Cubs latest spring training cuts offer clarity for final Opening Day roster spots

The Chicago Cubs' Opening Day roster is coming into focus. With Moises Ballesteros and veteran Michael Conforto being informed over the weekend that they made the team, Sunday's roster cuts offer even more clarity for the final spots up for grabs. Considered to be a potential bench piece, utility infield prospect Jonathon Long was among those reassigned to minor-league camp.

There had been speculation in recent days that Long could find his way onto the Opening Day roster as the final bench piece. Instead, it would appear that former St. Louis Cardinals Dylan Carlson has all but earned that spot.

It's worth mentioning that Seiya Suzuki opening the season on the IL will lead to some early maneuvering for the Cubs roster. Chas McCormick remains in camp with the Cubs but is dealing with an injury that likely has taken him out of the Opening Day roster equation.

Veteran Owen Miller could also be a potential option. He is familiar with Craig Counsell from his time with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2023 and 2024, and would provide the Cubs with more infield depth. He's also capable of playing the corner outfield spots in both. Miller would require a corresponding move on the 40-man roster if they were to break camp with the team. Conforto will also need a corresponding move.

Wednesday is when the Cubs would be eligible to place Suzuki on the IL, so the final spot on the bench may not be determined until then. Regardless, whoever is tabbed for the spot likely would be in Chicago on a limited basis.

Ben Brown may have locked down the final bullpen spot on the Chicago Cubs' Opening Day roster.

Corbin Martin and Collin Snider entered spring training as two of the favorites to land the final spot in the bullpen, but neither had a consistent showing during camp. For Martin, the Cubs have been tweaking his mechanics this spring, so he could be an option in the bullpen later this season if he figures things out. Instead, it would seem that Ben Brown may have secured a spot with his impressive spring.

Brown has been a success story this spring, largely due to adding a sinker to his pitch-mix this offseason. While the Cubs remain confident that Brown could be an option in their starting rotation for 2026, his most valuable role to the team may be in the bullpen.