The Chicago Cubs have continued trimming their roster as spring training winds down, making another notable decision involving a four-year MLB player as they prepare for Opening Day.
In their latest round of moves, the Cubs reassigned right-handed pitcher Julian Merryweather to minor-league camp, signaling that he will not be part of the team’s initial 26-man roster to begin the 2026 season. The decision comes during the final stretch of camp, where teams must reduce their rosters and finalize lineups ahead of the regular season.
Merryweather, who has accumulated four years of MLB experience, entered camp competing for a bullpen role. Known for his high-velocity fastball and ability to generate strikeouts, he has shown flashes of strong performance during his career. However, consistency and health have often been factors in determining his role at the major-league level.
For the Cubs, bullpen construction is one of the most competitive areas of the roster. With limited spots available, the coaching staff must evaluate not only raw talent but also reliability, recent form, and how each pitcher fits into specific game situations. Relievers are often selected based on their ability to handle defined roles whether as setup men, middle relievers, or situational specialists.
Manager Craig Counsell and the front office appear to have prioritized other options for the Opening Day bullpen, leading to Merryweather’s reassignment. While this decision may come as a disappointment for the player, it does not necessarily close the door on his contributions this season.
In Major League Baseball, roster decisions at the end of spring training are often fluid. Players sent to minor-league camp frequently remain on the organization’s depth chart and can be called up at any point during the season. Injuries, performance slumps, or schedule demands can quickly create opportunities for pitchers like Merryweather to return to the majors.
The Cubs’ moves reflect a broader effort to refine the roster before their season opener against the Washington Nationals on March 26. With only a few exhibition games remaining, the team is focusing on final evaluations and ensuring that the roster is balanced and prepared for the long season ahead.
Merryweather’s situation also highlights the competitive nature of spring training. Even experienced players with multiple years in the league are not guaranteed roster spots. Younger pitchers, non-roster invitees, and breakout performers can all influence decisions, making this period one of the most intense and uncertain times for players.
From a strategic standpoint, the Cubs may be looking for pitchers who offer versatility or who have demonstrated strong command and durability throughout camp. Bullpen roles often require consistency over long stretches, and teams tend to favor players they believe can handle frequent appearances without significant performance drops.
Despite being sent down, Merryweather remains an important depth option for the Cubs. Over the course of a 162-game season, it is rare for a team to rely solely on its Opening Day roster. Pitching staffs, in particular, undergo frequent changes due to injuries and workload management. As a result, players like Merryweather are often called upon multiple times during the year.
The decision also underscores the Cubs’ overall roster strategy under Craig Counsell. Known for his analytical approach and emphasis on matchups, Counsell values flexibility and situational effectiveness. This philosophy can influence which players make the roster, especially in the bullpen, where matchups often dictate in-game decisions.
As the Cubs move closer to Opening Day, additional roster cuts are expected. Each move brings the team closer to its final roster, while also shaping the depth chart that will support the club throughout the season.
For fans, these decisions provide insight into how the team is evolving. While some may be surprised by Merryweather’s reassignment, it reflects the depth and competition within the organization. It also reinforces the reality that roster spots must be earned, regardless of experience or past performance.
Ultimately, the Cubs’ decision to send Julian Merryweather to minor-league camp is part of the final phase of their spring training process. With the regular season just days away, the focus is now on assembling the most effective roster possible. While Merryweather will begin the year outside the major-league squad, he remains a strong candidate to contribute later in the season as opportunities arise.
