Cubs Notes: Madrigal, Wesneski, Leiter Jr.
Cubs infielder Nick Madrigal has only played second base in his big league career thus far, but he’s not likely to see a lot of time there this year. The club’s major investment this offseason was signing shortstop Dansby Swanson, thus pushing Nico Hoerner over to second base. That nudged Madrigal into a competition for…
Mar 16 · MLB Trade Rumors Cubs Mark Leiter Nick Madrigal Hayden Wesneski closersHayden Wesneski Expected To Win Final Rotation Spot
Chicago Cubs right-hander Hayden Wesneski is considered the favorite to win the team's fifth rotation spot to open the regular season. Manager David Ross calls the "it factor" for what Wesneski has. Chicago acquired him from the New York Yankees in 2022 for Scott Effross. The 25-year-old stands at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds and could be an X-factor in a rotation that also includes Marcus Stroman, Jameson Taillon, Drew Smyly and Justin Steele. Wesneski is beating out Adrian Sampson by not allowing a run so far in Cactus League play over 8 2/3 innings, striking out 11 and walking two. He looked great in his MLB debut for the Cubs last year (2.18 ERA, 33 K's in 33 innings) and could be worth a look as a late-round flier in deep mixed leagues.
Mar 16 · Source via