Chicago Cubs: Thoughts on every player on the 40-man roster

Unfortunately for their fans, the Chicago Cubs are in the beginning stages of another heart-wrenching rebuild.

Entering last season, the Cubs had all of Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Craig Kimbrel, Ryan Tepera, Jake Marisnick, Andrew Chafin and Joc Pederson on their active roster. Come August 1st, not a single one of them remained; making Kyle Hendricks and Willson Contreras next on the list of potential Cubs changing teams.

Despite the fact that a long and difficult rebuild is in the club’s future, it still went out and signed free agents Yan Gomes and Marcus Stroman to fill current roster holes and potentially be a part of the next contending team (specifically Stroman). Veteran left-hander Wade Miley was also claimed off of waivers from the Cincinnati Reds as further rotation help.

The Chicago Cubs’ 40-man roster currently sits at 39 spots filled. Let’s take a closer look at the current roster as we (hopefully) near the beginning of the season.

(Projections included below are from FanGraphs’ Depth Chart Projections system for the 2022 season.)

The pitchers (19):

Cory Abbott, RHP

2021 stats: 0-0, 7 G (1 GS), 6.75 ERA, 8.94 FIP, -0.5 fWAR

2022 FGDC projections: 1-1, 11 G (3 GS), 5.15 ERA, 5.20 FIP, 0.1 fWAR

Cory Abbott made his major league debut last season for the Cubs after a very solid minor league career. He is very much a strikeout-oriented pitcher. The 26-year-old is projected to begin the season at the club’s Triple-A affiliate and should only see time in the big leagues this upcoming season if more players are traded, or if injuries arise.

Adbert Alzolay, RHP

2021 stats: 5-13, 21 GS, 4.58 ERA, 4.65 FIP, 1.0 fWAR

2022 FGDC projections: 6-6, 23 GS, 4.54 ERA, 4.45 FIP, 1.0 fWAR

Last season was Adbert Alzolay’s first full season at the major league level and he looked pretty sharp. Primarily a sinker-slider type of pitcher, Alzolay is highly efficient at limiting walks and held hitters to just a .185 batting average on his slider last year, throwing the pitch over 40% of the time. He is projected to begin the 2022 season with a rotation spot locked down.

Scott Effross, RHP

2021 stats: 2-1, 14 G, 3.68 ERA, 3.31 FIP, 0.2 fWAR

2022 FGDC projections: 4-4, 62 G, 4.65 ERA, 4.60 FIP, -0.1 fWAR

Scott Effross is a relief pitcher who has done an excellent job of keeping his walk and home run-rates low throughout his minor league career. He got a brief showing in 2021 on the big league club and is projected to be an oft-used middle relief option for the Cubs. He, like Alzolay, is primarily a sinker-slider pitcher and does a great job at limiting baserunners.

Anderson Espinoza, RHP

2021 stats (in A+ and AA): 1-3, 20 GS, 4.19 ERA

2022 FGDC projections: 0-0, 10 G, 4.84 ERA, 4.83 FIP, 0.0 fWAR

Anderson Espinoza, one of the newest Chicago Cubs, came over from the Padres in a trade for Jake Marisnick. Espinoza is a two-time Tommy John surgery recipient and made his first professional appearances since 2016 last year. He has a great fastball and curveball but needs to work on his control if he is to succeed at the big league level. He is projected to start 2022 in the minor leagues.

Kyle Hendricks, RHP

2021 stats: 14-7, 32 GS, 4.77 ERA, 4.89 FIP, 1.3 fWAR

2022 FGDC projections: 10-11, 31 GS, 4.61 ERA, 4.68 FIP, 1.6 fWAR

Kyle Hendricks, the longtime ace of the Chicago Cubs rotation, is entering his age-32 season coming off of an unusually poor season in 2021. Hendricks posted career-lows in most major categories last season and is projected to post similar results in the upcoming campaign. He is an absolute workhorse and always goes late into games, a feature that the Cubs rely on him for year in and year out.

