Cubs' Roster Decisions Loom as Spring Training Wraps Up
As the Chicago Cubs wrap up their spring training in Mesa, Arizona, the front office, led by Jed Hoyer, is actively exploring potential roster additions. With numerous players on waivers and opt-out clauses in play, the Cubs are eyeing possible upgrades, particularly in the infield and bullpen.
“There’s just a lot of movement around the league,” Hoyer noted. “We’re trying to figure that out. We still have some balls in the air.”
After a successful 92-win season and a postseason victory last year, the Cubs have retained a solid core of players and kept Craig Counsell’s coaching staff intact. Despite a few open roster spots, they've largely avoided major injuries. However, with 38 players still on the spring roster, final cuts are imminent as they face the Yankees for two more exhibition games.
The World Baseball Classic has added a layer of complexity, pulling key players like Alex Bregman, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Daniel Palencia away for stretches. Additionally, the intense heat in Phoenix has led to more night games, further disrupting routines.
“You just want guys to get their work in and be healthy,” Hoyer said. “There’s been a good vibe in camp.
It’s been unusual this year with the WBC. You talk to people around the game, it feels different.
It feels less cohesive. We’re not the only team dealing with that.
But it’s nice to have the full complement of guys back.”
Seiya Suzuki’s situation remains uncertain due to a knee injury suffered during the WBC. His status for the flight to Chicago is undecided, and he’s expected to start the season on the injured list.
“Things are moving in the right direction,” Hoyer added, “but it’s a long season, and we don’t want to do anything for a couple days early that would hurt us later on.”
With Suzuki out, Matt Shaw may see more time in right field, highlighting the need for a versatile infielder on the bench. The Cubs are also considering their rotation strategy, currently set with Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Shota Imanaga, Edward Cabrera, and Jameson Taillon. They’re not planning a six-man rotation but might revisit the idea.
Colin Rea, with a $6.5 million salary, has a secure spot on the pitching staff. Decisions are pending for Ben Brown and Javier Assad, who could start in Triple-A or join the bullpen.
For years, the Cubs have debated Brown’s role-whether his swing-and-miss potential suits the bullpen or if he should be developed as a starter.
“We’ve got five healthy starters,” Counsell said. “You got to make some choices.”
In minor-league news, Jonathon Long will back up first baseman Michael Busch in Iowa. Corbin Martin and Collin Snider, two offseason acquisitions, were sent to minor-league camp with options for upward mobility. Chas McCormick, dealing with a shoulder issue, won’t make the team but may remain with the Triple-A club.
Ethan Conrad, last year’s first-round pick, is sidelined with a back injury and won’t start the minor-league season on time. Despite this setback, Cubs director of player development Jason Kanzler is optimistic about Conrad’s potential.
“It’s loud tools,” Kanzler said. “It’s exactly what we expected when we drafted him.
He’s got skills. We’re just going to manage this right now so that we can get him back on the field.”
As the Cubs finalize their roster, the focus remains on strategic decisions that will set the tone for the upcoming season.