Chicago Cubs: Predicting how the postseason roster will shake out

Chicago Cubs: El Mago leads the team into October

Amongst position players, the locks are: Willson Contreras, Anthony Rizzo, Daniel Murphy, Javier Baez, David Bote, Kyle Schwarber, Albert Almora, Ben Zobrist, Ian Happ, Victor Caratini, and Tommy La Stella. You’ll note, rather conspicuously, three of our favorite and usual starters are nowhere to be found. That’s because they’re either on the DL or just coming off the DL.

If all goes well and they are healthy, there is no doubt Kris Bryant, Jason Heyward and Addison Russell will be on the roster and probably start most games (I say most, because the addition of Daniel Murphy, makes it possible that Javy may play shortstop until later in some games with Murphy at second base).

If, for some reason, KB, JHey or Addy can’t play or aren’t anywhere near 100 percent, it could pave the way for a Terrance Gore or even a Chris Coghlan to snag a roster spot if they have a good September. They have both “been there, done that” in those capacities. It’s also possible Joe could add an extra (probably left-handed) bullpen piece or a recently acquired Bobby Wilson, if healthy.