Codi Heuer, RHP

2021 stats (split between Cubs and White Sox): 7-4, 65 G, 4.28 ERA, 3.97 FIP, 0.7 fWAR

2022 FGDC projections: 5-4, 68 G, 4.07 ERA, 4.06 FIP, 0.7 fWAR

Codi Heuer joined the Cubs via trade last season right at the deadline, in exchange for Craig Kimbrel. Heuer, 25, has a four-pitch repertoire including a very strong slider and changeup. Both pitches allowed a batting average below .200 last season for Heuer. He projects to serve in a setup role for the Cubbies and could even see the occasional save chance.

Brailyn Marquez, LHP

2021 stats: N/A (injured)

2022 FGDC projections: 3-3, 8 GS, 4.89 ERA, 4.74 FIP, 0.3 fWAR

Brailyn Marquez has done nothing but dominate throughout his minor league career to this point.  The prized lefty entered 2021 as the #2 prospect in the Cubs’ system (per MLB.com) but ultimately missed all of last season due to a variety of ailments. He is projected to begin the season at the club’s Triple-A affiliate and should be near the top of the list when it comes to injury replacements.

Wade Miley, LHP

2021 stats (with Cincinnati): 12-7, 28 GS, 3.37 ERA, 3.97 FIP, 2.9 fWAR

2022 FGDC projections: 10-10, 29 GS, 4.35 ERA, 4.51 FIP, 1.7 fWAR

35-year-old Wade Miley, claimed by the Cubs back in November, is a durable starting pitcher that can go deep into ballgames and induce soft contact. Not much of a strikeout pitcher at all, Miley barely touches 90 mph on a good day and relies heavily on inducing ground balls and limiting home runs. He is a lock to be on the mound every fifth day and will give the Cubs a veteran pitcher that they could use on their staff.

Alec Mills, RHP

2021 stats: 6-7, 32 G (20 GS), 5.07 ERA, 4.49 FIP, 1.1 fWAR

2022 FGDC projections: 4-5, 32 G (16 GS), 5.11 ERA, 5.13 FIP, 0.2 fWAR

Despite the fact that he threw a no-hitter in 2020 against the Milwaukee Brewers, Alec Mills just has not been able to stick in the Cubs’ rotation since he joined the club in 2018. Mills, 30, served as both a starting pitcher and reliever last year for Chicago to subpar results. He is a lot like Wade Miley in that he does not strike out many batters but is a ground ball machine and barely hits 90mph on his fastball.

Tommy Nance, RHP

2021 stats: 1-1, 27 G, 7.22 ERA, 5.02 FIP, -0.2 fWAR

2022 FGDC projections: 2-2, 46 G, 4.28 ERA, 4.38 FIP, 0.0 fWAR

Tommy Nance made his big league debut last season as a 30-year old relief pitcher for the Cubs. He made 27 appearances down the stretch and did not look sharp, posting a 7.22 ERA. Nance’s curveball was absolutely annihilated last season (.400 batting average-against), but his sinker, four-seamer and slider looked stronger. His 5.02 FIP indicates that he may have been a little bit unlucky with the fielders behind him but he will need a strong bounce back season if he is to remain a Cub past 2022.

Ethan Roberts, RHP

2021 stats (in AA and AAA): 4-2, 39 G, 3.00 ERA, 2.50 FIP

2022 FGDC projections: 2-2, 35 G, 4.19 ERA, 4.15 FIP, 0.1 fWAR

Ethan Roberts has yet to make his major league debut but FGDC has him not only making his debut this season, but appearing in a good chunk of games for the Cubs. Roberts, 24, stands at just 5’9″ but is capable of hitting upper-90’s on his fastball and throws a huge sweeping curveball that sits in the high-70’s.

