The Chicago Cubs announced their non-roster invitees to spring training and there are more than a handful of players who could eventually play for the big-league club in 2023 and potentially even make the Opening Day roster out of camp.
Overall, there are 32 players who are not on the Cubs' 40-man roster who have been invited to spring training, hoping to win a spot on the team or maybe do enough to impress another organization. This list includes 17 pitchers, seven infielders, five outfielders and three catchers.
Several intriguing names on that list, which is headlined by popular Cubs prospects Pete Crow-Armstrong and Matt Mervis. Meanwhile, there other players, especially on the pitching side, who have already had some MLB time with the Cubs in prior years, who are going to get another look this spring training.
So, who's most likely to play for the Cubs in 2023 out of the 32 NRI?
Most Likely to Make Opening Day Roster
Let's begin with who has the best shot at winning a spot on the Cubs 26-man Opening Day roster. We're going to start with the pitchers because the team has a couple open spots that are up for grabs and you'd have to think that at least one of the 17 pitchers invited will break camp with the team.
We keep reading about the Cubs still being interested in signing another reliever, possibly a left-hander, but spring training is set to begin in less than two weeks and there hasn't really been much more than general interest being whispered by reporters. So, out of the seven left-handed pitchers in the 32-player list, I like Roenis Elías a lot. The 34-year-old Cuban has had success as a starter, multi-inning reliever and closer during his time with the Seattle Mariners and this past offseason Elías had an incredible run playing Winter Ball.
Meanwhile, the Cubs were able to re-sign right-hander Mark Leiter Jr. after he was DFA'd, cleared waivers and then elected free agency. He was so good when he became a permanent reliever for the Cubs in 2022, and maybe the team's familiarity with him gives him an edge if everything is even with a few other relievers during spring training.
As far as position players go, outfielder Ben DeLuzio could possibly sneak on as a fourth or fifth outfielder on the Opening Day roster. He's not much of a hitter, but DeLuzio has a solid reputation playing great defense and he's one of the fastest guys in baseball, too. Not a bad set of skills to have on your bench.
Most Likely to Play for Cubs at Any Point in 2023
One of the catchers for sure. Whether it's Dom Nuñez or Luis Torrens, I think we'll see one of them come up in 2023 for the simple fact that catchers just take on so much damage throughout the season.
And when it comes to injuries, even the healthiest teams have to go through several pitchers to get through the grind of a 162-game season. Right-handed pitcher Nick Neidert was one of many pitchers who signed a minor league deal with the Cubs this offseason and while he didn't put up great numbers during his time with the Miami Marlins, he kind of seems like one of those guys who has good stuff and just needs to make one or two adjustments before it all clicks.
Also, left-handers Bailey Horn and Anthony Kay are on my radar for other pitchers who may come up this year for the Cubs.
Dark Horse Candidates to Make Opening Day Roster
Matt Mervis is going to play for the Cubs this year, but the team isn't just going to hand him playing time from the start. Mervis is going to play for Israel in this year's World Baseball Classic, which could do him good, as he'll be in much more competitive games compared to spring training exhibitions. I still don't like the Eric Hosmer signing and maybe that's why I think if Mervis shows out during the next six-eight weeks and if Hosmer looks bad, then there's a chance the Cubs boot Hosmer to the curb and begin the season with Mervis on the roster. Hmmm, maybe that's too optimistic on my part, though, because it seems like the Cubs will give Hosmer a chance to sink or swim through at least the early part of the regular season.
Right-handed pitcher Jordan Holloway throws hard, so maybe he wins one of the last spots in the bullpen.
And how about David Bote beating out Nick Madrigal for a bench spot?
There aren't many camp battles for the Cubs, but we'll definitely keep track of the players who are trying to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster. The first spring training game for the Cubs is Feb. 25, against the San Francisco Giants.
