After consecutive 83-79 seasons and missing out on the playoffs both times, the Cubs are beginning one of their most crucial winters in recent years. As the hot stove season kicks off in earnest, we analyze the Cubs depth chart at each position and how Jed Hoyer and the Cubs front office might address the team’s needs.

Next up: Left Field

DEPTH CHART

1. Ian Happ
2. Mike Tauchman
3. Alexander Canario
4. Patrick Wisdom

ANALYSIS

Left field has become a bastion of stability for the Chicago Cubs.

When you have the 3-time, defending NL Gold Glove Award winner, who also happens to be a plus offensive player, it creates that steadiness.

[MORE: Projecting the 2025 Cubs roster]

Happ was his usual solid self for the Cubs in 2024. He matched a career high with 25 home runs and set a new peak in RBI (86). He did that while posting a .782 OPS, 122 wRC+ and a 3.6 fWAR. It’s eerily similar to the level of production he’s had since he became the everyday left fielder ahead of the 2022 season:

2022: .271/.342/.440 (.782 OPS), 17 HR, 72 RBI, 122 wRC+, 3.7 fWAR
2023: .248/.360/.431 (.791 OPS), 21 HR, 84 RBI, 120 wRC+, 3.4 fWAR
2024: .243/.341/.441 (.782 OPS), 25 HR, 86 RBI, 122 wRC+, 3.6 fWAR

Happ is a model for consistency and reliability — he’s missed just 34 games since 2020 — something that isn’t easy to find in a game of constant failure. That ability allowed manager Craig Counsell to deploy him as the team’s Opening Day leadoff hitter; a role he thrived in. When he hit first, the Cubs were 40-26.

When the offense hit a wall in May and June, Counsell bumped Happ down in the order to try and keep the bats going. It wouldn’t be a total surprise if Happ is hitting at the top of the lineup when the 2025 season kicks off.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Happ, like other position players on this roster, has a no-trade clause and is under control for the next two seasons, representing the present and near future for the Cubs in left field. His consistency allows Counsell and the Cubs to confidently pencil in his name at the top of the lineup day in and day out.

But baseball is unpredictable, and if the Cubs must turn elsewhere to fill in, they have some interesting options. As it stands now, Mike Tauchman would serve as the roving backup in the outfield and could man left.

At various times in spring, Counsell deployed Seiya Suzuki in left field and that could be an option, too, if the Cubs choose to continue to use Cody Bellinger in right field — a position where he won a Gold Glove.

[WATCH: Exclusive interview with Pete Crow-Armstrong on offseason, Bellinger’s return to Cubs and more]

Then, of course, are a litany of prospects. Alexander Canario played 10 games in left in 2024, is out of minor league options in 2025 and could be in the mix, too. Owen Caissie (who was added to the 40-man roster on Tuesday) and Kevin Alcántara could factor in if needed, too.

Patrick Wisdom played 8 games in the outfield in 2024, including 3 in left and can man the position, too.

BOTTOM LINE

Like shortstop, there’s no question about left field and who will be starting there. And, if healthy, there’s a good level of play that is hard to replicate, giving the Cubs confidence about the position.

State of the Cubs series
Catcher
First base
Second base
Third base
Shortstop
Left field
Center field
Right field
DH
Starting rotation
Bullpen