{"id":111973,"date":"2026-01-22T10:27:52","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T15:27:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=111973"},"modified":"2026-01-22T10:27:52","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T15:27:52","slug":"projecting-the-cubs-2026-roster-prior-to-spring-training","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2026\/01\/22\/projecting-the-cubs-2026-roster-prior-to-spring-training\/","title":{"rendered":"Projecting the Cubs 2026 Roster prior to Spring Training"},"content":{"rendered":"

Once Alex Bregman<\/a> signed the largest AAV contract in Chicago Cubs history, the roster became mostly set. Barring an unforeseen move to bring in another right fielder and shift Seiya Suzuki to DH, we can now comfortably project the 26-man Opening Day roster. As things sit, we know with certainty the 13 hitters that will make the team. Assuming health, we can also confidently project what the Cubs\u2019 starting rotation will look like. Where things become questionable, however, is the bullpen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Two players have options, and there will be a bullpen battle to determine one of those spots. Whoever performs best will get the nod among the pitchers with remaining options. Let\u2019s dive in, starting with our core group of hitters.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chicago Cubs Projected Opening Day Lineup<\/span><\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Nico Hoerner, 2B<\/em><\/li>\n
  2. Alex Bregman, 3B<\/em><\/li>\n
  3. Michael Busch, 1B<\/em><\/li>\n
  4. Seiya Suzuki, RF<\/em><\/li>\n
  5. Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF<\/em><\/li>\n
  6. Ian Happ, LF<\/em><\/li>\n
  7. Dansby Swanson, SS<\/em><\/li>\n
  8. Moises Ballesteros, DH<\/em><\/li>\n
  9. Carson Kelly, C<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Bench: Miguel Amaya, Matt Shaw, Tyler Austin, Kevin Alcantara<\/span><\/p>\n

    Michael Busch<\/a> should be penciled into the three spot against right-handed starting pitchers, given that he was a vital piece of the Cubs\u2019 success in 2025. Leading the team with 34 home runs, Busch has established himself as a player who can be a focal point in the lineup and needs to be surrounded by guys who get on base.<\/span><\/p>\n

    One Red Flag<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Assuming Moises Ballesteros<\/a> is the everyday DH, the Cubs are noticeably short on left-handed options off the bench. Scott Kingery is a non-roster invitee, but he has two minor-league options remaining and doesn\u2019t solve the imbalance.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Expect Chicago to explore a left-handed hitter who can come off the bench. Adam Frazier stands out as a potential fit, though viable options are limited unless someone unforeseen goes unsigned and falls to the Cubs before Spring Training.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Chicago Cubs Projected Starting Rotation<\/span><\/h2>\n