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

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.

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.