Craig Counsell, the manager of the Chicago Cubs, emphasized during spring training that the roster at the start of the 2024 season would evolve significantly by its end.
With 26 players currently on the roster, Counsell predicted that this number could swell to 45-50 by season’s end.
True to Counsell’s foresight, the Cubs’ roster has already undergone considerable flux within the first month of the regular season. Sixteen pitchers have already taken the mound, a figure expected to rise as the season progresses.
Injuries have plagued the team early on, with Jameson Taillon and Justin Steele landing on the injured list due to back and hamstring issues, respectively. The bullpen’s struggles have necessitated numerous call-ups and demotions.
Injuries are an unfortunate reality in baseball, and the Cubs have felt their sting keenly. Standout outfielder Seiya Suzuki joined the ranks of the injured after sustaining an oblique injury, paving the way for prospect Alexander Canario’s promotion to the roster. Canario’s ascent marks just the beginning of what promises to be a steady stream of minor league talents joining the Cubs throughout the season.
Interestingly, Canario’s promotion over top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong raised eyebrows initially.
However, a recent ESPN article by David Schoenfield has shed new light on the move. Schoenfield identified Canario as the Cubs’ top trade candidate, citing the team’s rich farm system and Canario’s promising performance during his 2023 stint in the majors.
The Cubs’ upcoming series against the Miami Marlins, featuring three left-handed starting pitchers, initially justified Canario’s inclusion for his right-handed bat. However, Schoenfield’s article suggests a deeper motive behind Canario’s call-up: as a potential showcase for trade purposes.
If Canario impresses during his time with the Chicago Cubs, his trade value could skyrocket, presenting the team with an opportunity to bolster its roster for a playoff push. Given the logjam of outfield prospects in the Cubs’ system, Canario appears expendable in pursuit of assets that could fortify the team’s chances in 2024.
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