Chicago Cubs: What expanded rosters mean for this year’s club

Chicago Cubs: Former world champion back in the mix?

When someone who looked like Chris Coghlan was spotted on the back fields of the Cubs spring training complex in Arizona wearing a number 8 jersey there was some mystery as to if it really was him or not. It turns out it was Coghlan. He signed a minor league deal with the Cubs. It was a while before he even reported to Triple-A Iowa as he worked his way back from an injury.

This is the third time the Cubs have acquired Coghlan. The past two times Coghlan provided some much-needed offense to the Cubs lineup. This year its unclear if Coghlan will once again play at Wrigley Field. He’s only hitting .219 at Iowa. So he might not be worth clearing a spot on the 40-man roster.

Last season, Mike Freeman provided some depth at shortstop. Addison Russell was injured and Javier Baez was playing everyday. This year Russell is injured again and Baez is putting up MVP-like numbers. The Cubs are in the middle of a 23-day stretch without an off day. So Freeman might once again serve as Baez’s backup in September. That’s the reason the Cubs resigned him. However, just like so many other players I’ve mentioned in this post, Freeman isn’t currently on the Cubs’ 40-man.