Chicago Cubs: Why having too much depth can be problematic

Over the past few seasons, the Chicago Cubs have been known for utilizing their depth at nearly every position on the diamond. This luxury can be both a blessing and a problem for an organization looking to establish consistency long-term.

The Chicago Cubs have one of the deepest rosters in all of baseball. As a result, while they have so much talent at every position, it’s been nearly impossible to give equal playing time to everyone. And that’s been both good and bad depending on how you look at it.

Take David Bote‘s rise for example. Bote can play both the infield and outfield on any given day, yet doesn’t play regularly despite being one of the most clutch hitters on the team. If he were playing every day, Bote might be in line for an all-star spot, given his knack for hitting calm under pressure while providing stout defense.

Bote is just one of many Cub players who are talented enough to start regularly on majority of teams in baseball, yet have to accept somewhat diminished roles because Theo Epstein and the entire Cubs’ organization did an excellent job constructing a roster that is more than capable to withstand injuries throughout the season. It’s been the “next man up” philosophy that has worked out so well for the Cubs since Joe Maddon began his tenure in 2015.

Still, for young players like Bote, Kyle Schwarber, Albert Almora Jr, Ian Happ, and Addison Russell, their development has in some respects been hindered from not being everyday players throughout their young careers thus far. Not knowing what your role is going to be from one game to the next can be very challenging for anyone, let alone players who are looking to establish themselves as everyday starters.

All of these players listed above have had both highs and lows throughout their young careers, but few have been given the luxury to work through their struggles without having the possibility of being benched or demoted to Triple A Iowa as soon as the first signs of a slump emerge.

There’s the saying: You can never have too much depth at any given position. This saying applies perfectly with the Cubs over the past few seasons. Their roster depth has ultimately been the glue to so many potential cracks that would have derailed most teams who are ill-equipped to handle abrupt injuries.

With that being said, for players on the Cubs who are looking to show just how good they truly are, they can look up to one former Cub who is now thriving in an every-day starting role with his new team.

Second-baseman Tommy La Stella, who used to be the best pinch-hitter on the Cubs, is finally getting an opportunity of a lifetime with the Los Angeles Angels this season. He’s now firmly entrenched as a starter, and is putting up All-Star caliber numbers thus far.

Heading into Monday, La Stella is batting .315, with 15 home-runs, and 39 RBI’s in 61 games played. He’s never been known as a power hitter throughout his career (Five home-runs was his previous career high with the Cubs back in 2017). Now, with a new role, comes greater responsibility, and even more confidence than ever before.

La Stella’s development was hindered while playing a limited role with the Cubs for four seasons. Sure, he played a big part in the Cubs’ success during those previous seasons. But this is just another prime example of how having too much position depth can hold back a player from discovering how great he truly is.

Some of the Cubs’ recent struggles since winning the 2016 World Series stem from players simply not building off past success. Playing time certainly has a role in this, whether the Cubs organization wants to admit it or not.