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.
Cubs: Pitching prospects are on the way and will fortify the staff
NOTE: We will not go too deep into top prospect arms who got a small taste of the Majors this year since they will likely all be back. Included mostly veterans and some younger arms with larger sample size.
Marcus Stroman: Yes
Under contract and will be a veteran anchor in the middle of the rotation.
Justin Steele: Yes
Arguably the best storyline of the 2022 Cubs was Steele’s dominance in the second half. He is part of the future.
Kyle Hendricks: Yes
He has not pitched in months and struggled when he did, but the guess is he is here next year. He is under contract and has very little trade value right now. He will have a chance to return to form in 2023.
Drew Smyly: No
He has been a very nice addition, and a little while back looked like solid value to bring back in 2023. However, his performance might encourage him to seek a bit more money in 2023 and the Cubs might not want to risk it because of his injury history. Unless the mutual option is accepted.
Keegan Thompson: Yes
Had some nice starts throughout the year, could be a reliable swing man on the staff.
Wade Miley: No
On paper a real good pickup in the offseason, but unfortunately he spent most of the year injured.
Adrian Sampson: Yes
He has had himself a really solid season as a starter, and has earned a shot at the team next year.
Brandon Hughes: Yes
Seems likely he will get another look after a solid debut season. There are some kinks to work on but overall has produced well.
Mark Leiter Jr: No
Had his ups and downs as a starter and reliever, probably not back.
Rowan Wick: No
Had some big struggles at times this year, and it might do both sides good to part ways.
Javier Assad: Yes
He might not be a top prospect but he has had a nice start to his MLB career. Assad should get another look next year.
Manny Rodriguez: Yes
It has not always been pretty, but he has solid stuff. Cubs could try to work with him and see what he can do over a full season in 2023 to make final judgements on his future.
Alec Mills: No
Was part of the organization for several years and did some really solid work early on, but prior to getting injured this year he was mainly relegated to mop-up duty. Another ship that has sailed.
Sean Newcomb: No
Change of scenery sadly did not work here.
Steven Brault: No
When he did pitch, he was fine…though it was only nine appearances.
Adbert Alzolay: Yes
He spent the year hurt, but he has worked his way back and is still a solid potential arm for the staff. Last year we has he has the stuff, just needs consistency.
As mentioned before, some of this is guess work The offseason could get wild and the unexpected happens. Hopefully they stay true to their word and make significant additions.