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Chicago Cubs: Who will Kyle Schwarber replace on World Series roster?

By Joshua Mayer

Apr 11, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Kyle Schwarber (12) is introduced prior to a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Kyle Schwarber (12) is introduced prior to a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs pinch hitter Miguel Montero (47) hits a grand slam against the Los Angeles Dodgers and celebrates with right fielder Jason Heyward (left), left fielder Chris Coghlan (8) and left fielder Ben Zobrist (right) during the eighth inning of game one of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs pinch hitter Miguel Montero (47) hits a grand slam against the Los Angeles Dodgers and celebrates with right fielder Jason Heyward (left), left fielder Chris Coghlan (8) and left fielder Ben Zobrist (right) during the eighth inning of game one of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports /

Other: Chris Coghlan or Miguel Montero

Both of these players will most likely be kept on the roster but are worth mentioning as possibilities to be taken off. Montero provides little value as the third catcher, but did have a huge grand slam in game one of the NLCS.

The former Diamondback catcher is mostly kept around as Jake Arrieta’s catcher, but with Arrieta struggling a bit, it is fair to question how much their partnership is helping. Though Arrieta struggled mightily with Willson Contreras as his catcher (5.18 ERA), the 2015 Cy Young award winner pitched to a 1.32 ERA in four games with David Ross. Still, it is doubtful the veteran will be left off the roster, and he will most likely continue to get starts whenever Arrieta takes the hill.

Chances of Montero being replaced: 2%

Chris Coghlan is another interesting case, but his versatility would seem to guarantee him his spot. Joe Maddon is a big fan of the former Rookie of the Year, and the team likes him enough to have had traded for him and sent a productive Tommy La Stella down because of the deal. We won’t go into what happened after this with La Stella, but Coghlan returned to his 2015 productivity after a horrid stretch in Oakland.

The utility man is 0-4 with a walk in the playoffs, and was also only 1-12 in the postseason in 2015. That being said, he is the only Cubs bench player capable of playing the infield and outfield, and as a left-handed hitter he will most likely be kept on the roster.

Chances of Coghlan being replaced: 5%

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