These Cubs NRIs have the best chance to make the 2023 Opening Day roster

Chicago Cubs first baseman David Bote (13) celebrates after hitting a 3-run home run in the second
Chicago Cubs first baseman David Bote (13) celebrates after hitting a 3-run home run in the second | Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY
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Iowa Cubs center fielder Darius Hill slides safely across home plate ahead of the tag by St. Paul
Iowa Cubs center fielder Darius Hill slides safely across home plate ahead of the tag by St. Paul | Bryon Houlgrave/The Register / USA TODAY

These Cubs NRIs have the best chance to make the 2023 Opening Day roster: Darius Hill

The Chicago Cubs starting outfield is set with Ian Happ in left field, Cody Bellinger in center field, and Seiya Suzuki in right field. What is unclear is who will be the team's fourth outfielder. Trey Mancini will certainly get some playing time in the outfield this season but he is resigned strictly to a corner outfield spot. Christopher Morel received a bulk of his playing time in center field last season but the expectation is that he will play more in the infield in 2023. Nelson Velazquez will get an extensive look in the outfield during Spring Training but after his struggles at the Major League level in 2022, it may be best if he starts the season playing regularly with Triple-A Iowa.

If that is the case, Darius Hill may get serious consideration for making the Major League team out of Spring Training. Hill was selected in the 20th round of the 2019 Major League Baseball draft by the Cubs and has hit at every level of the organization. With Triple-A Iowa last season, Hill slashed .318/.358/.434/.351 wOBA/110 wRC+ in 373 plate appearances.

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