2025 Chicago Cubs Roster Projection, v. 2.0

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.