Chicago Cubs Roster Projections 2.0: Who makes the Opening Day roster?

Catchers

The two catchers the Cubs will be carrying this season will be Yan Gomes and Tucker Barnhart. The Cubs will probably have the two switch off throughout the season based on who will be pitching that day.

Miguel Amaya is definitely an option later in the season if injuries end up happening, but to start the year the Cubs will rely on their two veteran catchers to try and get the job done.

Starting Pitchers

The majority of the Cubs' starting pitchers are a shoo-in, besides the final spot. The Cubs will have a one through four consisting of Marcus Stroman, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, and Drew Smyly.

When it comes to the fifth spot in the rotation, the spot is still completely up for grabs according to Ross. With Kyle Hendricks starting the season on the IL; Hayden Wesneski, Adrian Sampson, and Javier Assad will be fighting for that final spot.

I think Hayden Wesneski will end up getting the final spot in the rotation. Wesneski came out and had a really solid rookie season in a small sample size and I think he will continue to capitalize on that in the spring.

Sampson was reliable for the Cubs all season last year, but I think he will end up being one of those multi-inning relievers the Cubs will have in '23. Assad was solid throughout his time with the Cubs last year, but I ultimately feel as if he will start the season in Triple-A and be called upon for the big league team when need be.