The Chicago Cubs are looking for a bounce-back season after narrowly missing the postseason due to a late-season collapse in 2023. Now, with a few noteworthy additions and heightened expectations, the team is looking for postseason success in 2024. On Monday, the team finalized their roster for 2024, and many of the notable names from a season ago still grace the list.
According to Chicago Tribune's Megan Montemurro, the bench is filled out with infielders Nick Madrigal and Miles Mastrobuoni. Both players have multi-positional versatility and will be experienced depth for this year's group. Christopher Morel will earn every opportunity to be the everyday third baseman, and a slew of players will likely rotate at DH including Garrett Cooper and Patrick Wisdom, among others.
In addition, LHP Luke Little and RHP Jose Cuas will fill out the final bullpen slots, leading RHP Hayden Wesneski and OF Alexander Canario to begin the season at Triple-A Iowa. According to Montemurro, Wesneski will stretch out as a starter in the event there are injuries in the rotation. As for Canario, everyday at-bats after minimal game action in 2023 is never a bad thing.
Last season, Wesneski earned the fifth starter spot. However, early struggles ultimately led to being sent down and returning in a bullpen capacity later in the season. This season, many expected Wesneski to serve as a bullpen arm once again but it appears the organization values his ability as starting depth more.
Little impressed heavily for the club last season, ending the season in the majors after beginning at High-A South Bend. Now, he'll be one of the counted-on lefties out of the pen with fellow southpaw Drew Smyly.
Finally, Cuas and his funky delivery will be another unique look for the Cubs in the middle innings of games.
Thursday's Opening Day tilt with the Texas Rangers is slated to begin at 6:35 p.m. CDT. Justin Steele will take the bump against RHP Nathan Eovaldi.
More must-reads: