Chicago Cubs News: Focus on prospects as non-roster invites are announced

The Chicago Cubs revealed their list of players that have received non-roster invites to Spring Training this month and it is heavy on the prospect side.

To clarify, these are players that are not currently on the 40-man roster and will be participating in Spring Training with the Major League Baseball team. That would be the reason why the likes of Brennen Davis and Kevin Alcantara are not listed as they are already on the 40-man roster and will be with the Major League team as well during Spring Training.

Pete Crow-Armstrong will certainly get the most attention among the players that have been invited to Spring Training. After a breakout season in 2022, Crow-Armstrong is entering the 2023 campaign as the organization's top prospect. It is a near certainty that Crow-Armstrong will not be starting the season at the Major League level but the expectation is that he will be with Double-A Tennessee. Depending on how Crow-Armstrong performs and the expectations at the Major League level, the Cubs' top prospect may be in a position to make his Major League debut in the second half of the season.

First base prospect Matt Mervis is another player that will be monitored closely. Mervis is projected to participate in the World Baseball Classic next month with Team Italy and that will limit the amount of Spring Training games he has for the Cubs. Still, Mervis is expected to make his Major League debut at some point during the 2023 season. The Cubs already have veterans Trey Mancini and Eric Hosmer with the Major League team but with Hosmer receiving the league minimum this season, Mervis could force the issue if the four-time Gold Glove award winner struggles at the start.

Pitching-wise, the Cubs still need to fill out their bullpen at the Major League level. Expect the likes of Mark Lieter Jr, Roenis Elias, and Anthony Kay to be among the pitchers that are non-roster invites to receive an extended look during Spring Training.