Changes are coming to not only the Chicago Cubs' 26-man roster, but their 40-man roster with the MLB trade deadline approaching. Given that the Cubs have several needs across their roster, there is going to be some creativity with how the Cubs juggle their roster for the remainder of the season. What we know is that the Cubs are in the market for a starting pitcher, a right-handed bat, and potentially another arm for the bullpen.
There will be moving parts, but most importantly, there will be players who are currently on the Major League roster that won't have a 40-man roster spot by the time the deadline passes.
These Cubs players are about to lose their 40-man roster spot
- Vidal Bruján, utility man
The primary reason why the Cubs, at the very least, will be adding another bat for their bench is because Vidal Bruján has continued being bad this season. When the Cubs acquired Bruján, the hope was that the change-of-scenery would help the former top prospect who hasn't been able to find offensive success. Bruján is hitting .184 with a wRC+ of 28, and will be off the roster when the Cubs add another bat to the mix.
- Reese McGuire, catcher
Reese McGuire has been a pleasant surprise for the Cub as they wait for Miguel Amaya to return from his oblique strain. Still, Carson Kelly was nearly an All-Star and Amaya is out of minor-league options. The Cubs won't be keeping three catchers on their 26-man roster, and McGuire almost certainly will be the odd man out. However, he might have some trade value.
- Jordan Wicks
With their handling of Jordan Wicks, the Cubs haven't been shy about the idea they have given up on their former top pitching prospect. Wicks has been called upon this season as an emergency arm when the Cubs suffered an injury to their pitching staff, however, he has been quickly demoted each time. The expectation is that Wicks will be in a part of a trade at the deadline.
- Jack Neely, RHP
Acquired by the Cubs as part of the Mark Leiter Jr. trade with the New York Yankees last season, it feels like Jack Neely might already be on the way out. Sitting with an ERA of 6.91 with the Iowa Cubs this season, Neely likely isn't in consideration for a recall to the Major League anytime soon.
