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
Feb 12, 2026; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) talks to a coach during spring training camp at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
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.