Manuel Rodriguez, RHP

2021 stats: 3-3, 20 G, 6.11 ERA, 5.77 FIP, -0.2 fWAR

2022 FGDC projections: 4-4, 58 G, 4.44 ERA, 4.61 FIP, 0.1 fWAR

Manuel Rodriguez, like Ethan Roberts, is expected to get some significant playing time out of the Cubs’ bullpen in 2022. Rodriguez is a big-time strikeout pitcher but he is also known to allow too many walks and home runs. His repertoire features two high 90s fastballs (sinker and four-seam) and a high-80s slider that draws a ton of swings and misses.

Michael Rucker, RHP

2021 stats: 0-0, 20 G, 6.99 ERA, 4.72 FIP, -0.1 fWAR

2022 FGDC projections: 2-2, 48 G, 4.60 ERA, 4.53 FIP, 0.0 fWAR

Michael Rucker is yet another bullpen arm that debuted last year for the Cubs. Rucker, 27, has spent his entire professional career in the Cubs organization and will most likely see a lot of time in 2022 out of the big league ‘pen. He features a five-pitch repertoire highlighted by above-average curveball and slider, allowing a .211 and .111 batting average-against last season, respectively.

Justin Steele, LHP

2021 stats: 4-4, 20 G (9 GS), 4.26 ERA, 5.52 FIP, -0.1 fWAR

2022 FGDC projections: 5-6, 48 G (15 GS), 4.53 ERA, 4.68 FIP, 0.5 fWAR

Justin Steele, a 26-year-old swingman, also cracked the big league roster for the first time last season. Steele was mostly used as a starter in his minor league career and that is still likely where he’s destined to land in the future, but he is projected to at least begin the season in the Cubs bullpen. He has been highly efficient in limiting home runs throughout his professional career but struggled with that during his 57-inning cameo in the majors last year.

Marcus Stroman, RHP

2021 stats (with New York Mets): 10-13, 33 GS, 3.02 ERA, 3.49 FIP, 3.4 fWAR

2022 FGDC projections: 12-11, 32 GS, 4.01 ERA, 4.06 FIP, 2.7 fWAR

Marcus Stroman represents the biggest big league signing of the offseason for the Cubs before the lockout froze all transactions. Last year was Stroman’s best professional season as he turned in career-bests in games started and ERA as well as K/9. He will undoubtedly be the Cubs’ ace for the next few seasons as he signed a three-year, $71MM contract in December. His slider and splitter gave hitters fits last season while his sinker (usually his best pitch) faltered somewhat. He will need to regain control of the sinker if he is to continue to be successful.

Keegan Thompson, RHP

2021 stats: 3-3, 32 G (6 GS), 3.38 ERA, 5.16 FIP, -0.2 fWAR

2022 FGDC projections: 4-5, 52 G (10 GS), 5.01 ERA, 5.06 FIP, 0.1 fWAR

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Keegan Thompson‘s first big league action came last season, functioning as a swingman for the Cubs. Thompson, 26, is capable of starting or relieving and he, like Steele, will be next in line should Alec Mills falter in 2022. Thompson has a four-pitch repertoire that includes a standout curveball, a low-80s pitch that hitters were only able to post a .170 batting average against last season.

Alexander Vizcaino, RHP

2021 stats (in Yankees and Cubs minor league systems): 0-2, 12 G (8 GS), 5.95 ERA

2022 FGDC projections: 1-1, 24 G, 5.56 ERA, 5.57 FIP, -0.1 fWAR

Alexander Vizcaino came over to the Cubs organization at last year’s trade deadline in the Anthony Rizzo trade. Vizcaino is still just 24 years of age and is pretty raw when it comes to his control and durability. His career high in innings pitched is just 87.2, never topping over 54 in any other season since he was drafted back in 2016. Vizcaino’s walk-rate was sky-high last season but he did effectively limit home runs. He will most likely be close to the bottom of the list of potential callups in 2022.

