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The previous week, I shared an article discussing the 14 players on the Cubs roster who are arbitration-eligible for 2025. According to the poll associated with that article, 57 percent of you indicated that the Cubs might non-tender at least seven of these players, with some suggesting the number could go as high as nine.
To provide further insight, I decided to examine the entire 40-man roster, including each player’s contract status for 2025. The organization will need to create space to protect certain players from the Rule 5 Draft, as well as accommodate potential waiver claims and new free-agent signings.
Interestingly, there are actually more than 40 players to evaluate. The current Cubs 40-man roster features 48 players — indeed, eight are currently on the 60-day injured list. Each of these eight players will need to either be reinstated to the 40-man roster or released within five days following the conclusion of the World Series.
Below are all 48 players along with their current status. Any uncertainties about their future with the team are also addressed.
Pitchers (28)
Yency Almonte: He underwent surgery at the end of 2024 and is expected to miss a significant portion of the 2025 season. As mentioned in the previous article, he might be non-tendered and later re-signed on a new two-year agreement.
Adbert Alzolay: Alzolay is in a similar situation to Almonte. After undergoing Tommy John surgery this year, he is unlikely to pitch for most of 2025. A contract arrangement comparable to the one proposed for Almonte could be beneficial.
Michael Arias: He possesses talent but faced challenges with control, averaging 7.2 walks per nine innings at Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa this season. At just 22 years old, he might spend another year in the minors in 2025.
Javier Assad: He will have one more pre-arbitration season in 2025.
Colten Brewer: It is highly likely that he will be non-tendered.
Ben Brown: Here’s hoping for a healthy season in 2025 for Brown, who could become an invaluable asset in the bullpen.
Kyle Hendricks: As a free agent, my personal hope is that he retires. Such a decision would enhance the sweetness of his last game with the Cubs in 2024.
Jimmy Herget: He is also very likely to be non-tendered.
Porter Hodge: Hodge is a crucial part of the 2025 bullpen, and he still has several years of team control remaining. I personally would like to see him continue as the closer.</p“`html
, potentially brought back under a different type of contract.
Tyson Miller: He had a solid year and is out of options. Retaining him for 2025 wouldn’t be costly, as he won’t be eligible for arbitration until 2027.
Jack Neely: While he possesses talent, he didn’t showcase it significantly at the MLB level. Nonetheless, he will remain on the 40-man roster.
Daniel Palencia: Refer to Neely.
Enoli Paredes: He performed well enough in his one appearance to warrant another chance. The Cubs may attempt to pass him through waivers since he is out of options.
Nate Pearson: This could turn out to be a very beneficial trade. Pearson has options left, but he is expected to stay on the MLB roster. He will be arbitration-eligible in 2025.
Ethan Roberts: In his first year back from Tommy John surgery, he had a mix of solid and challenging outings. Typically, pitchers like him improve in their second year. He is arbitration-eligible and has two option years remaining.
Drew Smyly: He is a free agent. Goodbye.
Justin Steele: He is arbitration-eligible, and the Cubs should likely sign him to a long-term deal this winter, although he has three years of team control left.
Jameson Taillon: He has a contract for two more years at $18 million annually, which is quite reasonable if he can replicate his 2024 performance.
Keegan Thompson: He is out of options, and almost whenever he is called up, he shows glimpses of excellent performance, only to occasionally falter. He will turn 30 in March, and I could see the Cubs choosing to non-tender him.
Hayden Wesneski: He has one more year of pre-arbitration and one option year remaining. Currently, he is not going anywhere.
Jordan Wicks: He has two more years of team control before arbitration and has options left, but if healthy, he could become a significant part of the 2025 rotation.
Trey Wingenter: It is nearly certain he will be non-tendered.
Catchers (3)
Miguel Amaya: He has two more years of team control prior to becoming arbitration-eligible.
Christian Bethancourt: He performed adequately, yet he is arbitration-eligible and 33 years old. I suspect he will be non-tendered, as Jed Hoyer aims to enhance the catching position.
Caleb Knight: He was added to the 40-man roster and immediately optioned to Iowa, likely as a recognition for six years in the Cubs system. He is expected to be non-tendered or released.
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While Mastrobuoni has decent fielding and running abilities, there may be better batting options available. He has two additional years at pre-arbitration rates and one remaining option year.
Matt Mervis: He has an option year left, but finds himself without a clear role on this team. I suspect he will be traded.
Isaac Paredes: He will be arbitration-eligible in 2025 and remains under team control until 2027.
Dansby Swanson: He has five years left on the seven-year contract he signed prior to the 2023 season.
Luis Vázquez: A decision is needed here. Could he serve as a better backup infielder than Mastrobuoni? If so, he should be retained; otherwise, I don’t see the value in keeping him.
Patrick Wisdom: Although his home runs can be exciting, I don’t foresee a fit for him here, particularly since he is arbitration-eligible. He is another candidate for non-tendering.
Outfielders (8)
Kevin Alcántara: A promising prospect with two option years remaining.
