roster moving in a different direction.
Justin Turner
Turner’s 2025 campaign felt like a swan song. At 41, he played more of a mentor role than a lineup staple, and his 71 wRC+ reflected a bat that just couldn’t keep up anymore.
He’s reportedly still looking to play in 2026, but it’s hard to envision a scenario where the Cubs - or any contender - make him a priority before Opening Day. His leadership was valuable, no doubt, but the production just wasn’t there.
DJ LeMahieu
LeMahieu’s time with the Cubs was brief - a quick stint in 2011 before he was shipped off to Colorado in what’s widely remembered as a regrettable trade. Fast forward to now, and at 37, LeMahieu is facing questions about his defensive viability after a tough final season with the Yankees. There might be a team willing to take a flier if injuries pile up, but a reunion with the Cubs doesn’t seem to be in the cards.
Jeimer Candelario
Candelario is a name Cubs fans know well - a former prospect who returned in 2023 via trade. He got off to a hot start in his second go-round, but the bat cooled off quickly, and he never quite recaptured that early momentum.
His OPS+ of 108 was solid, but the inconsistency down the stretch left the front office hesitant. He’s the kind of player who could land a minor-league deal somewhere, but the Cubs appear ready to move on.
Marcus Stroman
Then there’s Marcus Stroman - once the face of the Cubs’ rotation and a fan favorite. But his final season in Chicago was a rocky one, filled with trade rumors and some public friction with the front office.
After opting out of his deal following the 2023 season, Stroman spent the last two years with the Yankees. His 2025 season was rough: a 6.23 ERA over nine starts before being released in August.
That said, pitching is always in demand, and someone will likely give him a shot. But the days of The Stro Show headlining in Chicago are over.
As the Cubs put the finishing touches on their spring roster, they’ll keep scanning the market for value - a veteran outfielder here, an arm there. And while most of the former Cubs still unsigned don’t fit into the current picture, Mike Tauchman might just be the exception.
He’s not a game-changer, but he’s the kind of steady, versatile piece that can make a difference over the grind of a long season. If the Cubs are looking to bring back a familiar face, this one actually makes sense.