Cubs roster outlook for 2019: Who’s likely to return and who’s likely to depart

Now that the season is done, the Cubs will have a busy offseason refining and reworking their roster. Here are the current players, listed with their contract status and their possible futures with the Cubs.

Who’s likely to return: Pitchers

Tyler Chatwood

Signed through 2020. Couldn’t hurt to seek outside help to solve what has befuddled him.

Steve Cishek

Signed through 2019. Best free-agent signing.

Yu Darvish

Signed through 2023. Right arm will dictate if he can fulfill contract with the Cubs.

Carl Edwards Jr.

Likely arbitration eligible. Forearm injury added to second-half struggles, but he needs to regain control.

Cole Hamels

$20 million team option. Pitched well enough to earn option.

Kyle Hendricks

Arbitration eligible. Mr. Dependable.

Brandon Kintzler

$10 million team option; if declined $5 million player option. Cubs paid a steep price for his relief help.

Jon Lester

Signed through 2020. Always looks to get better.

Mike Montgomery

Arbitration eligible. Faces similar swing role in 2019.

Brandon Morrow

Signed through 2019. Lots of TLC with right arm, but likely back in closer role.

Jose Quintana

$10.5 million team option. He likely would be gone if not for the continuing uncertainly of Darvish and Chatwood.

Randy Rosario

Under team control. Contributed in spurts.

Drew Smyly

Signed through 2019. Determined to start after missing 2018.

Pedro Strop

$6.25 million team option. Great mentor, insurance for Morrow.

Who’s likely to return: Position players

Albert Almora Jr.

Under team control. Hit right-handers almost as well as lefties.

Javier Baez

Arbitration eligible. Deserves extension talks.

David Bote

Under team control. No worse than a super utility role in 2019.

Kris Bryant

Arbitration eligible. No more headfirst slides, but don’t expect a big contract.

Willson Contreras

Under team control. Time to hit the reset button offensively — and to improve his pitch framing.

Victor Caratini

Under team control. Enhanced versatility could lead to more playing time.

Jason Heyward

Signed through 2023. Could get better in 2019.

Tommy La Stella

Arbitration eligible. Knows his role well.

Anthony Rizzo

Signed through 2019. Another sound season.

Ben Zobrist

Signed through 2019. Deserves NL comeback player of year award.

Who’s likely to depart: Pitchers

Jesse Chavez

Free agent. Could earn multiyear deal elsewhere.

Jorge De La Rosa

Free agent. Filled a glaring need.

Brian Duensing

Signed through 2019. Ineffectiveness and injuries mean no guarantees.

Justin Wilson

Free agent. Pitched well enough to get a robust deal elsewhere.

Who’s likely to depart: Position players

Ian Happ

Under team control. Trade fodder for pitching depth.

Addison Russell

Arbitration eligible. After domestic violence accusation and suspension, he’s unlikely to return.

Kyle Schwarber

Arbitration eligible. Power makes him attractive to AL teams.

mgonzales@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @MDGonzales

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