4 Cubs players who should survive the offseason but enter 2027 with everything to prove

There will be a number of Chicago Cubs players who won't be back with the team in 2027, but the larger question of the Cubs is, of the players returning, who is capable of taking a step forward.

The Cubs are going to look different next season, Jed Hoyer admitted as much on Friday, but if there is going to be success, it will be due to the players they already have on their roster. Of the players who should be back with the Cubs, there's a number of them entering a decisive 2027. If things go well, they will have secured a spot with the Cubs moving forward. If not, it would seem likely that they will be playing elsewhere after the 2027 season.

4 Cubs players who should survive offseason changes but enter 2027 firmly under microscope

Edward Cabrera

Cabrera is among the Cubs' arbitration-eligible players, and even with his disappointing first season in Chicago, he's going to be tendered a contract. The Cubs wouldn't give up Owen Caissie for Cabrera just to give up on the starting pitcher less than a year later. That said, it's clear that the Cubs are aware that their plan for Cabrera this past season was a disaster for both the team and player. If that doesn't change in 2027, Cabrera's future in Chicago may already look bleak.

Ben Brown

When the 2026 season started, it felt like Brown was trending toward being out of the picture for the Cubs. Then, he opened the season as an effective bulk option in the bullpen, and upon his transition to the starting rotation, became the best pitcher on the Cubs' staff. The problem is that the neck injury that ended his 2024 season prematurely returned, and the Cubs are back at the drawing board with his treatment plan. If he's healthy, Brown should be a part of the Cubs core moving forward, but health is looking like a major question.

Miguel Amaya

With Carson Kelly likely landing a multi-year deal in free agency elsewhere this offseason, Amaya is positioned to be the Cubs' primary catcher in 2027. That could change if the Cubs determine catcher is how they can address their offense this season, but if not, next season is an important year for Amaya, who can finally prove that he is the long-term backstop for the Cubs. Something the Cubs have been afraid to commit to in the past.

Michael Busch

Busch had a fine season with the Cubs in 2026, but his bat was a non-factor for various stretches of the season. There's also the reality that his slugging percentage dropped by 130 points, and his ISO dropped by 109 points. The power completely disappeared from his offensive profile. It will need to return in 2027 if Busch truly is going to be the long-term answer at first base.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow