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

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.