MESA, Ariz. — The Chicago Cubs added veteran Tyler Austin to their roster to fill roles in both the outfield and at first base for the upcoming season. Unlike last year’s arrangement with Justin Turner, Austin will not platoon with Michael Busch at first base, as Busch is expected to hold down the position full-time after a strong 2025 showing.
Manager Craig Counsell emphasized that Busch earned his role as the everyday first baseman following a 2025 season that included 34 home runs and 90 RBIs, plus four additional homers in eight postseason games.
Michael Busch’s Role Solidified Despite Previous Platoon Attempts
Busch struggled against left-handed pitching in 2025, with a batting average of .207 and a .642 OPS in 87 at-bats versus lefties. In contrast, the Cubs previously gave Turner substantial playing time against left-handed pitchers despite his decline in power, as Turner only produced three home runs last year and remains unsigned for 2026.
Tyler Austin, 34, spent six years playing in Japan, where he posted a .293 batting average and a .945 OPS. He signed a modest one-year contract for $1.25 million to serve as a low-risk option to strengthen the bench. Manager Counsell also mentioned Moisés Ballesteros as another option at first base but stated Matt Shaw is not considered for backup duties there.
Recent Additions Bolster Outfield Depth
The Cubs also signed outfielder Michael Conforto to a minor-league deal late Sunday. Conforto, 32, is expected to join the team immediately. Once regarded as an emerging talent with the New York Mets, his performance dropped in 2025, hitting .199 with a .637 OPS playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite that, his history of hitting 88 home runs from 2017-2019 suggests he could bring power if healthy.
“At this point we’re bringing in candidates to strengthen the roster,”
Counsell said.
“Michael had a down year last year, but he’s been a good player in this league for quite a while. Sometimes when you sign guys, it’s like, ‘Where is the opportunity here?’ And then we show up in five days and there’s a big opportunity. That’s how you look at this.
“He’s a player who has had a lot of success in this league, and if he can recapture some of that, we’re going to have a useful player.”
Conforto, a left-handed hitter, will compete for a backup outfield role among a group that includes nonroster invitees Chas McCormick and Dylan Carlson. Counsell reiterated the Cubs will continue assessing options as spring training progresses.
“We’re going to always evaluate what you have,”
Counsell said.
“Then I walk up the stairs (to President Jed Hoyer’s office) and talk about what we don’t have.”
Spring Training Stumbles Used as Learning Opportunities
During a spring training game Sunday against the San Francisco Giants, the Cubs committed a rare triple play on the very first inning. Manager Counsell described the event as a valuable teaching moment that incurrs no penalty during spring training but offers insight.
“In spring training we’re allowed to use that as a teaching moment,”
Counsell said.
“It’s always a teaching moment, but it doesn’t cost you anything in spring training.
“It’s proof that you do see something new at the baseball field every day. In this case it was something that wasn’t good for the Cubs. But (Tuesday) we had a prescheduled meeting, and it will be a part of (the meeting).”
The play involved players Matt Shaw and Alex Bregman occupying third base simultaneously, which led to confusion and Shaw being tagged out after leaving the base prematurely. Counsell advised players to avoid leaving the base in such situations if uncertain of the rules.
Returning Players and Pitching Outlook
Pitcher Jake Rea returned to the Cubs on a guaranteed one-year, $6.5 million contract with a $7.5 million club option for 2027. Rea expressed optimism about the team’s prospects and the environment in the clubhouse.
“It’s a great spot to be,”
Rea said.
“Great guys on the team and we’ve got a really good clubhouse. We showed what we can do last year. We can compete and we’re better this year — I think everyone would agree with that.
“And it’s close to home (in Iowa) for me and my family, and that’s always a plus.”
The Cubs also have Ben Brown focusing on pitching development rather than being assigned as a starter, reliever, or swingman. Counsell emphasized the importance of Brown learning from both successes and failures at the major-league level last season.
“He got a lot of experiences at the major-league level last year, good and not so good,”
Counsell explained.
“They hit you hard, and you have to learn from both sides of them. Ben’s done a good job of that.
“I’ll give Ben credit. The day the season ended, he had a plan.”
Spring Training Developments Signal Cautious Optimism
The Cubs’ recent roster moves and signings during spring training reflect a careful but hopeful effort to build a more competitive squad for the coming season. While some veterans like Busch have earned starting roles through past performance, additions such as Austin, Conforto, and the continued development of players like Brown suggest the team is working to enhance depth and resilience.
Manager Craig Counsell’s openness to evaluating and adjusting the roster highlights the team’s restless drive to improve despite setbacks and uneven performances. The lessons taken from early spring mishaps signal a focus on growth and preparation.
As the Cubs continue through spring training in Mesa, Arizona, these new components could set the foundation for a stronger 2026 campaign and invigorate fan hopes for future success.
