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IMAGE: Chicago Cubs third base Matt Shaw (6), first base Michael Busch (29), shortstop Dansby Swanson (7), and pitcher Ben Brown (32) shake hands after a victory against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. \/ Jordan Godfree \/ Imagn Images<\/p>\n
The Chicago Cubs have been relatively quiet this offseason, but that silence might not last much longer. With the posting window for Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai closing this Friday, all signs point to a potential splash in the coming days. Whether it\u2019s Imai or a push for a high-profile name like Alex Bregman, the Cubs are circling two very different-but equally significant-paths to reshape their roster heading into 2026.<\/p>\n
And when that move comes-because it feels more like when than if-it\u2019s going to shake up the depth chart. The Cubs still have open spots on the 40-man roster, but any big addition will trigger a ripple effect, especially among fringe players and top prospects. Let\u2019s dig into four names who could find themselves on the outside looking in once Chicago makes its move.<\/p>\n
Ben Brown: A Bullpen Arm in Limbo<\/p>\n
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Ben Brown entered the offseason as a potential breakout bullpen weapon, but the Cubs have been busy reinforcing that group already. With new additions crowding the relief corps, Brown\u2019s path to a major league role is getting narrower by the day.<\/p>\n
Now, if the Cubs land Imai, that likely seals Brown\u2019s ticket to Triple-A Iowa to start the season. It\u2019s not necessarily a knock on his talent-Brown has shown the ability to miss bats-but the numbers game is real. The Cubs simply may not need him in the big-league bullpen right away, especially with more proven arms now in the mix.<\/p>\n
Javier Assad: A Valuable Arm, But Sliding Down the Ladder<\/p>\n
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Javier Assad\u2019s situation is a little different. While he\u2019s got a more contact-heavy profile compared to Brown, the Cubs appear to be cooling on what he brings to the rotation or bullpen long-term. His omission from the playoff roster was telling.<\/p>\n
That said, Assad still holds value thanks to his remaining minor league options. He\u2019s a flexible piece, and that\u2019s always useful over the course of a long season.<\/p>\n
But if another starter is added-especially one with top-of-the-rotation upside-Assad likely gets pushed further down the depth chart. He\u2019s still in the picture, just not front and center.<\/p>\n
Scott Kingery: The Utility Role May Be Spoken For<\/p>\n
Scott Kingery is currently penciled in as the Cubs\u2019 Swiss Army knife off the bench, but that role could vanish quickly if the team brings in Bregman. Why? Because Bregman\u2019s arrival would likely shift Matt Shaw into a utility role, and Shaw\u2019s upside gives him the edge.<\/p>\n
Even if Bregman doesn\u2019t land in Chicago, the Cubs are expected to make another move that could impact Kingery\u2019s standing. He\u2019s a versatile player with experience, but he\u2019s also the kind of depth piece who can be stashed in the minors when roster spots get tight.<\/p>\n
Moises Ballesteros: A Prospect With Trade Value<\/p>\n
Moises Ballesteros isn\u2019t in danger of losing a roster spot in the traditional sense-he\u2019s one of the Cubs\u2019 top prospects and a name that excites scouts. But if the Cubs do go big, especially with a Bregman signing, a trade for a cost-controlled starting pitcher could follow. And Ballesteros would be one of the first names other teams ask about.<\/p>\n
The Cubs aren\u2019t necessarily eager to move him, but they know it\u2019ll take real talent to get real talent. Ballesteros could be part of that equation. He\u2019s a bat-first catcher with upside, and that makes him a valuable chip in any serious trade talks.<\/p>\n
So while the Cubs haven\u2019t made their move just yet, the groundwork is clearly being laid. Whether it\u2019s a splashy signing, a strategic trade, or both, the roster is about to shift-and when it does, players like Brown, Assad, Kingery, and Ballesteros could find themselves in very different positions than they are today.<\/p>\n
Stay tuned. The quiet part of the Cubs\u2019 offseason may be just about over.<\/p>\n
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IMAGE: Chicago Cubs third base Matt Shaw (6), first base Michael Busch (29), shortstop Dansby Swanson (7), and pitcher Ben Brown (32) shake hands after a victory… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":132466,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-132465","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\n