4 Cubs players who could lose their roster spot once Chicago makes their big move

The Chicago Cubs have yet to make a big move this offseason, and that could change as soon as this week. Tatsuya Imai's posting window closes on Friday, and it feels like that could be the reason why Chicago has been frugal with their spending this offseason.

If it's not Imai, then chances are it will be Alex Bregman, along with the trade for a cost-controlled starting pitcher. The point is that while the Cubs haven't exactly won the offseason yet, there are two clear paths that remain available to them and a strong chance that they take one of them.

4 Cubs who could lose their roster spot once Chicago makes their big move

Now, to be clear, with either scenario, there will be corresponding roster moves. While the Cubs have multiple open spots on their 40-man roster, Imai's arrival will likely push some up-and-down pitchers to Triple-A Iowa to open the season, and Bregman's arrival likely makes some of the team's top prospects available in trade talks.

Ben Brown

After the moves the Cubs made in their bullpen this offseason, Ben Brown's role on the 2026 roster is in question. It seemed like there was a scenario where Brown could've been developed into a bullpen ace for the Cubs next season, but they don't exactly need that. That could change, but if the Cubs do land Imai, it seems like that would guarantee that Brown opens the season in Iowa.

Javier Assad

Unlike Brown's ability to miss bats, the Cubs may not believe in Javier Assad's pitching profile anymore. That is likely one of the reasons why he was kept off the team's playoff roster. Assad has minor league options remaining, and for that reason, he still has value to the Cubs. But another addition to the major league pitching staff will push him even further down the totem pole.

Scott Kingery

As of now, Scott Kingery is on track to be the Cubs' super-utility man on the bench. That may not be far long. If the Cubs sign Alex Bregman, that pushes Matt Shaw into the utility role. Kingery would then become a depth option in the minors. Even if the Cubs don't add Bregman, they likely will make another addition that pushes Kingery out of the picture.

Moises Ballesteros

The Cubs aren't overly motivated to move Moises Ballesteros, but if they do sign Bregman, they likely will be trading for a cost-controlled starting pitcher. Such a trade would involve a prospect at the top of the Cubs' farm system, and Ballesteros will likely be among the first prospects asked about.