Early look at a potential Cubs Opening Day roster

CHICAGO – The Cubs have not claimed the National League Central crown in a full season since winning back-to-back division titles in the 2016 and ‘17 campaigns. The North Siders believe that this year’s cast has the potential to end that drought.

With the signing of third baseman Alex Bregman, plus the additions of starter Edward Cabrera and a pile of relievers, among others, Chicago is hopeful that it can build on last season’s 92-win showing and abbreviated playoff run. That snapped the Cubs’ four-year postseason hiatus. Winning the division is the next task.

With Spring Training here, this is an early glimpse into how the Cubs’ 26-man roster could look come Opening Day. Throughout Spring Training, MLB.com will revisit this projection to account for developments that arise in the coming weeks.

Catcher (3): Miguel Amaya, Moisés Ballesteros, Carson Kelly

Amaya and Kelly formed a strong catching tandem early on last season before injuries shortened Amaya’s campaign. If healthy, they give Chicago a solid duo for a potential timeshare behind the plate. Ballesteros (Pipeline’s top Cubs prospect and No. 55 overall) is third on the depth chart, but projects mainly as a designated hitter out of the gates.

First baseman (1): Michael Busch

The 28-year-old Busch enjoyed a breakout performance in his second season with the Cubs, launching 34 homers with 90 RBIs and an .866 OPS. He is a solid defender at first base and found a home in the lineup’s leadoff spot down the stretch and into the playoffs.

Second baseman (1): Nico Hoerner

The veteran Hoerner is coming off his best all-around season (6.2 bWAR) in which he won a Gold Glove Award, contended for a batting title and garnered some down-ballot MVP votes. Hoerner provides an elite contact bat and is versatile enough defensively to also serve as the Cubs’ backup at short.

Shortstop (1): Dansby Swanson

Swanson enters his fourth season with the Cubs after appearing in 159 games in ‘25 for the North Siders. The veteran shortstop belted 24 homers and continued to play elite defense at short, helping anchor a Chicago squad that took home the team Gold Glove Award in the NL last year.

Third baseman (1): Alex Bregman

Bregman was the Cubs’ primary target this offseason and agreed to join the fold via a five-year, $175 million contract in free agency. The veteran third baseman brings a reliable bat, solid defense and a reputation for impactful leadership behind the scenes. Bregman is a three-time All-Star, two-time World Series champ and one-time Gold Glove winner.

Outfielders (3): Pete Crow-Armstrong, Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki

Crow-Armstrong found stardom last summer, getting voted into the NL’s All-Star lineup and winning his first Gold Glove Award in center. He also became the first Cubs player in history to have 30 homers, 30 doubles and 30 steals in one season. Happ took home a fourth straight Gold Glove for his play in left, and Suzuki (32 homers and 103 RBIs) had another strong tour.

DH: Multiple players

Ballesteros will likely get the bulk of his at-bats as a DH, but gives Chicago a third catching option as well. Expect manager Craig Counsell to also rotate a variety of players in and out of the DH role as a form of rest.

Bench/Utility (3): Tyler Austin, Chas McCormick, Matt Shaw

With Bregman aboard, Shaw moves into a super utility role for multiple infield spots and will work on the outfield this spring, too. Austin signed a one-year deal to offer depth for first base and the outfield, especially against lefties. McCormick (non-roster invitee) will have competition for a backup outfield job in Kevin Alcántara, Justin Dean and Dylan Carlson (NRI).

Starting Pitchers (5): Matthew Boyd, Edward Cabrera, Cade Horton, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon

Cabrera was the big addition this winter, coming to the Cubs via trade from the Marlins. Boyd is coming off an All-Star campaign, Horton was the NL’s Rookie of the Year runner-up last year and Taillon ended the year strong, including an impressive postseason. Imanaga returned by accepting the qualifying offer and will be looking to bounce back after a rocky season.

Relief Pitchers (8): Ben Brown, Hunter Harvey, Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Daniel Palencia, Colin Rea, Caleb Thielbar, Jacob Webb

With the bulk of last season’s relief corps no longer in the fold, the Cubs overhauled their bullpen during the winter. Harvey, Maton, Milner and Webb all signed free-agent deals with Chicago. Thielbar re-signed via a one-year deal. Palencia grew into a late-inning arm last year and should get a similar opportunity this season. Brown and Rea are among the swingman candidates (along with Javier Assad and Jordan Wicks) behind the main rotation group. Porter Hodge will also be vying for a job, along with a pack of rostered arms and non-roster invitees.