MESA, Ariz. — The Chicago Cubs enter spring training with high hopes, aiming to get through the season as healthy as possible.
For a team that returns the majority of last season’s 92-win squad, expectations are high. With most of their key players back, the Cubs have the necessary pieces to replicate another playoff appearance. However, there are still a few open spots on the roster that will keep things interesting in the coming weeks.

STARTING PITCHERS (5):

• LHP Matthew Boyd

• RHP Edward Cabrera

• RHP Cade Horton

• LHP Shota Imanaga

• RHP Jameson Taillon

The Cubs’ starting pitching is in a strong position heading into the new season. Despite left-hander Justin Steele being sidelined due to recovery from elbow surgery, he is on track to return by May or June. This creates a positive outlook for the team as they prioritize long-term health and depth, aiming for a deep postseason run.

Each pitcher in the current rotation has something to prove. Cabrera, Horton, and Boyd are focused on health and durability. Meanwhile, Imanaga looks to bounce back from previous struggles, and Taillon hopes to build upon a strong finish to the 2025 season. If injuries arise, the Cubs have depth options, such as Ben Brown, Javier Assad, Colin Rea, and Jordan Wicks. Keep an eye on Jaxon Wiggins, the top pitching prospect, as he may impact the roster in the second half of the season, especially if he continues to develop at Triple-A Iowa.

RELIEVERS (8):

• RHP Daniel Palencia

• RHP Hunter Harvey

• RHP Phil Maton

• RHP Colin Rea

• LHP Hoby Milner

• LHP Caleb Thielbar

• RHP Jacob Webb

• RHP Ethan Roberts

The Cubs made a significant investment in their bullpen during the offseason, as most of last year’s high-leverage arms are no longer with the team. As a result, there are still some open bullpen spots up for grabs. Harvey, Maton, Milner, Thielbar, Webb, and Palencia are all expected to be key contributors, with Palencia opening as the closer.

Currently, Rea is poised to be a long reliever. The Cubs have one bullpen spot still up for grabs, and whoever secures it will likely have minor-league options remaining, offering manager Craig Counsell and the Cubs flexibility. Ben Brown, Javier Assad, and Porter Hodge are likely to start the year at Triple-A Iowa to maintain their starting pitching depth. Keep an eye on Ethan Roberts, whose spring performances have been promising, along with Rolison, Hollowell, and Hodge, all of whom have MiLB options.

CATCHERS (3):

• Carson Kelly

• Miguel Amaya

• Moisés Ballesteros

While the Cubs’ catching group seems largely settled, Ballesteros presents an interesting case. The 22-year-old is an impressive hitter, but the Cubs have to decide whether to keep him on the roster in a primarily designated hitter role or allow him to continue developing at Triple-A Iowa as a regular catcher.

The Cubs remain high on Ballesteros’ bat, having carried him on the postseason roster last year and using him as a key left-handed pinch hitter. However, they are mindful of not sacrificing his development behind the plate. Ballesteros might earn a place on the opening-day roster, but if he does, expect a weekly start behind the plate to help his defensive growth while keeping Kelly and Amaya fresh.

INFIELDERS (5):

• Michael Busch

• Nico Hoerner

• Dansby Swanson

• Alex Bregman

• Matt Shaw

The Cubs boast one of the strongest infields in baseball, and there’s little uncertainty about how the starting infield will look. The only question is how Matt Shaw will be integrated into the lineup and what role he will play. Beyond that, the Cubs have Jonathon Long and Scott Kingery as depth options. Long, however, is dealing with a left elbow sprain and has been absent from Cactus League games since Feb. 21.

OUTFIELDERS (5):

• Seiya Suzuki

• Pete Crow-Armstrong

• Ian Happ

• Michael Conforto

• Dylan Carlson

A major change occurred with Tyler Austin’s knee surgery, creating a vacancy in the bench. The Cubs now have Conforto, Carlson, and McCormick fighting for two outfield spots. Conforto brings a strong track record despite a rough 2025 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. On the other hand, Carlson’s switch-hitting offers flexibility, and his spring performances (7-for-13, two doubles, five walks, three strikeouts) have been encouraging.

The Cubs are considering how minor-league option status could affect roster decisions, which means Carlson and Alcántara could start the season in Iowa. McCormick and Carlson can both play all three outfield positions, offering plenty of versatility.

IN CONCLUSION:
With Opening Day just a few weeks away, the Cubs’ roster is beginning to take shape. Many spots are already locked in, but several key battles, especially in the bullpen and bench, will define how the Cubs set up their 26-man roster.
Manager Craig Counsell has a tough task ahead, but with the depth and talent the Cubs possess, the team is poised to make another strong push for the postseason. March 26 against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field will mark the beginning of what promises to be another exciting season for the Cubs.