Cubs must answer these big questions heading into Spring Training 2.0

David Ross #3, Chicago Cubs (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
David Ross #3, Chicago Cubs (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Chicago Cubs
(Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs: More prospects are likely to get opportunities

On Sunday, all 30 big league clubs will submit the 60-man training rosters to the league. There are a number of players within the Cubs organization that have a chance to make the opening day roster that would likely not have if the season had started as normal. Here are a few players to look at.

Position Players:

Josh Phegley: The Cubs brought in the veteran catcher on a minor league deal in January. If they want to add a third catcher to the mix, he would be the first one with Miguel Amaya not having played above A ball.

Hernan Perez: Former Brewers utility man came to Cubs camp on a minor league deal back in December. Perez can play pretty much anywhere and is an above-average defender.

Ian Miller: This guy has a good chance to make the roster. Miller came into Cubs camp this year and really impressed at the plate. The speedy outfielder slashed .382/.462/.471 in 17 games. He can be used to pinch run late in games and come in late defensively as the last outfielder.

Pitchers:

Adbert Alzolay: The 24-year-old prospect was optioned back in spring, but it is reasonable to think he can get a shot at making the roster. He can be utilized in the bullpen to help build him up and hopefully can be a future starter in 2021 and beyond.

Duane Underwood: He is out of options and might be running out of time with the organization. He had worked on remaking himself into a reliever in Triple-A last season so he might have a chance to be part of the bullpen in 2020 if they want as much pitching depth as possible.

Casey Sadler: He was acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers in January and was designated for assignment. Like Underwood, he is out of options. Sadler last year pitched to a 2.14 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 31 strikeouts and 13 walks. Seems pretty safe to bet he will be on the roster.

Colin Rea: He was optioned back in spring after making the initial 40-man roster. Last season in Triple-A he made 26 starts and pitched to a 3.95 ERA, 1.4 WHIP and 7.3 K/9. Rea is one of the guys that was in discussion regarding the fifth spot in the rotation, though behind guys like Tyler Chatwood and Alec Mills.