Don’t Be Shocked If the Cubs Non-Tender These Players
With the non-tender deadline approaching, the Chicago Cubs are facing several important roster decisions for 2026.
As teams prepare for arbitration, front offices must choose whether to offer eligible players a contract or let them go. Any player not tendered a deal by the deadline becomes a free agent immediately—without having to pass through waivers.
According to MLB insider Anthony Franco, two Cubs players stand out as likely non-tender candidates: catcher Reese McGuire and reliever Eli Morgan. Based on MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz’s arbitration projections, the pair would cost Chicago roughly $3 million combined in 2026.
McGuire and Morgan’s Situations with the Cubs
Reese McGuire only reached the majors this season because of multiple injuries to backup catcher Miguel Amaya, who first missed significant time with an oblique strain and then suffered a major ankle injury upon returning. He played just 28 games in 2025.
With Amaya expected to be healthy next year and Carson Kelly already locked in as the starting catcher, keeping McGuire at a projected $1.9 million isn’t a sensible move—especially given his limited offensive production.
McGuire hit .226/.245/.444 with a .689 OPS in 2025, not exactly the bat the Cubs need on a roster desperate for more impact hitters.
If Amaya were still sidelined, retaining McGuire as Kelly’s backup would make more sense. But with both ahead of him on the depth chart, he’s become expendable.
Eli Morgan, meanwhile, landed on the 60-day IL early in the season after suffering elbow impingement. He pitched only seven games before being shut down for the year. Given that lack of availability—and poor performance—it’s hard to imagine the Cubs keeping him in their bullpen mix.
In 7.1 innings, Morgan posted a 12.27 ERA, 2.05 WHIP, allowed 12 runs (10 earned), three home runs, and struck out only four batters.
While his late-season rehab outings at Triple-A Iowa were better, they weren’t enough to build strong trust. He logged a 5.06 ERA with nine walks and 11 strikeouts, numbers that don’t justify an arbitration-year salary.
The Cubs face a tight decision window as they shape their 2026 payroll, and the deadline is rapidly approaching. Given their injuries, performance issues, and expected salaries, it appears unlikely that Reese McGuire or Eli Morgan will be tendered contracts for next season.
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