4 Chicago Cubs players who don't deserve to be on 2023 40-man roster

As pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training next week for the Chicago Cubs, the attention will turn to the 40-man roster as players on the fringe of the roster compete for a spot on the team's Opening Day roster.

The Cubs revealed on Monday that they will have 32 non-roster invites included in their Spring Training roster and there are several players from that list that have a strong chance at making the Opening Day Roster.

Assuming that one or more of those players make the Cubs' Opening Day roster, there will be a need to create space on the team's 40-man roster. There are five players in particular that are currently on the 40-man roster that don't deserve to be.

4 Chicago Cubs players who don't deserve to be on 2023 40-man roster: Zach McKinstry

There is no doubt that the Cubs clearly value the spot that McKinstry has with the team. Despite there seemingly having been several opportunities where the Cubs could have designated McKinstry for assignment, the team opted against the move.

With that in mind, the Cubs now have two players on their roster that serve the same purpose. Miles Mastrobuoni was acquired by the Cubs in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays last November and the important element to Mastrobuoni's addition is that he has all three of his minor league options remaining. That likely gives him the advantage over McKinstry in regard to staying on the 40-man roster. McKinstry is out of minor-league options and his 78 wRC+ in 171 plate appearances with the Cubs last season does not warrant lengthy consideration.

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.