Cubs: Who will stay and whose days are coming to an end in Chicago?

As the Cubs wind down the 2022 season, we begin to really look forward to 2023. The feeling around baseball is that the North Siders will bring in some big names this offseason. Right now we take our best guesses at which key players from the current roster will return to the organization next year. Some predictions feel like a coin flip, while others seem more set in stone.

Note: Prospects on the 40-man roster who have yet to make their MLB debut are not included.

Cubs: Infielders

Willson Contreras: Yes

He is set to hit free agency for the first time in his career, and has gotten no extension offers so far. There is also the qualifying offer…which could make things interesting. It just seems that if the Cubs are willing to spend, they would not want to let their All-Star catcher walk. Optimistic about this one.

P.J. Higgins: Yes 

The top level catching depth in the organization is pretty thin, and Higgins has done some solid work this year, while showing he can also play multiple positions. He has years of control, and it would not be surprising if he is back with the organization next year.

Yan Gomes: Yes

The team’s veteran catcher is under contract next year and will serve the same role.

Alfonso Rivas: Yes

His role with the team will most likely be limited to team depth and/or a bench platoon player.

Frank Schwindel: No

After tearing it up in the final months of 2021, he struggled at the plate this year and was eventually sent down to Iowa. The ship has probably sailed.

Nick Madrigal: Yes

He is under control through 2026 and was part of the significant Craig Kimbrel trade in 2021. Things could get complicated depending on what moves on the infield are made, but for now, count him in.

David Bote: No

He is under contract through 2025, though it is not a lot of money. Him staying as depth would not be surprising, but his offensive production has not been great over the past few years and eating the money could be what they decide to do.

Nico Hoerner: Yes

The team’s best player will be here, even if he has to slide over to another position.

Christopher Morel: Yes

His actual role going forward is a bit up in the air (it sounds as if they might be envisioning a super-utility, Ben Zobrist-like role for him), but no reason to believe he will not be here if he is not a piece in a trade.

Zach McKinstry: No

He has hit well in recent weeks, but things are going to potentially get crowded. Do not rule him out returning to the organization, but it feels up in the air after a small sample size.

Patrick Wisdom: No

The team’s best power producer has done more than we could have imagined since last year, but the days of the bridge are potentially coming to an end and the hot corner could be manned by a big name in 2023.

Cubs: Mixed bag of returning faces in the outfield.

Seiya Suzuki: Yes

Under contract, not going anywhere.

Ian Happ: Yes

The 2022 All-Star has one more year of arbitration eligibility. Whether or not extension talks get serious, chances of him being a Cub on Opening Day seem very solid.

Jason Heyward: No

Jed Hoyer has made it clear that Heyward and the Cubs will part ways next year. He is under contract through next season, but he will be playing in another uniform on Chicago’s dime.

Rafael Ortega: No

For someone who had spent years bouncing around, he was a solid enough hitter as a Cub. That said, the Cubs will likely be moving on in 2023.

Franmil Reyes: No

This could go either way. Reyes has great power and has hit pretty well as a Cub, but if they are busy in the offseason and prospects come up, there just might not be a spot to fit him in next year. Though he could return at a very good value. We will see with this one.

Nelson Velázquez: Yes

Still only 23, the Cubs will want to see how he potentially progresses next year.

Michael Hermosillo: No

Cubs gave him another shot this year. Unfortunately, he missed a lot of time due to injury and the bat never came around.