Projecting the Cubs Opening Day roster with spring training approaching

A lot could change between now and Opening Day - but let's take an early look at the roster

Chicago Cubs RF Seiya Suzuki
Chicago Cubs RF Seiya Suzuki | Matt Dirksen/GettyImages

With spring training rapidly approaching, it is never too early to think about what the Chicago Cubs roster could look like when they take on the Dodgers in Tokyo in the middle of March, so let's give it a go. Here is the first projection of the Cubs' Opening Day roster

Pitchers (13)

  • Justin Steele
  • Shota Imanaga
  • Jameson Taillon
  • Javier Assad
  • Matthew Boyd
  • Colin Rea
  • Ryan Pressly
  • Porter Hodge
  • Eli Morgan
  • Caleb Thielbar
  • Julian Merryweather
  • Tyson Miller
  • Nate Pearson

We know that Ryan Pressly and Porter Hodge will go into camp competing for the closer role and whoever ultimately loses that battle will be inserted into the eighth-inning role. Between Julian Merryweather, Tyson Miller and Nate Pearson, the early parts of the season will show us who manager Craig Counsell has the most trust in to pitch in high-leverage situations when Hodge and/or Pressly are unavailable.

It was tough to pick between Pearson and Ben Brown for the final spot, but it ultimately came down to the Chicago front office being vocal about pitchers with minor league options remaining starting in the minors to begin the season.

That same logic drove my decision to leave off left-hander Jordan Wicks. I think he'll contribute at the big-league level in 2025, but given his option status, he seems ticketed for Triple-A Iowa to open the season.

Catchers (2)

  • Carson Kelly
  • Miguel Amaya

With Carson Kelly's outstanding numbers against left-handed pitching and Miguel Amaya being more successful against right-handers, the two catchers will more than likely platoon based on who the other team is starting.

For instance, if they are in Cincinnati for a series and are facing Nick Lodolo in the series opener, Kelly would get the start. Hunter Greene pitching the second game of the series would see Amaya getting the nod behind the plate.

Infielders (6)

  • Michael Busch
  • Nico Hoerner
  • Dansby Swanson
  • Matt Shaw
  • Gage Workman
  • Jon Berti

The Cubs acquired Vidal Brujan this winter, but it is hard to see a world where they can fit him on the roster with the available talent in front of them. Assuming Matt Shaw takes the starting job at third, Workman and Berti will provide infield depth. This is definitely an area Chicago could still stand to improve, perhaps focusing on a veteran with some pop like Justin Turner.

An important note: Workman was a Rule 5 Draft selection and must start the season on the big-league roster or be returned to the Detroit Tigers organization.

Outfielders (5)

  • Ian Happ
  • Pete Crow-Armstrong
  • Kyle Tucker
  • Alexander Canario
  • Seiya Suzuki

Seiya Suzuki will serve as the primary DH but will also see some action in the outfield. Alexander Canario is out of options and must start the season on the Opening Day roster or the Cubs will have to move on from the outfield prospect.

This could obviously change before the season with trades and more potential free agent signings but with the current roster, this is an idea of what the 2025 Chicago Cubs could look like.

Schedule