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: 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.

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.