Chicago Cubs: Three DFA's to keep the roster at 40 players

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.