MESA, Ariz. — The Chicago Cubs are focused on maintaining their health as they gear up for spring training, looking to build on last year’s impressive 92-win season. With their core team largely intact, hopes are high for another shot at the playoffs. As opening day approaches on March 26 against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field, there are only a few positions up for grabs, particularly within the bullpen and bench.
The starting rotation appears solid with five pitchers: left-handers Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga, and right-handers Edward Cabrera, Cade Horton, and Jameson Taillon. Although Justin Steele is recovering from elbow surgery and won’t be available at the start of the season, he is expected to return around May or June, adding depth to the rotation. Each pitcher has a point to prove, be it health concerns or bounce-back performances. In case of injuries, the Cubs have additional options in the form of right-handers Ben Brown, Javier Assad, and Colin Rea, alongside left-hander Jordan Wicks, with top prospect Jaxon Wiggins also in line for a potential mid-season impact if he continues to excel at Triple-A Iowa.
The bullpen has seen significant changes since last year, leading the Cubs to make critical offseason acquisitions. Locked in for opening day are right-handers Daniel Palencia, Hunter Harvey, Phil Maton, Colin Rea, and right-handers Hoby Milner and Caleb Thielbar, alongside Jacob Webb. Palencia will assume the closing duties. With one final relief spot still open, the Cubs are considering candidates who possess minor-league options, allowing for roster flexibility. Among those in contention, Ethan Roberts has demonstrated promising performance this spring.
The catching situation is highlighted by Carson Kelly, Miguel Amaya, and Moisés Ballesteros, with the latter’s future at the big-league level dependent on whether the Cubs can balance his development with immediate needs. Ballesteros’ batting potential led to him being included in last year’s postseason roster, and if he finds a place on the opening day lineup, the Cubs may look at integrating him into the catching role more regularly.
The infield boasts an enviable lineup, including Michael Busch, Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, Alex Bregman, and Matt Shaw, albeit with Shaw’s integration into the lineup still to be determined. The team benefits from a healthy position player group but acknowledges the possibility of regression in this area moving forward. Depth options include Jonathon Long and Scott Kingery, with Long currently recovering from an elbow injury.
In the outfield, Seiya Suzuki, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Ian Happ, Michael Conforto, and Dylan Carlson are primed for action, particularly following Tyler Austin’s knee surgery, which opens up additional bench roles. Decisions for the roster will factor in players’ minor-league options. Conforto, despite a challenging last season, holds a competitive edge, while Carlson’s strong performance this spring (7-for-13 with two doubles) adds to his appeal as a versatile switch-hitter.
Overall, the Cubs are making significant strides as they shape their roster for the upcoming season. Excitement surrounds the potential strengths of both pitching and hitting, leaving fans optimistic for what lies ahead as the Cubs strive to replicate and even surpass last season’s achievements.