4 Cubs players stepping onto the playoff stage for the first time in their careers

It wasn't easy, but the Chicago Cubs have secured their spot in the playoffs. In the coming days, Jed, Craig Counsell, and the other decision-makers in the team's front office will construct the playoff roster.

Of course, if the Cubs had their wish, they would be entering the playoffs with a healthy Cade Horton and Justin Steele in their rotation. Instead, the Cubs approach the NL Wild Card series healthier than they've been at any other point this season. Perhaps Steele makes an appearance this weekend, but with how Jed Hoyer has sounded in the past week, the impression is that he won't have a role of consequence.

Here are the Cubs players who are about to play in the postseason for the very first time

Given that the Cubs were in the playoffs last year, and the lack of turnover across their roster, there's not many players on their roster who haven't played in a playoff game. Most of the Cubs' roster has playoff experience, but there are a few players who are going to get a taste for the very first time.

Pedro Ramirez

Depending on the status of Alex Bregman, there's a chance that Pedro Ramirez is the starting third baseman for the Cubs on Tuesday. Ramirez got the bulk of the starts in Bregman's absence last week, and if the veteran is forced to DH, the rookie figures to be in the starting lineup.

Ryan Zeferjahn

Outside of Bregman's injury, the biggest question the Cubs have as the playoffs approach is in their bullpen. The Cubs acquired Ryan Zeferjahn with the hope that he could be an answer for the team during the later innings of games during the playoffs. It also helps that he's under control through the 2031 season. After a rough start with the Cubs, Zeferjahn has been much better in September and has moved toward Craig Counsell's circle of trust.

Ryan Rolison

Ryan Rolison has become the go-to option for the Cubs against left-handed hitters. That wasn't always the plan for the Cubs, considering Caleb Thielbar and Hoby Milner were on their Opening Day roster, but Rolison has been a diamond in the rough for Craig Counsell this season.

Javier Assad

It's been another up-and-down season for Javier Assad, considering he's been one of the few pitchers on the roster with minor-league options remaining. The time for roster gymnastics is over, and with Edward Cabrera likely pitching himself out of the team's playoff plans, Assad should be a factor in the bullpen.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow