In case you were under the misapprehension that you can *plan* to make necessary additions to the roster in late March, you cannot. So, while the Cubs are reportedly still looking at guys they could pick up here in the final few days before the season begins, you’re going to see things from President Theo Epstein like this:
Theo said chances of opening day roster coming from within current spring roster “pretty high” still will look at external options
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) March 24, 2019
Epstein called the AAA bullpen options backing up the MLB cast “the best group we’ve had since I’ve been here.”
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 24, 2019
Theo stressed long-term view of roster, lots of focus on opening series vs. Rangers and their LH hitters but marveled over spring performance of RHP Allen Webster, also pleased with OF Mark Zagunis.
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) March 24, 2019
Among the in-camp options, Mark Zagunis would get the final bench spot (joining Daniel Descalso, David Bote, and Victor Caratini). Zagunis has everything you’d want in a bench bat and corner outfield player if the power has indeed come along a little bit. Obviously that’s a huge question for a lot of AAA/MLB corner outfielders, and Zagunis has options left – so making the big league roster to open the season doesn’t necessarily guarantee he’ll be there all year if he’s not able to make the most of the few opportunities he’d get.
The bullpen, meanwhile, would look something like this:
Pedro Strop
Steve Cishek
Carl Edwards Jr.
Mike Montgomery
Tyler Chatwood
Brad Brach
Brandon Kintzler
Kyle Ryan/Randy Rosario
As Epstein said, the AAA group of young arms behind them is loaded with serious potential – Allen Webster, Dillon Maples, Dakota Mekkes, James Norwood, Adbert Alzolay, Rowan Wick, Alec Mills, and many more could be very good. The Cubs will need quite a few more arms this year than just those eight above, and the other guys will get a chance to contribute, and hopefully break out.
All in all, the Cubs’ roster picture, while not finalized, is pretty clear if they do not make any other additions.