Predicting the 2015 Chicago Cubs 25-Man Roster on Opening Day
Chicago Cubs fans will have a lot to get used to when the 2015 season opens on April 5.
Not only will the famed bleachers be under construction for much of the first half of the season, but the team on the field will be a work in progress as well. Though the Cubs are in a good position to contend for a playoff spot, they will have stiff competition in the NL Central. Chicago is a young team that will need to develop quickly if it wants any hope of making the playoffs.
The Cubs had a quite successful offseason, adding multiple proven veterans to the mix. Among the most notable additions are starting pitcher Jon Lester and All-Star catcher Miguel Montero. The Cubs also acquired outfielder Dexter Fowler and brought back starting pitcher Jason Hammel.
The 25-man roster is also certain to change in mid-to-late April, as the Cubs will likely call up third base prospect Kris Bryant. Even though he has already slugged six home runs in spring training, it's likely that he will start the season in Triple-A in order to ensure that 2015 does not count as a year against his contract.
It's almost here, Cubs fans. The moments we've all been waiting for for years are soon to begin. So let's take a look at what the 25-man roster may look like on Opening Day 2015.
Infielders
- Miguel Montero, C
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Javier Baez, 2B
- Mike Olt, 3B
- Starlin Castro, SS
The Cubs infield will differ throughout the season, most notably upon the arrival of third baseman Kris Bryant. Though he almost certainly won't begin the season in the major leagues, Bryant will be with the big league club soon enough.
Anthony Rizzo looks to be the only infielder with a secured spot, as third base, shortstop and second base will likely change at times. However, Starlin Castro will likely remain at shortstop to begin, while Javier Baez will continue to occupy second base. Baez played most of his minor league career at shortstop but switched to second base to accommodate for Castro at the big league level.
It's possible that Cubs manager Joe Maddon will experiment with Castro, Baez and Bryant in certain positions in the infield throughout the season.
Outfielders
- Chris Coghlan, LF
- Dexter Fowler, CF
- Jorge Soler, RF
Like the infield, the Cubs outfield is likely to fluctuate at times throughout the season. Last week, third base prospect Kris Bryant expressed his willingness to play outfield at the major league level, a role that he played at times while at the University of San Diego. It's possible that he may even become a fixture in the grass down the road given the Cubs' depth in the infield. However, he will likely start at third base given the team's lack of strength at the hot corner.
Newly acquired center fielder Dexter Fowler will command center most often, while young slugger Jorge Soler (23) will occupy right field. Youngster Arismendy Alcantara will also get some time in center field, and 25-year-old Matt Szczur should see some playing time as well, thanks to his successful spring thus far.
Starting Rotation
- Jon Lester, LHP
- Jake Arrieta, RHP
- Jason Hammel, RHP
- Kyle Hendricks, RHP
- Travis Wood, LHP
Although the top of the Cubs rotation is likely set, there's still a bit of uncertainty as to who will be the No. 5 starter.
Ideally, Travis Wood will earn the spot and return to his All-Star form of 2013, which could give the Cubs one of the strongest rotations in baseball.
The rotation is all but set at spots No. 1-4, as the Cubs strengthened their starting crew through the addition of Jon Lester and the return of Jason Hammel.
Bullpen
- Edwin Jackson, RHP
- Jason Motte, RHP
- Pedro Strop, RHP
- Neil Ramirez, RHP
- Zac Rosscup, LHP
- Felix Doubront, LHP
- Hector Rondon, RHP
In recent years, the Cubs have struggled to find a solid closer. That problem is (hopefully) solved, as Hector Rondon has performed quite well in closing out games.
He posted a solid 2.42 ERA in 2014 and is still listed as the closer on the official depth chart.
Pedro Strop will take up the setup role, entering games late before Rondon.
Exiled starter Edwin Jackson and his $52 million contract will likely be sent to the bullpen, as was the case at the end of 2014.
Bench
- David Ross, C
- Tommy La Stella, 3B
- Arismendy Alcantara, 2B/OF
- Matt Szczur, OF
- Ryan Sweeney, OF
Perhaps the most consistent body occupying the Cubs bench will be newly acquired catcher David Ross, who will see most of his playing time come every five days while catching Jon Lester.
Arismendy Alcantara will also spend some time on the bench, as his regular center field spot will go to newcomer Dexter Fowler.
Thanks to an impressive March, young outfielder Matt Szczur has almost certainly earned a spot on the big league roster and will likely back up Chris Coghlan in left field.
Jason S. Parini is a Featured Columnist for the Cubs on Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @JasonPariniBR