Rowan Wick, RHP

2021 stats: 0-1, 22 G, 4.30 ERA, 3.17 FIP, 0.4 fWAR

2022 FGDC projections: 3-2, 29 SV, 64 G, 4.03 ERA, 4.16 FIP, 0.3 fWAR

FanGraphs has Rowan Wick projected to be the Cubs’ primary closer in 2022. Wick has just 11 saves to his name since he debuted in 2018 but he throws four very deceptive pitches including a sweeping mid-70s curveball. He is a very high-strikeout pitcher but also allows his fair share of walks, something he will need to improve on if he is to stick in the closer’s role moving forward.

Brad Wieck, LHP

2021 stats: 0-0, 15 G, 0.00 ERA, 1.64 FIP, 0.4 fWAR

2022 FGDC projections: 3-3, 55 G, 4.31 ERA, 4.29 FIP, 0.1 fWAR

Speaking of deceptive pitches, lefty Brad Wieck is a master of making batters swing and miss and make soft contact. Last season (in a small sample size) Wieck did not allow a single run while allowing just a .185 batting average against his fastball and not a single hit against his sweeping, low-70’s curveball. While he does also (very) rarely throw a slider, Wieck seems like a potential closer replacement if Rowan Wick can’t get it done.

The catchers (3):

Miguel Amaya

2021 stats (in AA): 106 PA, 23 G, 1 HR, .215/.406/.304, 117 wRC+

2022 FGDC projections: N/A

22 years old and the #4 Cubs prospect in 2021 (per MLB.com), Miguel Amaya missed the vast majority of last season after injuring his right elbow in June. Unfortunately for both Amaya and Cubs fans alike, the promising young catcher is set to miss the entire 2022 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The good news is that catchers such as Salvador Perez, Matt Wieters, Travis d’Arnaud and Christian Vazquez have undergone TJS and returned to their pre-surgery selves. Amaya will most likely be out until the 2023 season.

Willson Contreras

2021 stats: 483 PA, 128 G, 21 HR, .237/.340/.438, 109 wRC+, 2.1 fWAR

2022 FGDC projections: 574 PA, 141 G, 24 HR, .239/.336/.436, 107 wRC+, 2.3 fWAR

With the departures of Baez, Rizzo, Schwarber and Bryant, Willson Contreras now finds himself atop the list of “Cubs most likely to be traded.” The odds of him finishing the upcoming season in Chicago are very slim. The 29-year old backstop struck out more last year than he ever has before and his overall offensive numbers were down from his career-norm, but he is still a widely respected catcher who posted 3.0 oWAR and 1.8 dWAR last season.

Yan Gomes

2021 stats (between Washington and Oakland): 375 PA, 103 G, 14 HR, .252/.301/.421, 93 wRC+, 1.6 fWAR

2022 FGDC projections: 284 PA, 71 G, 10 HR, .247/.302/.414, 88 wRC+, 0.9 fWAR

Yan Gomes‘ best years are likely behind him but the 34-year-old still has something left in the tank. Recently signed to a two-year contract, Gomes will be Contreras’ replacement should he be dealt. 2022 will be his 11th season in the big leagues and he has earned the title of “veteran presence” in the clubhouse. More than 10 home runs and a reliable backup catcher is what the Cubs wanted from Gomes and that is exactly what they’ll get.

The infielders (7):

Sergio Alcantara – 2B/3B/SS

2021 stats: 255 PA, 89 G, 5 HR, .205/.303/.327, 71 wRC+, 0.3 fWAR

2022 FGDC projections: 245 PA, 57 G, 4 HR, .226/.313/.331, 76 wRC+, 0.4 fWAR

Sergio Alcantara is a high-speed, low-power middle infielder whose legs have yet to translate to high stolen base numbers in the big leagues. He draws a lot of walks and is a capable defender at any infield spot he plays at. Last year he was an oft-used backup infielder and he will most likely fill the same role in 2022.

