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4 Chicago Cubs players who don't deserve to be on 2023 40-man roster
4 Chicago Cubs players who don't deserve to be on 2023 40-man roster: Ethan Roberts
Admittedly, this is more of a formality than an indictment of Ethan Roberts. Roberts' season ended after only 9 appearances out of the bullpen last season due to an elbow injury. Robert underwent Tommy John Surgery and it would seem that the second half of the season would be an optimistic target for when Roberts could return to action. Though, even then, it would seem that Cubs would prefer for Roberts to find his footing with Triple-A Iowa before returning to the Major League level.
It seems inevitable that the Cubs will place Roberts on the 60-Day IL once the season starts and that will move him from the 40-man roster. Roberts posted an 8.22 ERA prior to this injury last season and given the signing of Brad Boxberger and the health of Adbert Alzolay, the Cubs likely have their fill of right-handed relievers in the bullpen.
4 Chicago Cubs players who don't deserve to be on 2023 40-man roster: Nick Madrigal
The Cubs may have tipped their hand regarding the plan for Nick Madrigal in 2023 at the team's convention last month. Cubs' president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer told reporters that the plan was for Madrigal to receive reps at third base in Spring Training. Since then, Madrigal has been spotted at the team's facility in Arizona working at third base.
Madrigal slashed .249/.305/.282/.267 wOBA/70 wRC+ in 228 plate appearances with the Cubs last season. Madrigal's hit tool was positive for the Cubs during the second half of the season but his lack of ability to find the gaps and hit for power may limit his true impact. The Cubs have an opening at third base but with their need for power, Patrick Wisdom and Christopher Morel likely will get most of the playing time at the position.
4 Chicago Cubs players who don't deserve to be on 2023 40-man roster: Eric Hosmer
One of the primary goals of the Cubs' offseason was to improve their production at the first base position. The Cubs' first attempt to solve the problem was signing veteran first baseman Eric Hosmer to the league minimum after he was designated for assignment by the Boston Red Sox last month. Hosmer, despite the regressing power and fielding metrics, still represents a league-average bat and that would be an upgrade over what the Cubs received out of the first base position last season.
Three missed FA signings that will haunt the Chicago Cubs. dark. Next
The reason why Hosmer's addition no longer makes complete sense is that the Cubs signed Trey Mancini to a two-year deal in January. Mancini is a capable defender at first base and also has the potential to hit 20 home runs in a season. With Mancini in the fold, the Cubs could then have eased first base prospect Matt Mervis into the Major Leagues with a platoon at first base. Instead, Hosmer is taking up a roster spot that could have been put to better use.