A Frustrating Roster Decision by the Cubs

The Chicago Cubs officially signed free agent 1B/DH Justin Turner, inking the two-time All-Star and World Series champion to a one-year, $6 million deal. The team needed to make space on the 40-man roster and that brings us to the latest frustrating decision made by the Cubs.

The Cubs designated 24-year-old outfielder Alexander Canario for assignment. Within the next week the Cubs either have to trade Canario, put him on waivers or release him. Important to note, Canario was out of minor league options this year.

Needing room on the roster for Justin Turner, the Cubs have DFA’d OF Alexander Canario, sources tell ESPN. Canario is a good trade candidate. He never got a real shot in Chicago, playing in just 21 big league games.

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) February 20, 2025

Canario was acquired alongside right-handed pitcher Caleb Kilian from the San Francisco Giants in the Kris Bryant trade back in 2021. The right-handed hitting outfielder had a breakout year in 2022, climbing up the Cubs minor league system and eventually reaching Triple-A. He had phenomenal numbers, combining to hit 37 home runs in 125 games. Canario posted a 133 wRC+ in 534 plate appearances and was on his way to become one of the first call-up candidates for the Cubs in 2023.

Yet, this is really what the frustrating part is. So, despite being on the 40-man roster for the Cubs for a few years Canario only received 45 plate appearances. Seeing him get cut loose does sting because it feels like there's untapped potential with a guy who can play all three outfield spots and was even working at first base in spring training to become more versatile.

However, the chances of Canario ever getting a real shot with the Cubs went down in flames at the worst possible time. Following his breakout year in the minors, Canario continued playing in the offseason. On Oct. 27, 2022, Canario suffered a freak injury running to first base while playing in the Dominican Winter League. He fractured his left ankle and also dislocated his left shoulder.

After undergoing surgeries to repair those injuries, Canario's 2023 season was delayed until June, when the outfielder first stepped back into game action in the Complex League in Arizona.

I will say that it still made no sense for David Ross to bury Canario on the bench in September, when Canario was called up in 2023. The Cubs needed a spark late in the season and Canario got a total of 17 plate appearances down the stretch. But imagine if Canario never suffered that injury in Winter Ball? He probably gets more playing time earlier in the majors.

Now, as we look at the 2025 Cubs outfield, there just wasn't much playing time available for Canario. Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker are going to start most of the time, while Seiya Suzuki can fill in at the corners. While the Cubs could have certainly made it work with Canario on the bench it just doesn't seem like they'll be prioritizing those last couple guys on the roster in terms of starting games. I think we're past the days of seeing the Nick Madrigals and Patrick Wisdoms getting regular playing time.

If there's an injury in the outfield it seems like the Cubs are comfortable with the idea of simply having Kevin Alcaántara come up to start, especially if that's to step into center field.

I was stunned at first, but I think this boils down to the Cubs now having better options and the bottom of the bench not being counted on to become starters in case of injury.

Who knows what Canario will turn out to be, but at this point of his career, this is probably the best thing to happen to him. He'll got a real opportunity at every-day at-bats, but it'll have to be with someone other than the Cubs.