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Chicago Cubs Organization Overview

Chicago Cubs Organization Overview

Sneaky fantasy options up and down the roster

Brian Creagh
February 13, 2023

Chicago Cubs Organization Review

Over the next three weeks, I will be publishing organization overviews for every MLB team. Each post will be a deep dive into all levels of the organization and picking out fantasy relevant nuggets. The primary focus will be at the MLB level and trying to uncover players I want to target in upcoming drafts, but I am playing in a few dynasty leagues and want to try to highlight some players to stash or keep an eye out for upcoming trades.

Picks For 2023

Players I like in fantasy drafts given their current price. All ADPs are from the last two months of NFC data.

Justin Steele (ADP: 284) - He's become a bit of a pre-season darling and so his ADP is inching down (earlier in drafts), but I think the hype is warranted. He hasn't pitched a full season, the 119 innings last year was the most in any season for Steele, but options are sparse beyond Round 20.

Seiya Suzuki (ADP: 99) - Injuries derailed what was looking like a 20 HR/ 10 SB season for Suzuki. I think we continue to see development in Suzuki's game as he now has a full season in the MLB under his belt and hopefully stays healthy for the full season.

Trey Mancini (ADP: 262) - I know his stats haven't been that awe-inspiring the last few seasons, but a multi-position, middle of the order hitter going this late in drafts is worth a flier. I like change of scene angle as well, and think there's a shot he puts up 25 HRs.

Fades For 2023

Players I don't love at current ADP.

With no player going inside the Top 80 right now, it's hard to knock anyone at their current ADP. I will say a few sleepers I don't believe in are Hayden Wesniewski, a Drew Smyly bounceback, and Christopher Morel to repeat his first half of 2022.

MLB Breakout Player(s)

Players I like to outperform expectations

Cody Bellinger - The Cubs are trying to catch lightning in the bottle by signing Bellinger to a one year deal, and I think he is going to reward them. Projections have Bellinger as a consensus 18 HR/10 SB guy, and there's an opportunity for him to put him some good counting stats hitting in the middle of a sneaky Cubs lineup.

Matt Mervis - His path seems blocked right now with the Hosmer and Mancini signings, but that's a buying opportunity to me. If the Cubs don't compete in the first two months, Mervis is going to get all the playing time he can handle and the prospect hype will come back around in full force.

Favorite Prospects Outside Top 5

Prospects outside of MLB.com's Top 5 that I want to target in dynasty leagues.

Alexander Canario - He has the potential to be a fantasy monster with his power/speed combo and Canario is on the cusp of getting his shot in Chicago. There might be too much swing and miss in the swing, but similar to Christopher Morel, there are plate appearances available in a rebuilding Chicago team and Canario can do some damage if he gets a chance.

Ben Brown - Brown is a big pitcher with high strikeout potential and adjusted well to AA last season. If he can get the control together, he could be a sleeper for a rotation spot in 2024.

Javier Assad - Assad has debuted but retains his rookie status so I'm counting him here. The Cubs staff is riddled with question marks and Assad should be one of the first players to fill-in for any injured starter.