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Chicago Cubs: Three DFA's to keep the roster at 40 players
Keeping up with the Chicago Cubs' 40-man roster, it's not a matter of if the front office decides to have corresponding moves to all the recent signings, but rather a matter of when. After the signings of Tucker Barnhart and Drew Smyly, the 40-man roster will sit at 42 players, which means no matter what, trades and/or cuts are coming. Hopefully, it will be in the form of trade, further bolstering the Cubs' chances of competing in 2023. Still, nevertheless, we must discuss the potential outcomes of an imminent roster crunch.
We know that at least two corresponding moves are coming from yesterday's additions. With the Cubs expecting to add another bat to the middle of the lineup, that number could quickly jump to three. It's safe to anticipate that there will need at least three DFAs or trades in the coming weeks. Let's look at three candidates that will likely be left off the Cubs' 30-man roster come the start of the 2023 season.
3 Chicago Cubs DFA candidates - 3. Zach McKinstry
After the Cubs signed Dansby Swanson to a seven-year deal, Zach McKinstry fell further down the pecking order regarding infielders. Though he can play multiple positions, he's still stuck behind Swanson for SS, Hoerner & Madrigal at 2B, and Wisdom and Morel for 3B. The only viable spot for him would be as a backup outfielder, who the Cubs could also utilize Morel for, further limiting the options for McKinstry altogether.
McKinstry also doesn't fit the bill as a DH. in 2022; he hit just .199/.273/.361 in 166 ABs. Though the Cubs' payroll is starting to creep up there after the signing of Smyly and Barnhart, the Cubs have stated they want to add another middle-of-the-lineup bat to supplement the offense. If that player is anything except a 1B/DH, that only adds to guys who will get reps before McKinstry. Somebody will surely be willing to pick him up, but for now, he seems to be near the top of the list of odd men out.
3 DFA candidates - 2. Miles Mastrobuoni
After being acquired via trade from Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for pitcher Alfredo Zarraga, Miles Mastrobuoni entered the mix as an intriguing option that has yet to be granted much chance to prove himself to this point. Still, he finds himself in just as poor of a predicament as McKinstry. At 27 years old, Mastrobuoni has always had an upside. In 2022, he slashed a respectable .300/.377/.469 with 16 HRs and 64 RBIs for the Durham Bulls in Triple-A. The problem for him was always finding playing time in Tampa's system, which is typically loaded full of players in similar situations.
Mastrobuoni is listed as a second baseman, shortstop, and left fielder. There could certainly be room for him if the Cubs don't acquire a 4th outfielder. Given his left-handed bat, he certainly is needed to help provide a more balanced attack. Should the Cubs wind up with Michael Conforto, the Cubs will try to sneak Mastrobuoni through waivers to outright him back to the minors and hang on to him. He's more of a challenging call. Nevertheless, it will be a tough decision if the Cubs have enough major league weapons. I suggest hanging on to him over McKinstry.
3 DFA candidates - 1. Mark Leiter Jr.
The Cubs' pitching depth is on another planet right now. They are gearing up the 2023 season with the ideology that no matter what happens with the injury bug, the next man up will always be ready and waiting for their chance to start a game. Currently, the Cubs have a five-man rotation and at least four solid bulk relief options, and that's before you think about guys at Triple-A that are ready to be called upon to fill a spot. Elsewhere, there's the potential of Jeremiah Estrada. The Cubs inked Brad Boxberger to a deal. Codi Heuer will eventually be off, IL, and you still have Brandon Hughes and Rowan Wick.
Next. Chicago Cubs sign Tucker Barnhart. dark
Mark Leiter Jr. may survive the initial wave of roster moves, but eventually, once Heuer and Ethan Roberts are activated, it may take a lot of work to find a spot for him. If the Cubs add another reliever this offseason, things begin to get murky for Leiter Jr, who posted a 3.99 ERA this season. That mark was the best of his career, and 2022 was the first season he pitched at the major league level since 2018. The Cubs will have to decide if they believe they've seen the best from him or if they think there could still be another corner to turn.