Will the Cubs truly enter 2026 with unexpected players DH and OF?
The Chicago Cubs recently shook up the baseball world by acquiring starting pitcher Edward Cabrera via trade. This move helped add depth to a pitching staff that got hit hard with injuries a season ago. While many believe adding an impact bat, such as re-signing Kyle Tucker, reuniting with Cody Bellinger, or someone of that stature is the next move to come, what happens if the roster stands as is until Opening Day?
Will the Chicago Cubs truly enter 2026 with surprise players at DH and OF?
With Pete Crow Armstrong and Ian Happ locks at center field and left field, there remains a question mark at right field and potentially designated hitter. Last year, Seiya Suzuki occupied the DH spot, but as the roster stands he may potentially be the best option in the outfield. With Owen Cassie gone, Kevin Alcantara and newcomer Tyler Austin are the only other potential fits to occupy that spot.
If Suzuki were to move back into the field, it should give fans some pause given his track record—especially after posting his best offensive season as a DH in 2025. That shift would also create a need at designated hitter. Catcher Moisés Ballesteros is one possible option for that role, but he has only 66 MLB plate appearances to his name. Similarly, Austin has not appeared in the majors since 2019, and there is no guarantee that the success he experienced at the plate in Japan carries over.
Taken together, these uncertainties put the Cubs roster in a sub optimal position. Questions around Suzuki’s defensive role, the lack of a proven internal DH option should Suzuki revert back to the outfield, and the limited big-league track records of potential replacements all underscore how fragile the current construction is.
Without a clear, everyday solution already in place, the Cubs risk entering 2026 relying too heavily on projection rather than production. That reality only amplifies the need for an impact outfield addition, one capable of stabilizing both the lineup and the defensive alignment while reducing the cascading roster pressure elsewhere.
The post Will the Cubs truly enter 2026 with unexpected players DH and OF? appeared first on ChiCitySports.
Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-dh-outfield-plans-2026
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
| Visits: | 1,767,451,920 |
| Stories: | 8,564,342 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