David Bote – 2B/3B

2021 stats: 327 PA, 97 G, 8 HR, .199/.276/.330, 64 wRC+, -0.6 fWAR

2022 FGDC projections: 224 PA, 52 G, 7 HR, .233/.314/.394, 90 wRC+, 0.3 fWAR

In pretty much every day, last season was David Bote‘s worst season. His walks were down and he just couldn’t seem to find his way on base. Bote is another versatile infield option that can realistically play any infield spot or corner outfield position. In November, the 28-year-old underwent shoulder surgery with the anticipation being that he will be sidelined for six months.

Nico Hoerner – 2B/SS/OF

2021 stats: 170 PA, 44 G, 0 HR, .302/.382/.369, 104 wRC+, 0.8 fWAR

2022 FGDC projections: 567 PA, 131 G, 7 HR, .277/.342/.380, 95 wRC+, 2.3 fWAR

24-year old Nico Hoerner is finally in line for his first full season as an everyday member of the Cubs lineup. Hoerner, like Alcantara, doesn’t hit many home runs but possesses excellent speed on the base paths and has a great eye at the plate. While he projects as more of a second baseman, Hoerner is projected to be the Cubs everyday shortstop, at least to begin the upcoming season.

Nick Madrigal – 2B/SS

2021 stats (with White Sox): 215 PA, 54 G, 2 HR, .305/.349/.425, 113 wRC+, 1.3 fWAR

2022 FGDC projections: 560 PA, 130 G, 6 HR, .296/.342/.401, 100 wRC+, 2.2 fWAR

Long story short, Cubs fans should be very, very excited about Nick Madrigal. The centerpiece acquired by the Cubs in the Craig Kimbrel trade, Madrigal possess A++ speed on the basepaths and almost never strikes out. In his minor league career, Madrigal has walked 51 times and struck out just 21 times in over 700 plate appearances. He will likely never hit double-digit home runs but he is a lock for 25+ stolen bases and a .300 batting average.

Alfonso Rivas – 1B/OF

2021 stats: 49 PA, 18 G, 1 HR, .318/.388/.409, 119 wRC+, 0.2 fWAR

2022 FGDC projections: 161 PA, 37 G, 3 HR, .252/.329/.366, 89 wRC+, 0.1 fWAR

Alfonso Rivas does not possess the typical skillset of your average first baseman. He is high-contact left-handed bat that has not hit for much power to this point throughout his professional career. Rivas got his first taste of major league action last season and performed admirably, but he is projected to begin the season at the club’s Triple-A affiliate due to the presence of Frank Schwindel at first and the corner outfield spots being spoken for on the big league roster.

Frank Scwhindel – 1B

2021 stats (between Oakland and Chicago): 259 PA, 64 G, 14 HR, .326/.371/.591, 152 wRC+, 2.1 fWAR

2022 FGDC projections: 553 PA, 128 G, 25 HR, .268/.311/.475, 106 wRC+, 1.1 fWAR

There was arguably no bigger surprise performer last season than Frank Schwindel. Once a relatively popular Royals prospect, Schwindel bounced around from the Royals to the Athletics to the Cubs in recent years, ultimately settling in Chicago. The 29-year old slugger took off with the Cubs last season and rode his crazy-good performance to a sixth-place finish in the NL Rookie of the Year voting, despite playing in just 56 games in the National League. In a lineup full of uncertainty, Frank Schwindel is one of the few guaranteed starters for the Cubs going into 2022.

Patrick Wisdom – CIF/COF

2021 stats: 375 PA, 106 G, 28 HR, .231/.305/.518, 115 wRC+, 2.3 fWAR

2022 FGDC projections: 581 PA, 134 G, 35 HR, .218/.293/.457, 97 wRC+, 1.8 fWAR

Speaking of surprise performers, Patrick Wisdom also seemingly came out of nowhere last season with the Cubs. Where Schwindel has better contact abilities, Wisdom possesses more raw power. Strikeouts were extremely high for Wisdom last season but he was a standout player to watch for a Cubs team that was destined for a long rebuild. Defensively, he is able to fill in at both the corner infield spots and corner outfield. The fourth-place finisher in the NL ROTY, Wisdom has the third base position locked down for the Cubbies in the upcoming season.