Garrett Cooper Reportedly Makes Cubs’ Opening Day Roster, Dominic Smith Opts Out

As first reported by Craig Mish of the Miami Herald, Garrett Cooper will make the Cubs’ Opening Day roster. That had already been assumed with the news that Patrick Wisdom would start the season on the IL and it became even more obvious when Dominic Smith opted out of his minor league deal.

Smith signed with the Cubs before Cody Bellinger and was viewed as lefty-batting depth in the event that Michael Busch didn’t pan out, but circumstances have changed. With Wisdom and possibly Nick Madrigal out for a while, the Cubs need more right-handed batters for short-side platoon work at first base and the corner outfield.

This should not be viewed as some sort of definitive move with the Cubs hoping Cooper will be a major contributor. While it’s entirely possible he’ll become one of those unlikely stars who seem to appear for every surprise contender, Cooper is an inexpensive veteran bat who fits well at the back end of this particular roster.

No prospects are being blocked by this move, so let’s not even get started with any such foolish talk.

The Cubs can clear a spot on the 40-man roster by placing Caleb Kilian on the 60-day IL, which was going to happen anyway with a shoulder injury keeping him out for the first half.