3 Cubs Players Who Won't Make the Team Out of Spring Training But Probably Should

With a little over two weeks remaining until the start of the regular season, the Chicago Cubs still have a world of decisions to make in regards to trimming their roster for Opening Day.

Chicago got an early start on Friday when the team announced 11 cuts from Spring Training, putting the total players on the roster from 62 to 51.

Of course, that number still has to shrink to 26. With that in mind, let's take a look at three players that the Cubs will likely cut, but should actually make the team.

3. Nico Hoerner

Relax, folks! This isn't to say Nick Hoerner won't be on the roster at some point this season, but the Cubs need to make sure he's getting regular reps to kick off 2020. That means starting him at Triple-A Iowa, especially given the logjam at second base with David Bote, Daniel Descalso and newcomer Jason Kipnis. They all have more MLB experience than Hoerner, so look for the Cubs to be careful with the 22-year-old's development. Many would argue he should be on the Opening Day roster, but Hoerner won't be there right away.

2. Ian Miller

It goes without saying that Chicago is a slow team and new manager David Ross should look to inject speed wherever he can. Enter Miller, who has compiled 243 stolen bases over seven years in the minors. A defensive (and base-running) specialist, Miller making the team is highly dependent on the health of fellow outfielder Steven Souza. Unfortunately for Miller, Souza is healthy right now.

1. Rex Brothers

Brothers was a non-roster invitee to Spring camp, and he has shown out since arriving, striking out 11 batters in six innings of work. The 32-year-old left-hander is turning back the clock and making an improbable push for a spot in Chicago's bullpen. Barring a surprise, however, his efforts will probably end up being for naught.