3 players who won't make Chicago Cubs' Opening Day roster

The "Summer of Mike Tauchman" was a fun story during the 2023 season for the Chicago Cubs but it may not be renewed for 2024.

Chicago Cubs v Milwaukee Brewers
Chicago Cubs v Milwaukee Brewers | Matt Dirksen/GettyImages
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Cactus League play opened on Friday for the Chicago Cubs as the team cruised to victory over the Chicago White Sox after opening the game with six runs in the first inning.

The starting lineup for the game was not completely reflective of what the starting lineup will be on Opening Day as shortstop Dansby Swanson, right fielder Seiya Suzuki, and second baseman Nico Hoerner did not play.

It was a game where the Cubs' future was on display as center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, infielder Matt Shaw, right fielder Alexander Canario, and shortstop Luis Vazquez were all a part of the starting nine for the team on Friday.

Friday was a reminder that the players that Cubs fans will see frequently during Spring Training games over the next month likely will not be on the Major League roster on Opening Day.

Cubs that won't be on the Opening Day roster: Miles Mastrobuoni

Mastrobuoni was a favorite of former manager David Ross last season as the utility infielder received an Opening Day start in right field and that was the first of many times where Ross erred in placing his confidence in the fringe Major League player.

With Christopher Morel now getting a run at being the everyday third baseman, Mastrobuoni's value on the Cubs' Opening Day roster has diminished. Mastrobuoni had 1 home run in 149 plate appearances last season and for a Cubs' roster that lacks power, priority may be given to Dominic Smith and David Peralta in terms of securing spots on the bench.

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