Chicago Cubs Trim Roster as Opening Day Approaches

Decisions loom on final bench and bullpen spots as team weighs options amid injuries

Mar. 22, 2026 at 10:54pm

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The Chicago Cubs have made several roster moves as they finalize their 26-man opening day roster, returning several players to the minors. Manager Craig Counsell and President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer discussed the team's depth and versatility as they navigate injuries, including Seiya Suzuki's knee sprain, and evaluate options for the final bench and bullpen spots.

Why it matters

The Cubs' ability to build roster depth and flexibility will be crucial as they navigate the long MLB season and inevitable injuries. Their decisions on the final bench and bullpen spots could have significant impacts on the team's performance early in the year.

The details

The Cubs returned infielder Jonathon Long and relievers Corbin Martin and Collin Snider to the minors, narrowing the competition for the last bullpen spot between Ben Brown and Javier Assad. The team is also weighing whether to carry an extra infielder on the bench while Suzuki is sidelined. Scott Kingery, a non-roster invitee, is a leading candidate if they go that route. Outfielders Dylan Carlson and Kevin Alcántara are also in the mix for the final bench spots.

  • The Cubs made their latest roster moves on March 22, 2026, ahead of their final Cactus League game.
  • Suzuki has been ruled out for opening day due to a right knee PCL sprain.

The players

Craig Counsell

Manager of the Chicago Cubs.

Jed Hoyer

President of Baseball Operations for the Chicago Cubs.

Jonathon Long

Infielder in the Chicago Cubs' minor-league system.

Corbin Martin

Right-handed relief pitcher in the Chicago Cubs' minor-league system.

Collin Snider

Right-handed relief pitcher in the Chicago Cubs' minor-league system.

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What they’re saying

“The message for (Long) was that, we want you to play, he is a day away from being in the big leagues, even though he's not on the (40-man) roster. So let's go continue to improve as a first baseman and as a hitter and if something would happen, primarily probably to Michael Busch, he's an option.”

— Craig Counsell, Manager

“You have to have so much depth in today's game to get through it, just the way people use their bullpens and the way guys get injured. And so we've tried our hardest to build up depth, and we're going to need to rely on it. You know that going in, you don't know how it's going to look, but you know that.”

— Jed Hoyer, President of Baseball Operations

What’s next

The Cubs will continue evaluating their options for the final bench and bullpen spots, with decisions likely coming in the days leading up to opening day. They will also monitor Seiya Suzuki's recovery timeline as they determine the best way to fill his absence.

The takeaway

The Cubs' ability to build roster depth and versatility will be crucial as they navigate the long MLB season. Their decisions on the final roster spots could have significant impacts early in the year, underscoring the importance of having multiple options and being prepared for injuries.