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2 players who don't deserve to be on the Cubs MLB roster and 2 who do
After the first five games of the season, there are certain players already not living up to expectations, along with some who have made notable contributions that need more credit. Of course, five games is a minuscule sample size, but regardless, if the Chicago Cubs wish to compete this season, it is imperative to keep track of who is holding the team back from success and who should be given a chance to propel the team to new heights. Let's look at two players who are undeserving of their roster spot, followed by two players who deserve a promotion.
2 players who don't deserve to be on the Cubs roster - 2. Drew Smyly
After an abysmal Spring Training and an even worse start to the regular season, Drew Smyly cracks the list first as a player undeserving of being on the main roster. Granted, Smyly doesn't have any options, plus he's on a new two-year deal for the Cubs, so the chances of him being removed are slim to none. In the opening series, Smyly gave up seven earned runs to the Brewers, and though he has shown flashes of brilliance in a Cubs uniform, the front office can not have this in the starting rotation this season.
Where Smyly won't be DFAed any time soon, a move to the bullpen is the route I can see coming to fruition, with a swap in roles between him and Javier Assad. Smyly has the leash, however, to turn things around, and it will have to be a prolonged stretch of underwhelming pitching from him for the front office to make a move this early in the season. Still, he has not looked like himself since Spring Training began, and the team needs him to get it together quickly.
2 players who don't deserve to be on the Cubs roster - 1. Edwin Rios
One thing the Cubs desperately need on the roster is more left-handed power. Thankfully, they have it in Edwin Rios, who carries a career .268 ISO. Unfortunately, Rios still doesn't have a hit through the season's first five games. Granted, he has only recorded six plate appearances, but that could also further indicate the front office's confidence in him as an everyday hitter. The Cubs have faced right-handed starting pitching in four of five games, so with Rios' lack of starts already, the margin for error is razor-thin.
At that point, if you're not going to have your lefty power bat start and be given a chance to get into a rhythm, then someone is more deserving of that roster spot. Patrick Wisdom has been off to a hot start for the Cubs, but still, the Cubs could make Rios a DH as well if they wanted to see more of him. Hopefully, we will see more from him soon; otherwise, his time as a Cub may be short-lived.
2 players who do deserve to be on the roster - 2. Jeremiah Estrada
First on the list of those who deserve a promotion and that was surprisingly left off the roster to begin the year is Cubs reliever Jeremiah Estrada. After a brilliant season in 2022 which saw Estrada climb the ladder from High-A up to the MLB with a combined 1.30 ERA in the minors across 48.1 innings, he followed up his call to the show with a 3.18 ERA in a small sample of 5.2 innings of work. So far in Triple-A Iowa this season, he has a 0.00 ERA in 2.2 frames.
Estrada has one of the brightest futures among Cubs relievers in the farm system. He will undoubtedly be back up at some point in the season, presumably upon an inevitable injury at the major league level. It would be surprising if the Cubs opted to DFA anybody so early in the season, but Estrada had no real reason why he didn't make the cut in the first place other than the Cubs' decision to sign multiple relievers.
2 players who do deserve to be on the roster - 1. Matt Mervis
Next, who deserves a promotion to MLB, without a doubt, is Matt Mervis. His success is well documented from a season ago. Still, to put less pressure on him immediately, the Cubs opted to sign Eric Hosmer as their left-hitting first baseman as a place-holder until they feel Mervis is genuinely ready. Hosmer has done just fine through the first handful of games on the Cubs roster, but Mervis has also continued to pick up where he left off in Triple-A.
Through four games into the Triple-A season, the Mervis already has two home runs, including a grand slam. Both of them have come off left-handed pitching, which only adds to the already sky-high potential Mervis possesses. At any point that Hosmer begins to struggle, and Mervis is still performing well, expect to see him in the MLB. With any chance to get into a rhythm, Mervis can be a key contributor for the Cubs in 2023.
Next. Chicago Cubs heading into unique schedule stretch beginning Friday. dark