Predicting the Chicago Cubs’ 2016 Opening Day Roster

Bullpen

Projected Bullpen: 

Long Relief – Adam Warren

Long Relief – Travis Wood

Middle Relief – Rex Brothers

Middle Relief – Justin Grimm

Middle Relief – Carl Edwards Jr.

Setup – Trevor Cahill

Setup – Pedro Strop

Closer – Hector Rondon

Chicago has plenty of relievers coming back from last year, but roles won’t be identical to last year. For example, Cahill showed he can be relied upon in late innings, especially when it matters most. Expect him to get more innings in the seventh and eighth, especially early in the year.

Clayton Richard will just miss the cut here as his ceiling isn’t as high as some of the other long relief candidates. However, he will likely be the first arm called up in the case of an injury.

Edwards gets his first taste of a full season of major league baseball and he should excel with the stuff he has. Brothers will also get his first taste of baseball in a Cub uniform. He’s a lefty specialist who gives them much more versatility.

Strop is locked down in the setup role and Rondon is surely the team’s closer after a great 2015 season. At times, he made Cubs fans sweat, but he always seemed to get the job done, especially when it mattered most. He will anchor a very solid group.

Next: Starting Rotation