Cubs still looking to fill two specific roles in lineup, bullpen

The Chicago Cubs have taken plenty of steps to remake their roster this offseason, and it sounds like more changes could potentially be on the way before Opening Day.

When the Cubs take the field at Wrigley Field on March 30 against the Milwaukee Brewers, it’s possible that five of the nine names in the starting lineup could be additions made this offseason. That includes veteran names such as Eric Hosmer, Trey Mancini, and Dansby Swanson.

However, while there will likely be plenty of fresh faces trying to boost the Cubs back above the .500 mark this season, there could still be room for improvement on the North Side.

Chicago Cubs may still be looking for improvement in bullpen, on bench

Patrick Mooney of The Athletic (subscription required) recently detailed that the Cubs may still be looking to boost the Opening Day roster through “a veteran hitter still out there who could fill a specific role off the bench” and noting that adding “a late-inning reliever with some closing experience would make a lot of sense.”

Let’s start in the bullpen where the Cubs did claim Anthony Kay off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays in December, but there are plenty of reasons to believe that there are better options out there who could take his spot on the roster. Among the relievers still available who could make a difference is Andrew Chafin, a veteran southpaw who is already familiar with Wrigley Field from his two seasons with the Cubs (2020-21) and has picked up a handful of saves (eight) over the last two seasons.

Picking up a veteran for a “specific role” off the bench could go a number of ways. However, if you look at the projected Opening Day roster via FanGraphs, the only left-handed bat off the bench would belong to Zach McKinstry, a player who slashed just .206/.272/.361 last season in 171 plate appearances. While McKinstry can play a number of positions (left field, second base, third base, and shortstop last season), perhaps the Cubs would be looking to swap out versatility for a left-handed bat that could provide more offensive pop.

With Jurickson Profar still on the market, the switch-hitter could be an intriguing add. However, both he and Chafin would cause the Cubs to spend more this offseason on a roster that has already cost over $324 million.

If the Cubs can find the right piece at the right price, don’t be surprised to see more new faces heading to the North Side in the next couple of weeks.