Projecting the Cubs' 2026 Opening Day roster ahead of spring training

The Chicago Cubs are likely done with their heavy lifting this offseason. Alex Bregman and Edward Cabrera serve as the headliners for the moves the Cubs have made this winter, and with that, the North Siders have re-entered the picture of being a legitimate contender in the National League.

Coming into focus with spring training less than a month away are the fringe spots on the roster. That's the likely explanation for the Cubs bringing in both Chas McCormick and Dylan Carlson to minor-league deals, hoping that one of them can emerge as the fourth outfielder.

Projecting the Cubs' 2026 Opening Day roster

If the Cubs have one more big swing in them this offseason, it's likely tied to their interest in Zac Gallen. Otherwise, we've reached the point of the offseason where the Opening Day Roster is starting to come into focus.

Starting Rotation (5)

Cade Horton
Matthew Boyd
Edward Cabrera
Jameson Taillon
Shota Imanaga

The Cubs' Opening Day rotation is set and looks good on paper. Cade Horton was well on his way to becoming the ace of the pitching staff before a rib injury ended his season prematurely. Matthew Boyd was an All-Star in 2025 and should benefit from the added depth the Cubs have entering this season. Edward Cabrera is the upside play for the rotation, while Jameson Taillon and Shota Imanaga should provide stability at the backend.

Not mentioned is Justin Steele, who will opent he season on the IL. Steele is expected to return around June, and that could see Craig Counsell turn to a six-man rotation.

Bullpen (8)

Daniel Palencia (C)
Phil Maton
Caleb Thielbar
Hunter Harvey
Hoby Milner
Jacob Webb
Javier Assad
Colin Rea

The group the Cubs have in the bullpen almost certainly won't be the group they have at the end of the season. Nearly $30 million was spent this offseason building the bullpen, and with that, most of the spots are locked up.

Javier Assad's spot could be the only one that is up for competition. The Cubs have several non-roster invites who could push Assad back to Triple-A Iowa. Ben Brown could also be a part of the bullpen mix.

Infield (5)

Carson Kelly (C)
Michael Busch (1B)
Nico Hoerner (2B)
Alex Bregman (3B)
Dansby Swanson (SS)

The biggest question that exists with the Cubs' infield is Nico Hoerner's status. Chances are that Nico Hoerner will be the team's Opening Day second baseman, but the door has been left open for Jed Hoyer and Co. to be blown away by a trade offer.

Outfield/DH (4)

Ian Happ (LF)
Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF)
Seiya Suzuki (RF)
Moises Ballesteros (DH)

Seiya Suzuki returns to the outfield after Kyle Tucker's departure, and Moises Ballesteros emerges as the designated hitter. With Bregman now in the fold, the pressure on Ballesteros lessens. Long-term wise, both Happ and Suzuki are free agents after the season. Decisions will need to be made.

Bench (4)

Miguel Amaya (C)
Tyler Austin (1B/DH)
Matt Shaw (IF/OF)
Chas McCormick (OF)

There will be a competition for the final spot on the bench. McCormick and Carlson will compete with Kevin Alcantara. The expectation is that one of the veterans will get the job, likely McCormick, with Acantara being the next man up while opening the season with the Iowa Cubs.