3 roster battles the Cubs will answer by the end of this season

Cubs: Who will crack the bullpen from the current roster?

As things stand, there are zero locks from this current team to make the bullpen in 2023. Brandon Hughes is a pretty safe bet but the Cubs are comfortable with overhauling the unit and starting fresh.

Injuries have plagued the bullpen all season and that makes it even more difficult to gauge where things stand heading into the winter. Chicago is probably going to get some fresh arms in free agency and would be smart to give some young arms from the farm system a look as relief pitchers.

There is also a chance Keegan Thompson returns to the bullpen after a brilliant season as a starter. If he does stick in the rotation, the Cubs will have plenty of holes to fill out to close games.

Among the current players with a chance to prove something this season, Kervin Castro and Anderson Espinoza are the most exciting arms. Both are young pitchers that have enough talent to earn a spot for another season.

Everyone in the bullpen has had ups and downs this season so it is entirely possible that none of them make the initial roster for next season and spring training will be even more valuable for roster building.

Another name to monitor is Rowan Wick, a veteran who has put together some really nice stretches this season, but has also had his fair share of struggles. His next month will be critical for his role within the bullpen next season.