As the Cubs embark on a new campaign with a new manager (Craig Counsell) at the helm, we answer 24 of the most pressing questions for the 2024 season.

MESA, Ariz. — The front of the Cubs rotation is locked in.

Barring any unforeseen health issues over the next three weeks, the Cubs will roll out some combination of Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, Shota Imanaga and Kyle Hendricks in the first 4 games of 2024.

But the fifth starter is still in question. There’s also the possibility the Cubs utilize a 6-man rotation at points in the season.

That doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll have 6 starters all season long or for an extended period of time. They can use the off-days in the schedule and at other times, call up players from Triple-A to make a start and give everybody else an extra day of rest.

That’s something Craig Counsell has experience from his days with the Brewers.

“We have some depth, knock on wood, bring a guy up to make a start,” Jed Hoyer said. “If [Counsell] needs to spread that out, I know they did that in Milwaukee to give [Brandon] Woodruff and [Freddy] Peralta extra time and not throw them very often on 4 days rest.

“I do think we’ll probably use our depth that way and he’s certainly been on top of that.”

Counsell and Hoyer have both driven home the point that the roster on Opening Day will not be the roster all season. It’s just 1 game out of 162 and the Cubs have built a staff of players with minor-league options and versatility to pitch in other roles.

Among the candidates to fill the final spot (or two) in the Cubs rotation initially are youngsters Jordan Wicks, Javier Assad and Hayden Wesneski as well as veteran Drew Smyly.

Caleb Kilian was also available as a depth option projected to start the season in Triple-A but he may be sidelined for a bit. He came out of Tuesday night’s game with a shoulder injury and is getting an MRI. The Cubs will await results but it’s a concerning injury for the young right-hander.

Beyond that, prospect Ben Brown is knocking at the door of the big leagues and the top pitcher in the farm system, Cade Horton, could pitch his way to Chicago at some point this year, too.

Wesneski is in line to start Wednesday while Assad has made a start and a relief appearance so far this spring and is in line to pitch out of the bullpen again Wednesday.

Wicks made his 3rd Cactus League start Monday and carries a 2.25 ERA in 8 innings so far. He made his MLB debut and impressed down the stretch last season during a playoff race.

He entered the offseason with a better understanding of what it takes to be successful in the big leagues and focused on improving his off-speed stuff.

“I think it’s just having multiple offerings for them up there and giving them multiple things to consider,” Wicks said. “Because when you’re facing big-league hitters like that, they’re really good when they only have a couple of pitches to consider.

“So to add an extra thought into their head was a big focus for us. That’s one of the things we’re working on in camp.”

The main pitch Wicks has been working on is his slider and he’s been pleased with its progress this spring so far.

The 24-year-old southpaw actually has as many starts in the big leagues (7) as in Triple-A so it’s possible the Cubs could opt to have him start in the minors for more seasoning. He figures to be part of the rotation long-term and he is the only candidate for the final starter spot that does not have experience in the bullpen.

Assad had success as both a reliever and a starter last season and his versatility is a major asset for the Cubs. He worked in both short stints and long outings out of the bullpen and could fill the same role again in 2024.

Wesneski made the Opening Day rotation last year after a strong spring but struggled (5.51 ERA in 11 starts). He was eventually sent down to the minors and then transitioned into the bullpen, where he finished out the season.

He was more effective as a reliever (3.57 ERA in 23 games) but his main issue last season was a major difference in splits. Left-handers hit .298/.369/.617 off him (.986 OPS) compared to a .202 average and .618 OPS by righties.

Counsell has already said Smyly will likely pitch in multiple roles this season — as a starter and a reliever.

One thing the Cubs will be mindful of is if they do move guys like Smyly or Assad to the bullpen after being stretched out in the spring, they may need some time to build back up. For example, if Assad works out of the bullpen for a few weeks to start the year and then the team needs him to start, he would not necessarily be built up enough to go 5-plus innings.

The Cubs also know they will need more than 5 or 6 starters throughout the season. Last year, they utilized 11 players in the rotation (including a couple of opener situations with Michael Fulmer and José Cuas).

So the rotation will be an ever-changing group for the Cubs — maybe even more so this season than in past years.

24 for ’24 series

What are the Cubs expecting from Kyle Hendricks in 2024 and beyond?
What role will Drew Smyly fill on the 2024 Cubs?
How will Jameson Taillon fare in Year 2 with Cubs?
How will Shota Imanaga handle the adjustment to MLB?
Who will DH for the Cubs?
Who is the Cubs’ fifth starter?
Will defense once again be the Cubs’ strength?
Can Seiya Suzuki pick up where he left off? 
What are the Cubs’ long-term plans at first base?
Have the Cubs done enough to address their left-handed hitting?
Will Justin Steele replicate his stellar 2023 season?