Chicago Cubs: Five prospects destined for the expanded roster
By Ryan Sikes
If there is a season in 2020, rosters are reportedly set to expand. Which five prospects on the Chicago Cubs are most likely to be carried?
As part of the original proposal, the Chicago Cubs and the rest of the league to return to action, expanded rosters are reportedly in play as well as the addition of the DH, for this year at least. Under normal circumstances, rosters were already set to expand from 25 to 26 men, but now they will go as high as 30 players with a “taxi squad” of up to 50 players that can be with the team.
In a non-traditional year, assuming the owners and players can come to a resolution, we, as fans, are going to see some things that deviate from what we have become accustomed to. Does that mean potentially a six-man rotation? Starters being used as long relievers? Prospects playing late in games? Yes to all.
On the last item and with the unlikelihood that a minor league schedule will happen this year, the Cubs may allow several of their top prospects to play regularly, but I use that term loosely. It may end up being late-inning substitutions, pinch-hit scenarios, and one inning of work for the pitchers.
And with 20 extra players who can participate in drills, practicing alongside starters, there may be a scenario where the prospects rotate who is active from one week to the next to ensure everyone has exposure. Let’s look at the top five prospects who make the most sense as being carried on the expanded roster.