3 veteran Chicago Cubs non-roster invitees who could find their way onto the Opening Day roster
The Chicago Cubs’ first spring training game of 2026 is less than a week away. As exciting as the return of baseball may be, the four to five weeks of exhibition play also serve as a critical evaluation period for the organization. For veteran non-roster invitees, players not currently on the 40-man roster but slated to appear in big league spring games, this stretch carries added significance, as they’re effectively auditioning for a spot on the Opening Day roster.
This year, the Cubs have an intriguing group of non-roster invitees, the full list can be found here, but three players in particular stand out as legitimate candidates to earn a spot on the roster.
Three veteran Chicago Cubs non-roster invitees who could find their way onto the Opening Day roster

1) RHP Trent Thorton
An achillies injury sustained on July 31 while covering first base prematurely ended Trent Thorton’s 2025 season with the Seattle Mariners. This off-season, the 32 year old inked a deal with the Cubs. When healthy, he has an assortment of pitches to choose from, eight according to Baseball Savant, with his heater sitting in the mid-90s. Should he impress this spring, and an opportunity on the 40-man open up, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him on the Opening Day roster.
2) OF Chas McCormick
Chas McCormick, formerly a long time member of the Houston Astros, is with Chicago this spring on a minor league deal. The outfielders offensive production has dropped off in recent years, but in 2023 he posted a 22 home run, 70 RBI, and 19 stolen base season. He still grades out as a plus defender, and with a lack of depth behind the Cubs big three, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Ian Happ, and Seiya Suzuki, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him break camp as the teams fourth outfielder.
3) OF Dylan Carlson
Similar to McCormick, Dylan Carlson is hoping to get his career back on track after being a long time member of the St. Louis Cardinals. He had tenures with the Tampa Bay Rays and Baltimore Orioles afterwards, but with little success. Despite poor offensive numbers, Carlson is a patient hitter and is one of the best at laying off pitches outside of the zone. Between him and McCormick, there easily could be a spot on the 40-man roster for one of them, with Carlson’s patience at the plate and ability to put up pesky at bats being his strengths.
As camp unfolds, performances will ultimately dictate who stands out and who falls short. Spring training has a way of elevating unexpected contributors, and each year a non-roster invitee forces the organization to make a difficult decision. Perhaps this year it will be one of Thorton, McCormick, or Carlson.
The post 3 veteran Chicago Cubs non-roster invitees who could find their way onto the Opening Day roster appeared first on ChiCitySports.
Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/3-veteran-chicago-cubs-non-roster-invitees-who-could-find-their-way-onto-the-opening-day-roster
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.

