Chicago Cubs Roster Outlook: Those most likely departing this offseason

While he's still under team control for several more years, it seems unlikely the Cubs are going to keep him around. Wherever he plays, he'll have to miss the first 40 games. That might make it easier for Chicago to justify dumping him.

Another player, that is under team control but will likely be jettisoned, is Ian Happ. Happ's strikeout rate is simply not at a level that the Cubs can justify continuing to give him plate appearances. He's also not much of a switch hitter these days. It seems likely they'll try and package him for an upgrade elsewhere.

While the lefty had a heck of a 2017, 2018 was a lost season for Brian Duensing. He's under contract for 2019 but he's not slated to earn a ton of money. Expect the Cubs to cut him loose, possibly in order to bring someone like Jesse Chavez back.

Acquired at the deadline last season, Justin Wilson has been the focus of ire for Chicago Cubs fans thanks to his many, many struggles. He's a free agent this offseason and the Cubs would have to be crazy to bring him back.

De La Rosa was one of those "dumpster dives" Theo Epstein has done over the years that turned out quite well. In 17 games for the Cubs he posted a 1.29 ERA after posting a 4.63 ERA for the Arizona Diamondbacks before being waived. Despite that performance, expect the Cubs to treat this season as "lightning in a bottle" and let him walk as a free agent.