Chicago Cubs: Roster still holds some mystery to it

Right-handed Situational Relief Pitcher

The Cubs have a solid set of relievers. That said, they have yet to identify a right-handed bullpen arm that will offer depth to that unit. This sort of pitcher would be able to close out lopsided games but would also have to be capable of getting big outs when the other bullpen arms were taxed. Last year, Justin Grimm served in this role. Unfortunately for him, he struggled more often than he flourished, which has opened the door for others.

The Contenders

Grimm (incumbent), Shae Simmons, Dillon Maples, Corey Mazzoni, Luke Farrell, Eddie Butler, Justin Hancock

The Battle

Grimm pitched to an ERA over 5.50 in 2017. Simply put, he has been unreliable and inconsistent throughout his career. Butler threw okay in 11 starts in 2017, but he isn’t a particularly deceptive thrower nor does he miss many bats. Farrell, Mazzoni and Hancock are more “camp arms” than contenders.

Simmons struggled in 9 games last season (in Seattle) but pitched very well in 2014 for Atlanta and has a live arm. Maples is a bit of a wildcard. He has been in the organization since 2012 but was lit up in his first stint in the majors. He does throw hard though and is considered to be on the rise. Ruling him out altogether would be a mistake.

The Verdict

I am in the camp that believes Grimm’s clock has struck midnight. Even a slight falter in the spring and he loses whatever edge he may have in this battle. While Maples will push, I think Shae Simmons winds up earning this role.

Left-Handed Specialist

When a power hitting lefty is up to bat late in a game, teams like to call on that lefty specialist. The Cubs roster is no different. Though they have two lefthanders already identified in their pen, both pitch righties tougher than they do lefties. For this reason, you can expect Madden to find a spot for that late inning specialist on the 2018 roster.

The Contenders

Justin Wilson (incumbent), Randy Rosario, Dario Alvarez, Rob Zastryzny, Kyle Ryan

The Battle

Wilson was unhittable for Detroit last season but struggled once arriving in Chicago.  Zastryzny has never been able to grab hold of a permanent roster spot despite multiple call-ups. No reason to believe 2018 will be different in that respect.

The 29-year old Alvarez is one to watch as he more fits the mold of a true lefty-on-lefty assassin. He has a nasty slider that he often throws, which can vex left-handed hitters when it’s right. Ryan, who came over when he was DFA’d by Detroit earlier this offseason, actually has a surprisingly strong track record. Rosario is a promising young arm from the Twins’ system (first pitched as a 17-year-old in 2011) who is probably a year or two away from being a regular.

The Verdict

Wilson but only barely. While I agree with many that Alvarez has a shot to steal the roster spot, I also like Kyle Ryan more than most. Above my affinity for both of the new lefties in camp, though, is my belief that new Cubs Pitching Coach Jim Hickey will right Wilson. But keep an eye on Alvarez in triple-A and look for Ryan to get a shot on someone’s 40-man roster after he pitches well this spring, even if the Cubs don’t make room for him.

Backup Catcher

Willson Contreras is quickly making a name for himself. He has become a very good all-around backstop, and I expect him to continue to grow in 2018, perhaps even earning his first All-Star selection. Still, a solid backup at this position is a necessity, even if only to reduce the wear on the starter.

Most believe Victor Caratini – who led Triple-A in average when he was called up last season – is the man who will serve in this role for years to come. But most also recognize he could use further minor league seasoning to develop defensively. That fact leaves this spot wide open.

The Contenders

Caratini, Chris Gimenez, Taylor Davis, Ian Rice, Ali Solis

The Battle 

Let’s get this out-of-the-way: Rice and Solis are in camp solely to get some innings and protect the others from overuse. They may well have great futures but are both still a long way away from consideration.

Davis has become somewhat of a Cubs MiLB icon and fan-favorite with his silly camera-staring routine, but his bat just doesn’t yet play at the next level. That leaves two, Caratini and Gimenez, as legitimate contenders.

The Verdict

Gimenez. In many ways, this may not be all that fair to Caratini. Gimenez was Yu’s personal catcher in Texas for a time, which gives him a clear edge. Gimenez isn’t known for his hitting prowess (career .218 hitter), but he is known as someone who can call a good game. He brings to the Cubs a veteran presence that will play well far beyond his stats behind the scenes.

Position Player Depth (2 Players)

The Cubs excel because of their versatility. Because of this, they have the luxury of truly focusing on role players in filling out their roster. I expect the Cubs to look to include at least one additional outfielder. They are likely to focus on a specific trait for the other spot. Whether that trait is speed, defense, or batting handedness is the real question.

The Contenders

OF Albert Almora (incumbent), OF Peter Bourjos, OF Mark Zagunis, OF Bijan Rademacher, UTIL Chesny Young, IF Tommy La Stella (incumbent), IF David Bote, C Caratini

The Battle

I just like Bijan’s name, so I felt like including him on this list. He hasn’t much of a shot. Bote would really have to show something incredible to earn a spot. Young is one of my personal favorites and can play pretty much everywhere on the diamond. He’s been somewhat of a revelation the past two seasons, but he still isn’t quite ready for the big leagues. Caratini, Zagunis, Almora, Bourjas, and La Stella are the options.

Next: Rizzo knows the Cubs have something to prove

The Verdict

Almora is in. His upside is too high to think they’ll slow play his talent any longer. Zagunis will be a featured player this spring, but that will most certainly be to showcase him as a trade chip. The real drama here will be which trait Madden values more: speedy vet, left-handed contact bat, switch hitter with some power.

I continue to secretly root for Bourjos. He’s the tough-nosed scrapper that ignites a clubhouse and a dugout. Caratini is destined to be their 26^th man, which leaves La Stella. If he continues to hit well this spring, it will be tough to keep him off the final Cubs roster.