Cubs 2024 Opening Day Depth Chart Finalized |
The Cubs have decided the 26 men they will break camp with come Thursday’s 2024 Opening Day matchup with the reigning champion Texas Rangers.
It was always apparent that the Cubs would have Yan Gomes, Miguel Amaya, Cody Bellinger, Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, Christopher Morel, Ian Happ, and Seiya Suzuki on the team. The rest of the depth chart was up for grabs. A few weeks ago, we wrote about the Cubs’ roster bubble on the position player side, which included names like Patrick Wisdom, Garrett Cooper, Michael Busch, Mike Tauchman, Dominic Smith, David Peralta, Alexander Canario, Miles Mastrobuoni, Nick Madrigal, Pete Crow-Armstrong, David Bote, and Matt Mervis. As Spring Training began, Craig Counsell wasted no time assuring that Mike Tauchman would break camp with the big league club. He started in the minors in 2023 and ended up being a huge part of the Cubs' success last year, and his veteran presence appeared to be rewarded early by Counsell. Although it was not as formally announced with Tauchman, it became very clear Michael Busch would be in the mix for an everyday spot and was not a part of the roster bubble. The Cubs acquired him via trade from the Dodgers over the offseason and loved his makeup. Whether he slots in at first base or DH, he will be a part of the Cubs’ lineup as the season begins. As Cactus League play continued, the Cubs started to see some of the position battles clearer. Even after the Cubs signed Cody Bellinger, they still needed to shore out a roster spot for a first baseman and DH type: entering that battle was Patrick Wisdom, Garrett Cooper, Dominic Smith, and Matt Mervis. Wisdom, who appeared to be the favorite, will open the season on the injured list. Behind him, Cooper ultimately won that battle, thanks to his power display in Spring Training. Matt Mervis was sent to the minor leagues to continue to work on his game, and Dom Smith opted out of his minor league contract and elected free agency. The next decision was fourth outfielder — which was essentially decided when the Cubs signed Cody Bellinger. Tauchman would get pushed from starter to fourth outfielder and start when Bellinger played first, leaving little room for Pete Crow-Armstrong to jump straight to the big leagues. He, as well as prospects Owen Caissie and Matt Shaw — who excelled in the Spring — were sent to minor league camp. The final decision now comes down to whether you want a bat, a utility man, two utility men, or some other combination. The Cubs were deciding between Alexander Canario’s bat — which only currently slots in as a DH considering he would be the Cubs’ fifth outfielder on the roster — Nick Madrigal’s glove and Miles Mastrobuoni’s utility. The Cubs ultimately elected to send Canario to triple-A to start the season and open the year with veterans Madrigal and Mastrobuoni on the team. Madrigal immediately inserts himself as a backup third baseman beside Christopher Morel, and he will likely replace Morel late in games for defense purposes as Morel looks to get stronger at third base. So, here is how the Cubs’ 2024 depth chart looks: Catcher: Yan Gomes Miguel Amaya First Base: Michael Busch Cody Bellinger Garrett Cooper Second Base: Nico Hoerner Nick Madrigal Miles Mastrobuoni Shortstop: Dansby Swanson Nico Hoerner Miles Mastrobuoni Third Base: Christopher Morel Nick Madrigal Miles Mastrobuoni Left Field: Ian Happ Mike Tauchman Miles Mastrobuoni Center Field: Cody Bellinger Mike Tauchman Miles Mastrobuoni Right Field: Sieya Suzuki Mike Tauchman Miles Mastrobuoni DH: Garrett Cooper Mike Tauchman Nick Madrigal Bench: Mike Tauchman Nick Madrigal Miles Mastrobuoni Miguel Amaya Injured: Patrick Wisdom Minors: Pete Crow-Armstrong Alexander Canario Matt Mervis David Bote Owen Caissie Matt Shaw
