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Rosters officially expanded on Monday, and the Chicago Cubs were busy with the additions of Carlos Santana, Aaron Civale, and Kevin Alcantara. All three of the moves the Cubs made on Monday came with a degree of question, as they didn't really align with where the Cubs' roster already stood, but Craig Counsell provided some answers before the team's extra-inning victory over the Atlanta Braves.
Civale gives the Cubs added depth for their pitching staff as they work through the recoveries of Jameson Taillon and Michael Soroka. Each is expected to return before the end of the season, and Civale will provide the Cubs with an emergency option in case they need a spot starter.
The arrivals of Santana and Alcantara is what led to most of the questions.
Craig Counsell intimated that Kevin Alcantara will play CF against certain LHP. Alcantara is considered a well above average defender. Carlos Santana will platoon some with Michael Busch in some platoon situations at 1B.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) September 1, 2025
These new Cubs roster picks say everything about Craig Counsell’s plan
When news first broke that the Cubs were signing Santana, many were up in arms, considering the odd fit it created with Justin Turner already on the roster. Conventionally, it makes sense why the most raise arms, but strip the idea that Turner is already on the roster, and look at what has been the biggest weakness of the Cubs' offense this entire season: their bench. Sure, Santana's struggles this season don't make him an obvious fit, but he provides a level of power to the Cubs' bench that they haven't had all season. Beyond that, when there is a platoon situation with Michael Busch at first, Santana's defense at the position makes him a better option than Turner.
Alcantara was a more curious fit, considering the Cubs already had Owen Caissie on the roster. Caissie very much remains the successor to Kyle Tucker in right field, but for the spot he currently holds on the Major League roster, Alcantara is better suited for that role. Alcantara, unlike Caissie, can play center field in addition to each corner outfield spot, and would be an option against left-handed pitchers.
None of the moves the Cubs made over the last several days should be considered a dream scenario, but for what the team is facing, the logic behind each of those decisions makes sense for where this team wants to be in October.