Chicago Cubs DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

The Chicago Cubs have Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, Kyle Hendricks, and Shota Imanaga locked into the top four spots in their starting rotation to begin the 2024 season, with Javier Assad, Drew Smyly, Hayden Wesneski and Jordan Wicks battling for the final spot in spring training. Right now, Assad and Wicks might have the edge for the fifth spot, but it's a coin flip, according to MLB's Jordan Bastian. Manager Craig Counsell wants to maintain flexibility with the last rotation spot, meaning there could be a shuttle between Triple-A Iowa and Chicago to build in extra rest for the starters. If Smyly doesn't win the job, he should fit in the bullpen. Assad, 26, had a strong 3.05 ERA and 1.23 WHIP over 109 1/3 innings in 2023. Wicks, 24, a former first-rounder, had a 4.41 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in just 34 2/3 innings in his rookie season.

Chicago Cubs infielder Nick Madrigal provides the Cubs with an elite contact-based bat and can fit as a backup at second and third base. Nico Hoerner is set to be the club's primary second baseman, while manager Craig Counsell has made it clear that he wants to take a long look at Christopher Morel at the corner, given his athleticism and offensive upside. In addition to Madrigal, Patrick Wisdom and Miles Mastrobuoni give the Cubs some other bench options. The 26-year-old Madrigal, a former first-round pick by the Chicago White Sox in 2018 out of Oregon State, has hit .280 in his four big-league seasons, but it's come with only four home runs, 67 RBI and 16 stolen bases in 234 games. Madrigal has limited NL-only fantasy upside as a bench/utility option for the Cubbies.

Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner is 0-for-5 through two Cactus League games. He was 0-for-3 in his debut, a 7-0 loss to the Padres on Sunday, and 0-for-2 on Tuesday in a tie versus the Reds. He batted in his typical leadoff spot on Sunday, but on Tuesday he was uncharacteristically batting cleanup. That shouldn't be the case during the regular season as he spent his time hitting out of the 1-2 spots in the order all of last year, and his speed profile is more suited for the top of the order with his 43 stolen bases in 2023. He's less suited for the middle of the order as he isn't a big power producer (1.8% Barrel%), with just nine home runs and 68 RBI last season. He does have supremely high contact rates that make him one of the best in the league at putting the bat on the ball, which makes him a more attractive asset in points leagues. As for roto, he's going around 60th overall, well ahead of his RotoBaller rank of 78.

Chicago Cubs infielder Michael Busch is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut on Monday. Cubs' manager Craig Counsell mentioned that Busch has been dealing with some shoulder soreness early in camp. That being said, the Cubs have been extra cautious because it's the beginning of spring. The early expectation was that Busch would see regular time at first base this season. However, the Cubs came to an agreement on a three-year deal with Cody Bellinger on Sunday. Busch will most likely end up falling into a bench role to start the 2024 campaign.

Free agent outfielder Cody Bellinger and the Chicago Cubs agreed on a three-year, $80 million contract on Sunday. The contract also includes opt-outs after each of the deal's first two years. This is excellent news for dynasty managers and those who took Bellinger in earlier fantasy drafts. After struggling with the Dodgers in 2021 and 2022, Bellinger bounced back with the Cubs last season. Despite missing a month due to a knee injury, the 28-year-old slashed .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs, 97 RBI, 95 runs, and 20 stolen bases over 556 plate appearances in 130 games. The former National League MVP will look to build on his 2023 campaign and is expected to hit cleanup for the Cubs in 2024. Bellinger is a solid pick at his current ADP of 53 in NFBC leagues, but that number could rise with the latest news of him returning to Chicago.