Cubs in 7

Late March 2026 Cubs Roster Predictions

By

Robert Erickson

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I’ve been travelling for the last 10 days – including a trip to Sloan Park – and in that time, many of the roster decisions have been made. A couple of pitchers who have been doing well, Gavin Holloway and Ethan Roberts, have been sent down. And Moises Ballesteros had been told he will make the roster.

There are still a few question marks, especially with the injury to Seiya Suzuki which might land him on the IL to start the season. The final bullpen spot is still up for grabs, although some recent player usage may have offered some hints.

Locks (21):

As stated, Moises Ballesteros has been told he will make the team out of Spring. He will be the every day DH against lefties, and might see some time at catcher, but most likely only in a late game scenario if the Cubs are using on of their primary catchers as a DH.

I’m also moving Hoby Milner into the locked category, as the Cubs needs a 2nd lefty in their bullpen, and Luke Little, Ryan Rolison and Riley Martin have all been sent to the minors. Milner has been the best of the Cubs lefty relievers this spring, but Caleb Thielbar will continue to get the higher leverage appearances.

Beyond Suzuki, the only question mark in my mind is Jameson Taillon. His terrible Spring could lead to some kind of move from the Cubs. If they can isolate that it is a some kind of physical issue, I could see an IL stint and then minor league rehab assignment. If he continues to struggle, but it is not a health issue, he might have to go to the bullpen.

Near Locks (1)

Carlson has been the best of the potential 4th outfielders this Spring, batting .316/.447./.815. The lack of slugging is a little concerning, but his ability to switch hit and get on base makes him a great candidate to make the roster. The Suzuki injury could be interesting, as if he starts on the IL, it opens the door for Carlson to compete for starts early in the season.

Probables (1)

Webb was a free agent pickup and has had a decent spring. I think he makes the team, but would be a candidate to be replaced based on his early season performance.

Possibles (6)

Here is where things get very interesting. There is one more spot left for a position player, with a second opening up if Seiya goes on the IL.

Here is the latest 4th-OF-O-Meter:

PlayerPAHRRunsRBIOPS
Kevin Alcantara37154.849
Dylan Carlson47063.815
Michael Conforto29021.635
Chas McCormick37144.605
Justin Dean29031.480

After a slow start, Kevin Alcantara has had a nice spring, slashing .324/.378/.471. I think the organization would prefer that he get regular at bats in Iowa, but if Suzuki goes on the IL, I see the possibility that Alcantara could be the starting right fielder for the Cubs. But, at this point, I think the Cubs go with Conforto, leaning on his historic performance.

McCormick has not done enough this spring, in my opinion, to make the roster. It would be nice to have him as depth in the organization, but I would not be surprised if he moves on.

I had Jon Long in the Very Unlikely group due to his early Spring injury, but it would make sense to have someone who is right-handed available to play first base.

I think Ben Brown gets the last bullpen spot. The Cubs recently used him for a 1-inning stint, as opposed to a start. While he still has the occasional period of wildness, he gets lots of strikeouts. Assad will probably be starting in Iowa, and will be the first man up if there is injury or ineffectiveness anywhere in the rotation (cough…Jameson Taillon…cough). If a starter goes down, I think Rea gets that spot and Assad would fill in as the swingman.

Unlikely (7)

I really want to move BJ Murray up to possible, but I can’t quite get there. He can play first, and switch hit, but despite a strong spring, I still think he starts the year in Iowa.

Kingery has been OK, and I would like to see him stay in the Cubs organization. But I can’t see him making the roster unless they really want his positional flexibility.

For the non-roster relievers, I don’t think we get a Brad Keller this year. Trent Thornton did not pitch this spring as he continues to recover. Corbin Martin (8.10 ERA), Collin Snider (5.14 ERA) and Jeff Brigham (4.50 ERA) may not have impressed enough. The Cubs may need 3 spots for players not on the 40-man roster (although Tyler Austin and/or Justin Stelle could go on the 60-man IL to open 1 or 2 spots). Ben Cowles and Justin Dean might be cut, but is their anyone else on the roster that is expendable?

Very unlikely (4)

Yang and Miller were brought in for some depth in Arizona, but I don’t think either have consideration for making the team.

Velasquez has gotten a few innings this spring, but I see him and Wright as potential depth starters in Iowa.

Sent to Minors / No Chance (18)

Rojas and Ramirez have great springs, and I’m excited to see how they do in the minors.

Little was my sleeper to make a roster spot, but he just can’t find his command. Hollowell looked very good in his first few outings, and could be in Chicago at some point this season. I’ve probably underrated Ethan Roberts, but he also pitched well, and showed lots of movement with his pitches. But he will also start the year in Iowa.

No big surprises in this group, really.

Injuries (5)

Hodge and Wicks were likely headed to Iowa, even without their injuries. There is still a chance that Austin and/or Steele could head to the 60-day IL to open up roster sports for a couple non-roster players.

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