The biggest question for the Chicago Cubs going into spring training was when they would agree on a deal with Cody Bellinger. Once they did that, things started to become a little more clear for them. But the Cubs still have a tremendous problem on their hands. They must fill a roster with more options than they have spots for. One question that needs to be answered is who will be the Cubs’ third baseman on Opening Day.
As spring training began, the Cubs front office and manager Craig Counsell all stated their desire for Christopher Morel to be the Cubs’ third baseman to start the season. Already, Morel was set to be backed up at third by Nick Madrigal and Patrick Wisdom. They will both likely be on the roster to begin the season, along with Morel. But as time has passed, the Cubs have had even more options surface as potential suitors for the job.
Morel is not the only third baseman having a great start to spring, which is excellent for the Cubs. The more people succeed, the better the competition is from those fighting for a spot. But on the flip side, the greater the competition, the greater the decision the Cubs have to make. Hearing from Counsell, this could be something that lingers long past spring training.
Counsell: Cubs’ Third Base Decision Will Not Be Solved In Spring Training
MLB Insider Jon Morosi says that on MLB Network’s radio station, Counsell does not believe a decision on the Cubs’ third baseman will be made during spring training. This will be a fluid situation that we see enter the regular season. The plan may be for Morel to start at third, but it may not be his job to keep.
This can relate back to the Bellinger signing. Before he signed with the Cubs, the lineup lacked a certified power-hitter for the heart of it. The Cubs had to have a plan to pivot from Bellinger in case he did not sign. They could have looked at Matt Chapman as a potential solution. But now that Bellinger is back, it seems the Cubs have even more options than before – just by adding one piece.
With the Cubs having so many options, it makes sense that the decision for Opening Day may not be the final decision. Of the available options, Morel is having the best time at the plate with a .286 average. But others have been successful so far this spring as well.
Minor League Options For Cubs’ Third Baseman
Remember David Bote? He is still around and has been having himself a spring, as he usually does. Bote has four hits this spring, three of which are home runs. He is in the top five of most playing time so far this spring for the Cubs. With his experience as the Cubs’ third baseman, many reference him as an excellent insurance policy for the Cubs, ready to fill in at third base whenever needed.
Matt Shaw is a name Cubs fans will want to remember for the future. Shaw has played in nine games this spring around the infield, batting .263 with three extra-base hits. He was drafted in 2023 as a shortstop, but the Cubs have that position covered with Dansby Swanson. Due to the question mark at third base, he spent all of the offseason working out there and learning the position. Shaw is a guy who could surprise some people with an early emergence to the bigs, especially if he tears up the minors like he did last year.
Miles Mastrobuoni can also be a piece of the third base puzzle. He has major league experience, and it would not be surprising if he made the roster on Opening Day with his versatility. With the three options at the major league level and more working their way through the minors, having a fluid situation at third base can be okay. As long as everyone is getting consistent at-bats, the Cubs can keep an eye on the competition until someone proves themselves to be head and shoulders above the rest.
