If you take a quick step back, then you’ll realize that a couple of injuries could potentially lead to a last-minute move by the Chicago Cubs a few days before Opening Day. Seiya Suzuki will begin the regular season on the injured list, which confirms Michael Conforto’s place on the roster. Looking back to the start of spring training, Tyler Austin’s knee surgery also created competition in camp for an additional bench opening, and now it seems like the Cubs are still searching for help in that department.
According to The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney, the Cubs are considering bringing in an extra infielder to add to the Opening Day roster. Right now, Matt Shaw is the lone backup option for Craig Counsell in the infield, but given Suzuki’s absence, Shaw may be required to fill in more often early in the season out in right field. In that instance, the Cubs are suddenly left without a backup infielder on the active roster,
Heading into spring training, the Cubs signed Scott Kingery and Owen Miller to come in and compete for a spot on the team. The two journeymen haven’t exactly lit the world on fire as Kingery has posted a .685 OPS in 56 plate appearances, while Miller’s 37-plate-appearance sample size has resulted in a .718 OPS in spring training. If either player does get selected to the team, then the Cubs would have to make room on the 40-man roster.
Other internal options for the infield include Ben Cowles, who returned to the organization this offseason after he was claimed off waivers, and former top-100 prospect James Triantos.
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As things currently stand, the Cubs may be deciding between Dylan Carlson and Kevin Alcantara, which could potentially move Shaw back to a primary infield role off the bench until Suzuki is back from the injured list. If Alcantara makes the team, then that’s an easy roster move to make in April, optioning the outfield prospect when Suzuki is ready to come back from his knee issue.
If Carlson makes the team, then it gets a little more complicated because he’s out of minor league options and would be guaranteed $2 million by making the Opening Day Roster.
Teams are always trying to improve on the margins, and this is no different. Additional depth on the infield may not seem like a big deal now, but we’ve seen in recent years that injuries can pop up out of nowhere, and you’d rather have a guy already in your organization than having to scramble at the last second.
Also, the Cubs have their eyes on pitching as well.
Via the Chicago Tribune.
“We still have some balls in the air with the bullpen and then the bench, and it does affect it, which guys are waivers, which guys have out clauses, things like that,” Cubs President Jed Hoyer said, per the Tribune. “The timing is hard because it’s happening sort of as teams are leaving, but you never want the inconvenience of that to hurt making the right decision.”
The front office was active in the offseason, filling out a depleted bullpen with free agents following the 2025 season. It turned out to be extremely important because none of the team’s under-the-radar pitching signings stood out in spring training. Ultimately, Ben Brown earned the final bullpen spot after his strong performance in Arizona. Yet, if there are any intriguing arms let go around the league, you know the Cubs will be actively roaming the waiver wire, hoping to find another hidden gem.
