The Cubs 40 man roster has numerous players who are out of options, according to MLBTR.
Players on a 40-man roster players who have less than five years service
time and are out of minor league options must clear
waivers before being sent to the minors. In theory, a team risks losing a player if he cannot make the 25 man roster.
The Cubs have 11 players who are out of options.
George Kottaras, Wesley Wright, Justin Ruggiano, James McDonald, Pedro Strop, Wellington Castillo, Jeff Samardzija, Luis Valbuena, Travis Wood, Donnie Murphy and Alberto Cabrera.
There are a few who are guaranteed 25 man roster spots: Samardzija, Wood, Valbuena, Castillo, with newcomers Kottaras, Wright, Ruggiano.
Strop would appear to win the set-up bullpen role, and Cabrera could be battling for the final bullpen spot with McDonald if Arrieta is the 5th starter as camp breaks.
It puts Murphy in the weakest spot. Even though he showed some power in his short tenure with the Cubs, he has never found consistency in the majors. Emilio Bonifacio, who signed a minor league deal, is more likely to make the 25 man roster because of his position versatility and ability to lead off.
It is not to say that the Cubs should be not looking at the waiver wire to upgrade any of their positions.
