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These Cubs NRIs have the best chance to make the 2023 Opening Day roster: Mark Leiter Jr
It has been an eventful offseason for Mark Leiter Jr. Leiter was designated for assignment on the Opening Day of the Chicago Cubs Convention in January when the team officially announced the signing of veteran first baseman Eric Hosmer. Leiter cleared waivers but then declined the Cubs' outright assignment to Triple-A Iowa. After a few weeks on the free-agent market, Leiter returned to the Cubs on a minor-league deal with an invite to Spring Training.
Leiter proved to be one of the Cubs' most effective relievers out of the bullpen last season. In 53.1 innings pitched as a reliever last season, Leiter posted a 2.87 ERA. Even more impressive was the fact that left-handed hitters compiled a batting average of .176 against Leiter last season. As the Cubs are in need of a reliever that can get left-handed hitters out, Leiter could have a leg up on the competition in Spring Training.