Patrick Wisdom was scratched from the Chicago Cubs‘ lineup earlier this week with reported back discomfort. He’s seemingly dealt with something all spring, playing in just six games. However, he’s been effective in those six games. He’s batting .375 with two home runs on sixteen at-bats, well on his way to impacting the Cubs’ roster.
Wisdom’s role on the roster is planned to be reserved. He is slated to be a backup option at third base and first base, and he will come off the bench to challenge left-handed pitching. But now that he is dealing with a back injury, things will have to change – at least at the beginning.
Opening Day is one week away, and the Cubs have a lot to figure out when it comes to filling out the roster. They need a full pitching rotation and guys ready to come off the bench. The good news is they have options in both departments. We’ll wait for more clarity on the pitching, but Craig Counsell and the Cubs seem to be leaning toward knowing who will make up the Cubs’ roster.
Garrett Cooper vs. Dominic Smith
This is probably the most prominent race for a roster spot, with an IL stint looming for Patrick Wisdom. Garrett Cooper or Dominic Smith would hypothetically serve as the backup to Michael Busch at first base, but probably just one of them. The one left off the roster would find themselves in the minors or, most likely, elsewhere.
The Cubs seem to be leaning toward Smith, who has seen an uptick in playing time lately. He’s also taken advantage of his opportunity, batting .348 in 23 at-bats. He signed a minor league contract with the Cubs at the beginning of camp as a non-roster invite, but circumstances and strong at-bats have brought him to the brink of making the Cubs’ roster.
Cooper has also had a strong spring, but his circumstances are different. Part of Cooper’s deal is an opt-out clause, so he can opt out of his non-roster invite deal if he wants to. If he’s not selected to the Cubs’ roster, his time with the Cubs could be seen as a tryout for another team in need. Remember, Cooper was an All-Star not long ago. Someone out there could use him.
Keep Your Eye On Alexander Canario
Multiple spots will be available on the Cubs’ roster if Patrick Wisdom lands on the IL. The reserves will look something like Mike Tauchman, Miles Mastrobuoni, and one of the two mentioned above. The Cubs are going to need some power somewhere on that bench. Look no further than the young Alexander Canario.
We saw Canario come to Chicago as a September call-up in 2023, and he did not disappoint. He embraced coming off the bench and making a difference quickly, knowing his time is coming soon. His ability to start, come in as a defensive replacement, or pinch hit/run makes him versatile – just what Craig Counsell likes.
This bench may not pop out with recognizable names to outsiders. But it should be okay to start with more reinforcements at the ready. Expectations are as high as they’ve been for the Cubs in recent years. They will be expected to compete – and win – the NL Central division. They’ll need all hands on deck to make it happen.
