Cubs Finalize Roster Plans, Still Eyeing Potential Upgrades

MESA, Ariz. — As the Chicago Cubs prepare to break spring training, manager Craig Counsell and president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer are putting the finishing touches on their Opening Day roster, while remaining open to potential additions through waivers or trades. The Cubs, coming off a 92-win season and a postseason appearance, are aiming to contend immediately in 2026.

Roster Decisions and Ongoing Evaluations

Hoyer acknowledged Sunday that several roster spots remain fluid, particularly in the bullpen and with the infield depth. “There’s just a lot of movement around the league,” Hoyer said. “We’re trying to figure that out. We still have some balls in the air.”

The team currently has 38 players remaining in camp, with two exhibition games against the New York Yankees at Sloan Park scheduled before final cuts are made. The unusual nature of this spring training, disrupted by the World Baseball Classic and extreme heat, has added to the complexity of evaluating players.

Suzuki’s Status and Potential Impact

The status of outfielder Seiya Suzuki remains uncertain as he recovers from a posterior cruciate ligament sprain sustained during the World Baseball Classic. While his recovery is progressing, the Cubs are proceeding cautiously. “Things are moving in the right direction,” Hoyer said, “but it’s a long season, and we don’t wish to do anything for a couple days early that would hurt us later on.”

Suzuki is likely to initiate the season on the injured list, potentially opening opportunities for outfielders Dylan Carlson and Kevin Alcantara. Chas McCormick has been informed he will not make the Opening Day roster but is expected to remain in the organization with the Triple-A club.

Pitching Rotation and Bullpen Competition

The Cubs will begin the season with a five-man starting rotation consisting of Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Shota Imanaga, Edward Cabrera, and Jameson Taillon. Veteran Colin Rea, who provided valuable swingman depth last season, has a guaranteed spot on the pitching staff.

Ben Brown and Javier Assad are competing for the final spot in the bullpen. Both pitchers have been stretched out as potential starting pitching options, but Brown is currently favored.

Relievers Porter Hodge (right flexor strain) and Justin Steele could be transferred to the 60-day injured list to create roster space, though Hodge is expected to resume throwing soon and Steele’s potential return timeline is May 24th.

Infielder and Minor League Notes

The Cubs are considering whether to add an extra infielder to the roster. Matt Shaw could see increased playing time in right field if Suzuki is sidelined, potentially influencing the need for a versatile infielder off the bench. Nico Hoerner played shortstop on Friday, a move described by Counsell as “engaging.”

Jonathon Long, the organization’s 2025 minor-league player of the year, will begin the season in Triple-A as a backup to first baseman Michael Busch. Corbin Martin and Collin Snider have been assigned to minor-league camp. Ethan Conrad, the Cubs’ first-round pick in 2025, will be sidelined for approximately a month with a back injury.

Continued Monitoring of the Market

Despite a largely stable nucleus from last year’s team, the Cubs remain active in monitoring the waiver wire and potential trade opportunities. Hoyer emphasized the significant player movement around the league and the team’s desire to capitalize on any available upgrades.