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Chicago Cubs: Three relievers that will fight for a spot in Spring Training
Glancing over the roster as it sits now, the Chicago Cubs currently have a plethora of pitchers that seem locked into the 26-man roster and only 13 spots available. Needless to say, it's already crowded with arms. Let's first take a look at 11 who are more than likely those surefire guys:
- Marcus Stroman
- Jameson Taillon
- Justin Steele
- Hayden Wesneski
- Drew Smyly
- Kyle Hendricks (Assuming he doesn't start on the IL)
- Adrian Sampson
- Keegan Thompson
- Adbert Alzolay
- Brad Boxberger
- Brandon Hughes
Elsewhere, you have Caleb Kilian, Javier Assad, Mark Leiter Jr., Rowan Wick, Michael Rucker, and Manuel Rodriguez, which could also be considered. That's before digging into these recent minor-league signings. We must also remember that Codi Heuer and Ethan Roberts will be on IL, and at least the former will be taking some one's spot.
The Cubs also presumably want to add to the back end of the bullpen this winter, which means a name like Mark Leiter Jr., who has zero options available, might not even be a Cub by the time Spring Training rolls along. Therefore, it becomes interesting to analyze who has the best shot at landing one of the remaining spots in the bullpen as it sits now. Let's look at three potential candidates with the best chances, should they perform.
3 relievers fighting for spots - 3. Roenis Elias
After being picked up by the Cubs this winter on a minor league deal due to having an absolutely spectacular Dominican Winter League showing thus far, Elias has a clear path to the big leagues if he continues to succeed in Spring Training. Currently, Elias owns a 1.02 ERA in 44.2 IP in the DWL. Prior, he recorded a 3.96 ERA dating back to 2014 with the Seattle Mariners for his career in the majors. Elias also provides depth as a spot starter, as we've discussed in the recent past.
With the Cubs needing lefties in the bullpen, Elias should be seen as the primary pitcher of the three recently signed minor league deals who has the most potential to crack the big league roster this Spring. Anthony Kay will be an interesting reclamation project for the Cubs, and Brad Wieck will likely need time in Iowa before any call-ups so he can fine-tune his mechanics. With a bullpen currently full of righties, Elias may be the one who has the inside track to the job.
3 relievers fighting for spots - 2. Rowan Wick
Rowan Wick is an interesting candidate as he will look to bounce back after two years that he'd rather forget about. In 2022, Wick posted a 4.22 ERA while recording a 4.30 the year prior. He has yet to recapture the magic of his back-to-back campaigns in 2019 and 2020 (2.43, 3.12), where he looked like an excellent piece to have on the roster. Although he pitched 64 innings in 2022, the Cubs need better production.
Wick only has one option remaining, so if he underperforms and the Cubs have to use it, it will be the end of the line for him before being subject to waivers the next time
3 relievers fighting for spots - 1. Javier Assad
After being called up, Javier Assad had a fantastic start to his big-league career in 2022. After breaking out in Tennessee with a 2.51 ERA, he was promptly promoted to Iowa and wasted no time, recording a 2.95 ERA in 36.2 IP. He was then called up to the Cubs in late August, where he notched a respectable 3.11 ERA in 37.2 frames. He must improve against left-handed hitters to take that next step forward. In his small sample, he allowed a slash of .290/.397.468 to lefties and was the beneficiary of some good luck overall, as his FIP of 4.49 suggests.
Next. Former Cubs have aided the team's offseason. dark
Assad is now another name on the ever-growing list of options that can spot-start and be used as bulk relief options for the Cubs in 2023. How he performs in Spring Training will be critical to his role with the Cubs next season. Where certain guys are more of a lock to crack the big league roster, Assad will have to prove it, especially if the Cubs add another bullpen piece this winter. He did show that he has plenty of potential in 2022. A scenario where he still starts in Triple-A simply due to the depth the Cubs have isn't hard to envision, but he will undoubtedly get his chance this Spring.