2025 Chicago Cubs Roster Projection, v. 2.0

[Andrew Wright]

It has been almost a month since we made our first roster projection for the 2025 Cubs' Opening Day roster, and there have been a few moves that will both minorly and majorly impact the roster. With the team playing their first spring training game in just 10 days, here is the second version of a 2025 roster projection.

Image courtesy of © Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Obviously, many Cubs fans are still hoping for further reinforcements of the current roster. Even as things stand, though, they look poised to contend. Here's the group most likely to break camp and head to Japan next month, if nothing changes between now and then.

Pitchers (13)

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

Chicago has an absurd amount of pitching depth, making it tough to leave off guys such as Jordan Wicks, Javier Assad, Luke Little and Ben Brown. All of those pitchers will more than likely start the year in Iowa, where the Iowa Cubs will have one of the most loaded pitching staffs in all of Minor League Baseball—although Assad has no sooner reported to camp than headed for an MRI on his oblique. This list could fluctuate and change with performances by certain guys this spring, but as for now, this is our best guess as to who will be on the Opening Day pitching staff.

Catchers (2)

• Miguel Amaya
• Carson Kelly

Nothing has changed at the catcher position since our first roster projection. It is still expected that Amaya will start games behind the plate when the Cubs are facing most righties, and Kelly will get the nod when facing a lefty.

Infielders (6)

• 1B: Michael Busch
• 2B: Nico Hoerner
• SS: Dansby Swanson
• 3B: Matt Shaw
• UTL: Jon Berti 
• UTL: Gage Workman

The rumors surrounding Alex Bregman signing with Chicago have been swirling since last week, but since he has still not made a decision, he can't be put on this roster projection. If you recall, in late December, Chicago acquired utility man Vidal Bruján from the Marlins in exchange for once-promising prospect Matt Mervis. With the addition of Berti in free agency and Workman having to be returned to the Tigers if he does not start the season on the roster, though, it feels like Bruján will be waived. 

Outfielders (5)

• LF: Ian Happ
• CF: Pete Crow-Armstrong
• RF: Kyle Tucker
• DH/OF: Seiya Suzuki
• OF: Alexander Canario

Nothing has changed in the outfield landscape for Chicago. Manager Craig Counsell has made it known publicly that Suzuki will spend most of his 2025 season as the Cubs' designated hitter. Canario is still expected to start on the major-league roster, as he is out of minor-league options and the team lacks another clear option for that roster spot. 

A Bregman signing in the coming days could reshape the roster, if Chicago were to reel him in and/or move on from Hoerner. There may be tweaks to the pitching staff, but as of now, this is our best guess at the 26-man Opening Day roster for the Cubs.

 

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[JBears79]

I really wish we had an "ace" but I do really like this collective group of arms Hoyer has acquired. I do think he turned the bullpen into a strength for this season. On paper, it looks good for Counsell and his tendencies.  Gives him a lot of flexibility in high leverage situations. If we can avoid the early season bullpen meltdowns like last year I think we can start off the season well. This looks like a 87-90 win team to me on paper.

[Andrew Wright]

1 hour ago, JBears79 said:

I really wish we had an "ace" but I do really like this collective group of arms Hoyer has acquired. I do think he turned the bullpen into a strength for this season. On paper, it looks good for Counsell and his tendencies.  Gives him a lot of flexibility in high leverage situations. If we can avoid the early season bullpen meltdowns like last year I think we can start off the season well. This looks like a 87-90 win team to me on paper.

I think Steele is certainly still an "ace" I do agree that this collective group should be able to cut down on the bullpen meltdowns of last season and this team could very well get to 90 wins.