Cubs Make Roster Moves Ahead of Opening Day

The team options several players to the minors as spring training continues.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:09pm

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The Chicago Cubs have announced a series of roster moves as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 MLB season. The team has optioned several players, including outfielder Justin Dean and pitchers Ryan Rolison and Luke Little, to their Triple-A affiliate in Iowa. Additionally, the Cubs have returned catchers Ariel Almas and Casey Opitz, outfielder Brett Bateman, and pitcher Vince Velasquez to minor league camp.

Why it matters

These moves are part of the Cubs' efforts to finalize their roster ahead of Opening Day later this month. The team is looking to build on their success from the 2025 season, where they won 92 games and reached the NLDS before falling to the Milwaukee Brewers.

The details

The Cubs reduced their spring training roster from 53 to 46 players with these latest transactions. Some fans were surprised to see pitcher Luke Little, a 6'8" hurler drafted by the team in 2020, among those optioned to the minors. The Cubs are hoping to continue their recent playoff appearances, having made the postseason in 2020 and 2025 after winning the World Series in 2016.

  • The Cubs announced the roster moves on March 12, 2026.
  • The team's regular season is scheduled to begin on March 26, 2026 with a home series against the Washington Nationals.

The players

Justin Dean

An outfielder who has been optioned to the Cubs' Triple-A affiliate in Iowa.

Ryan Rolison

A left-handed pitcher who has been optioned to the Cubs' Triple-A affiliate in Iowa.

Luke Little

A 6'8" left-handed pitcher who has been optioned to the Cubs' Triple-A affiliate in Iowa.

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What’s next

The Cubs will continue their spring training preparations as they finalize their roster ahead of the regular season opener against the Washington Nationals on March 26.

The takeaway

The Cubs' roster moves are part of their efforts to get their team set for the 2026 season, as they look to build on their recent playoff appearances and make a run at another World Series title.