Once Alex Bregman 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’ starting rotation will look like. Where things become questionable, however, is the bullpen.
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’s dive in, starting with our core group of hitters.
Chicago Cubs Projected Opening Day Lineup
- Nico Hoerner, 2B
- Alex Bregman, 3B
- Michael Busch, 1B
- Seiya Suzuki, RF
- Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
- Ian Happ, LF
- Dansby Swanson, SS
- Moises Ballesteros, DH
- Carson Kelly, C
Bench: Miguel Amaya, Matt Shaw, Tyler Austin, Kevin Alcantara
Michael Busch should be penciled into the three spot against right-handed starting pitchers, given that he was a vital piece of the Cubs’ 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.
One Red Flag
Assuming Moises Ballesteros 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’t solve the imbalance.
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.
Chicago Cubs Projected Starting Rotation
- Matthew Boyd
- Edward Cabrera
- Cade Horton
- Shota Imanaga
- Jameson Taillon
The quality depth behind the first five in the starting rotation is a core strength of the 2026 Cubs. Colin Rea and Javier Assad provide spot-start ability in case injuries arise. Both have shown the ability to step in when their number is called and be effective weapons in whatever role they need to fill.
Justin Steele is recovering from surgery, and though he doesn’t have a clear timeline, he’s expected back around June. Steele’s return will force a roster decision when the time comes. Only Assad and Daniel Palencia have minor-league options remaining. In a perfect world, everybody is healthy and Steele gets eased into a full workload. It’s a good problem to have if you’re the Cubs, but one that will be interesting to see how it’s resolved.
Another name to watch is Jaxon Wiggins, the Cubs’ top pitching prospect. Wiggins posted a 2.19 ERA across three levels in the minors last season and, while he struggled in a brief stint in Triple-A, has all the raw skill necessary to succeed. A 2026 debut is in play, especially if he dominates early. At the very least, he’ll be someone to keep on your radar when rosters expand in September.
Chicago Cubs Projected Bullpen
- Colin Rea
- Javier Assad
- Hunter Harvey
- Caleb Thielbar
- Hoby Milner
- Jacob Webb
- Phil Maton
- Daniel Palencia
The bullpen appears mostly set. The biggest battle to watch in Spring Training will be who wins the final spot. Rea, Harvey, Thielbar, Milner, Webb, and Maton don’t have minor league options, and are locks for the Opening Day roster. Assad and Palencia still do have options remaining, but Ben Brown, Luke Little, and Porter Hodge will be in the mix for the final spot. We will see a mix of these four, including Jordan Wicks, and a plethora of players the Cubs have signed to minor league deals, either based on performance or injury.
What will be interesting to see is who the Cubs call upon to close games in the ninth inning. Last season, Palencia both held and lost the job throughout the year, but still recorded 22 saves and a 2.90 ERA. If he can harness his control, he should be a lock for the role. The Cubs have plenty of experienced bullpen depth this season; however, manager Craig Counsell may opt to play matchups rather than designate a single closer.
(Top Image Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images)