Javier Assad’s Quest for a Spot on the Cubs’ Opening Day Roster: Can He Make It?

The start of the 2026 MLB season is fast approaching, and as teams finalize their rosters, Chicago Cubs pitcher Javier Assad finds himself in a precarious position. While he’s shown a great deal of consistency and promise since his debut in 2022, the 28-year-old right-hander faces tough competition for a spot on the Cubs’ Opening Day roster.

Assad’s Consistency and Track Record: A Steady Presence on the Mound

Javier Assad’s journey to the big leagues has been impressive, as the young pitcher has proven to be a reliable arm for the Cubs since his arrival. Over his first four seasons, Assad has maintained a solid 3.43 ERA and racked up 271 strikeouts in 78 appearances, 54 of which were starts. In all of these seasons, his ERA has been below 3.75, a testament to his ability to consistently get the job done when called upon.

Last season, despite missing the first half of the year due to an oblique strain, Assad came back strong in mid-August. He made eight appearances, including seven starts, and finished with a respectable 3.65 ERA. His resilience and ability to bounce back from injury demonstrate his value as a dependable pitcher for the Cubs.

However, despite his strong track record, Assad finds himself on the outside looking in when it comes to a spot on the Cubs’ Opening Day roster.

Cubs’ Rotation Set: Assad Faces Stiff Competition

Heading into the 2026 season, the Cubs have already solidified their five-man rotation. Cade Horton, Matthew Boyd, Edward Cabrera, Jameson Taillon, and Shota Imanaga are all set to take the mound as starters for the team. This leaves Assad in a difficult position, as he is not part of the rotation and currently lacks a clear role in the starting lineup.

This leaves the 28-year-old as more of a depth piece, available to step into the rotation should an injury occur. With the Cubs having solidified their rotation, Assad’s chances of making the Opening Day roster as a starting pitcher are slim.

Bullpen Battle: Assad’s Path to the Roster

Although Assad may not fit into the Cubs’ rotation plans at the start of the season, there is still a glimmer of hope for him to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster. The bullpen battle is fierce this spring, and Assad is competing for one of the final spots in the Cubs’ relief corps. With seven bullpen spots already essentially locked in, the remaining place on the roster is up for grabs.

The Cubs’ bullpen will feature pitchers like Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Caleb Thielbar, Hunter Harvey, Jacob Webb, Daniel Palencia, and Colin Rea. These arms are expected to make the roster, leaving one final spot available. The competition for this last bullpen role is tight, with Assad battling other pitchers like Ben Brown, Gavin Hollowell, Ryan Rolison, and Corbin Martin.

Assad’s Edge in Experience: A Strong Candidate, but Not the Favorite

What sets Assad apart from many of the other pitchers vying for that final bullpen spot is his experience at the Major League level. Of all the pitchers competing for the bullpen role, Assad has the most consistent track record in the big leagues. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver quality innings is something the Cubs value. However, Assad’s path to the bullpen may still be far from certain.

The Cubs already have Colin Rea, a pitcher who can provide length in the bullpen, and they may not want to carry two pitchers who are more accustomed to starting than relieving. Having a second pitcher who’s more of a traditional starter could create a logjam in the bullpen, and it’s likely the Cubs will opt for a more traditional setup with one long reliever and a mix of shorter inning specialists.

Triple-A Could Be Assad’s Opening Day Destination

Given the competition for that final bullpen spot and the Cubs’ need for more traditional relievers, Assad may be destined for Triple-A to begin the season. While it’s certainly possible that an injury or unforeseen change in the roster could open a door for him, Assad is likely to start the 2026 season in the minors, where he can continue to work on his game and stay ready for a potential call-up.

The Cubs’ bullpen situation is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the new season, and while Assad has shown himself to be a reliable arm in the past, the team’s preference for traditional bullpen arms may leave him waiting for his opportunity.

Will Assad Get the Call? A Question of Depth and Opportunity

For Javier Assad, making the Cubs’ Opening Day roster is all about depth and opportunity. While his resume is impressive, he finds himself competing against a number of pitchers who have more traditional bullpen experience. It’s clear that the Cubs value Assad’s consistency and his ability to step into the rotation when needed, but there’s simply not enough room for him in the bullpen unless the team decides to carry an unconventional roster.

As the Cubs head into spring training, the battle for that final bullpen spot will be one to watch. Assad’s chances may seem slim, but in the ever-changing world of Major League Baseball, there’s always a chance that things can shift. Whether it’s due to injury, a change in performance, or a shift in the team’s strategy, Assad could still find himself on the Opening Day roster.

For now, though, it looks like he’ll be competing for that spot down to the wire. And while his future with the Cubs remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Assad will continue to be a key piece of the Cubs’ pitching depth, ready to step in whenever the team needs him most.

In the ever-competitive environment of professional baseball, there are no guarantees. But if anyone has proven they can handle the pressure and come through when called upon, it’s Javier Assad.