With spring training just around the corner, the Chicago Cubs are nearing the finish line when it comes to shaping their Opening Day roster. Most of the heavy lifting appears to be done, but there’s still a chance for one more headline-making move – and if there is, Zac Gallen would be the name to watch.
Outside of that, expect the Cubs to keep working the edges of the market, looking for low-risk, high-upside additions. Think veteran outfield depth or another arm to bolster the pitching staff.
The Cubs have already seen a number of their former players find new homes this offseason – names like Kyle Tucker, Brad Keller, and Willi Castro are off the board. But there’s still a handful of ex-Cubs floating in free agency, and while most don’t make sense for a reunion, there’s one name that stands out as a realistic fit.
Mike Tauchman: A Familiar Face Who Still Fits
Even after bringing in Chas McCormick and Dylan Carlson on minor-league deals, the Cubs are still in the market for a steady fourth outfielder. Their reported interest in Austin Hays underscores that need. So why not revisit a player who already knows the system and delivered solid value last time around?
Mike Tauchman might actually be a better fit now than he was during his previous stint in Chicago. He’s a left-handed bat who can capably cover all three outfield spots, and he brings a level of defensive versatility and plate discipline that fits nicely with what the Cubs are trying to build. He’s not a star, but he’s the kind of glue guy that good teams rely on over a 162-game grind.
If the Cubs are still shopping for outfield depth, running it back with Tauchman makes a lot of sense. He’s not just a familiar name – he’s a practical solution.
Four Former Cubs Still Looking for a Team
While Tauchman remains a viable option, the same can’t really be said for several other former Cubs still lingering on the free-agent market. Here’s a look at four players with Cubs ties who are still unsigned – and unlikely to return to Wrigley.
Justin Turner
Turner’s 2025 season felt like the end of the road. He was essentially a player-coach presence in the clubhouse, and while that leadership has value, his production at the plate didn’t match.
A 71 wRC+ is a tough sell for any team, especially when you’re 41 years old. Turner reportedly still wants to play in 2026, but it won’t be in Chicago – and it’s hard to see many teams lining up before spring camps open.
DJ LeMahieu
LeMahieu’s Cubs tenure was brief – just a few games back in 2011 – but he’s forever linked to one of the more regrettable trades in recent franchise history. Now 37, LeMahieu’s final season in New York raised questions about his defensive mobility and overall durability. There’s always a team willing to take a flyer on a veteran with his résumé, especially if injuries start piling up in camp, but a reunion with the Cubs is off the table.
Jeimer Candelario
Candelario is another former Cubs prospect who already had a second act with the team. After being reacquired at the 2023 trade deadline, he started hot but cooled off significantly down the stretch.
His final numbers – including a 108 OPS+ – were solid, but the inconsistency left the front office hesitant to commit long-term. He’s still young enough to draw interest, but at this stage, he’s likely looking at a minor-league deal with a non-contender.
Marcus Stroman
There was a time when Stroman was the face of the Cubs’ rotation – an energetic, outspoken leader who thrived under the Wrigley spotlight. But things unraveled during his final season in Chicago, with trade rumors swirling and friction with the front office making headlines. He opted out after 2023, spent two seasons with the Yankees, and struggled mightily last year with a 6.23 ERA across nine starts before being released in August.
Stroman’s talent is undeniable, and teams are always on the hunt for pitching – even if it’s just to fill out depth charts. But the version of Stroman we saw last season isn’t the same one who once energized the North Side. He’ll probably get another shot, but the days of The Stro Show in Chicago are over.
As the Cubs put the finishing touches on their spring roster, most of the big decisions are already in the rearview mirror. But if there’s one more move to be made – whether it’s a reunion with Mike Tauchman or a surprise addition – it’ll be about fine-tuning, not overhauling. This front office has shown a knack for finding value on the margins, and with a few roster spots still up for grabs, there’s every reason to believe they’re not quite done yet.
