Projecting Cubs' 2026 bench as Seiya Suzuki injury throws wrench in Opening Day roster plans

It's never going to be the primary focus of Jed Hoyer and Co. during the offseason, but the construction of the bench is something that has left much to be desired in recent years. At the start of spring training, it appeared that the unit would be headlined by Matt Shaw as the utility man and Tyler Austin as the go-to right-handed bat. Austin's injury has changed those plans, but Seiya Suzuki's PCL sprain likely is now a factor in the final spots on the Cubs' Opening Day roster.

Shaw and Miguel Amaya are givens when it comes to the construction of the Cubs' bench this season. Shaw figures to get ample playing time while spending time all over the field, and Amaya figures to be back in a timeshare with Carson Kelly.

Seiya Suzuki injury throwing Cubs Opening Day bench plans into chaos

With the injuries to Austin and Suzuki, it now seems that two from the group of Michael Conforto, Dylan Carlson, and Chas McCormick will make the team. The group of extras is certainly to change at some point after Opening Day, but for now, this appears to be the bench.

• Miguel Amaya, C/1B
• Michael Conforto, OF
• Dylan Carlson, OF
• Chas McCormick, OF
  

It's important to note that the Cubs don't have a primary backup first baseman to Michael Busch. Austin was expected to fill that role, and he may do so before the end of the season. For now, it would seem that backup first base duties would be split between Amaya and Moises Ballesteros. Shaw has gotten work at first base during spring training, but he still needs some fielding work before he should be trusted there.

The Cubs didn't promise Conforto an Opening Day roster spot when they signed him to a minor-league deal at the start of spring training, but his experience made him a safe bet. It hasn't been the most encouraging spring training for the former New York Mets All-Star, posting a 60 wRC+ in 31 plate appearances. His time with the Cubs may be short-lived, but he will likely head north with the Cubs once the season starts.

Like Conforto, Carlson appears to be a lock to make the Cubs' Opening Day roster. He's had an impressive spring, posting a 143 wRC+ in 44 plate appearances, and is capable of playing all three spots in the outfield. Being a switch-hitter also helps his cause.

Assuming Suzuki opens the season on the IL and Shaw is the primary right fielder, Chas McCormick may stick around to give the Cubs added outfield depth to start the season. By the time that Suzuki returns, perhaps McCormick is making a stronger case than Conforto to remain with the team. For now, his defense (and the Cubs' preferring Kevin Alcantara to play every day with the Iowa Cubs) likely lands him a spot on the Opening Day roster.