Cody Bellinger: We will know within five days after the World Series concludes whether he will return. I believe he will opt to stay rather than opt out. “As always, we are waiting on developments.”
Alexander Canario: There does not seem to be a role for him. He could potentially be included in a trade this winter.
Pete Crow-Armstrong: He has two more years of pre-arbitration eligibility and five years of team control left. If he makes significant progress in 2025, the team should look to sign him to a long-term deal.
Brennen Davis: While most Cubs fans would love to see him healthy and thriving, I could envision a scenario where he is non-tendered to clear space on the 40-man roster, with a possibility of re-signing him to a minor league deal. He has one option year left.
Ian Happ: He is under contract for two more years at a reasonable rate.
Seiya Suzuki: He is also under contract for two additional years at a reasonable cost.
Mike Tauchman: He is arbitration-eligible and should definitely be retained, as he fulfills a valuable role on the roster and is not likely to be expensive.
Among the 48 players, three will definitely leave the 40-man roster as free agents (Hendricks, López, Smyly), and in my estimation, up to 14 others might be subject to non-tender or release. If that occurs, 31 players would remain on the 40-man roster.
Only two players seem essential to add to the 40-man roster to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft: Owen Caissie and Ben Cowles, whom the Cubs valued enough to send to the Arizona Fall League.
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2025 Cubs Roster Outlook: Who Stays, Who Goes, and What’s Next?
Overview of the Current Roster
As the Chicago Cubs prepare for the 2025 season, it’s crucial to analyze the current roster and make predictions about who will remain, who might depart, and what the future holds for this storied franchise. The Cubs’ 2024 roster has been a mix of promising talent and veteran experience, setting a solid foundation moving forward.
Key Players to Watch in 2025
Star Players Likely to Stay
- Seiya Suzuki – The Japanese outfielder has been a standout with his offensive skills and defensive prowess. His continued development makes him a key asset for the Cubs.
- Marcus Stroman – As a reliable starting pitcher, Stroman’s leadership on and off the mound is invaluable. His contract situation will be something to monitor closely.
- Christopher Morel – Emerging as a versatile player, Morel’s ability to contribute in multiple positions provides the Cubs with much-needed flexibility.
Potential Departures
- Yan Gomes – The veteran catcher may be a candidate for trade if the Cubs decide to pursue younger talent in the offseason.
- Michael Fulmer – Fulmer’s performance has been inconsistent, and he could find himself on the move if the Cubs seek to bolster their bullpen with a more reliable option.
Free Agency and Trade Possibilities
The Cubs have a few key decisions to make in free agency. With the 2024 season coming to an end, they will need to evaluate which players are worth extending and which contracts could be shed to make room for new talent.
Notable Free Agents
Some of the key free agents to consider include:
- Shortstop – The Cubs may look to upgrade their infield, and several shortstops are available that could fit their needs.
- Starting Pitcher – Given the importance of a strong rotation, expect the Cubs to be active in pursuing high-caliber pitchers during free agency.
Trade Insights
Trading players can bring in young talent or fill critical gaps in the roster. The Cubs need to consider:
- Which players have trade value based on their performance and contracts.
- The depth of their minor league system, which can be leveraged to make impactful trades.
Minor League Talent on the Rise
The Cubs have made significant investments in their minor league system, and several prospects are knocking on the door of the majors. Key players to watch include:
| Player | Position | 2024 Stats | Projected Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Mervis | 1B | .275 Avg, 20 HR | Potential starter in 2025 |
| Kevin Alcántara | OF | .290 Avg, 15 HR | Future star with speed |
| Jordan Wicks | P | 3.50 ERA, 150 K | Strong candidate for rotation |
Addressing Needs for 2025
As the Cubs evaluate their roster for the upcoming season, several needs must be addressed:
Offensive Improvements
Despite a solid season, the Cubs’ offense was inconsistent at times. Key areas for improvement include:
- Enhancing situational hitting to capitalize on opportunities.
- Bringing in a power hitter to complement existing players.
Pitching Depth
The Cubs need to ensure they have enough depth in their pitching staff, both in the starting rotation and the bullpen. This may involve:
- Acquiring a veteran pitcher to provide leadership.
- Promoting young arms from the minors to add fresh talent.
Fan Engagement and Community Impact
Building a strong team is not just about player transactions; it’s also about engaging fans and fostering community support. The Cubs have a loyal fan base that expects a competitive team.
Community Programs
Investment in community programs can strengthen the bond between the team and its supporters. Initiatives might include:
- Youth baseball clinics and camps.
- Community outreach programs focused on education and wellness.
Looking Ahead: The Cubs’ Future
With a mix of young talent and experienced players, the Cubs are positioned to make a strong push in the coming seasons. Their focus on development, combined with strategic roster moves, will be key in building a contender for 2025 and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- Identifying key players who will likely stay vs. those who might depart.
- Understanding the importance of free agency and trades in shaping the roster.
- Recognizing the potential of minor league prospects to impact the team.
As we move closer to the 2025 season, the excitement surrounding the Chicago Cubs continues to grow. Fans can look forward to a dynamic roster and a commitment to competing for championships in the years to come.
