Chicago Cubs News: Cubs’ breakout candidates; Caratini’s role

The roster won’t have a lot of new faces, but there will still be some for the Chicago Cubs that can make an impact this season. Will Albert Almora be ready to take a step forward? Will Kyle Schwarber finally have that breakout FULL season?

It’s a small pool of players for the Chicago Cubs that may have the opportunity to make an impact. But the impact could be huge if they can come through. Players like Albert Almora, Dillon Maples and Kyle Schwarber all could play an importance in this year’s club. Can Almora step up and play centerfield every day? Or can Maples work his way into the bullpen?

The one player that is unsure of his role is catcher Victor Caratini. First, will he even have a spot on the big league roster? Or could he get beaten out by Chris Gimenez? There isn’t much that Caratini has left to do offensively at the minor league level. But the Cubs might want to see him make some more strides on the defensive side. The Cubs could go with a three-catcher model once again, but that seems unlikely. So where will Caratini end up?

The Cubs added a few players to minor-league deals this week. They added Efren Navarro, a journeyman who is a former 50th round pick. Last season, Navarro put up a .696 OPS with the Tigers. They also added Michael Roth on a minor league contract. Roth has appeared in just 23 games in his Major League career since making his debut in 2013.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Players that could break out in a big way for the Cubs’ – Cubbies Crib

‘What will Caratini’s role be?‘ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs continue to add depth’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Will the Angels retire Vlad’s No. 27?’ – MLB.com

‘Think the Cubs haven’t made any big additions?’ – ESPN

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