If they so desire, the Cubs could add as many as 13 minor league Rule 5 Draft-eligible players to the MLB 40-man roster post-2022 (or perhaps even one or two of them during the month of September).
So strictly as a thought-experiment, here is what the Cubs MLB 40-man roster - COULD - look like on November 18th, when off-season reserve lists must be filed with the MLB Commissioner in preparation for the 2022 Rule 5 Draft.
|+++++++++++++++++++++++ * bats or throws left 27 players (plus one player on Restricted List who doesn't count against the 40)
PROJECTED CUBS MLB RESERVE LIST (prior to reserve lists being filed on 11/18)
# bats both
PITCHERS: 14 (plus one player on Restricted List)
Adbert Alzolay (out of minor league options)
Javier Assad (has post-2022 Draft-Excluded status)
Kyle Hendricks (signed thru 2023 / club option w/buy-out for 2024)
* Brandon Hughes
Caleb Kilian (will get a 4th minor league option in 2025)
* Brailyn Marquez (will get a 4th minor league option in 2024)
Ethan Roberts
Manuel Rodriguez (will get a 4th minor league option in 2023)
Michael Rucker
Adrian Sampson (probable "Super Two" post-2022 - TBD)
* Justin Steele (out of options in 2023)
Marcus Stroman (signed thru 2024 but has opt-out post-2023)
Keegan Thompson
Erich Uelmen
Alexander Vizcaino (on Restricted List - does not count against 40-man roster)
NOTE: Rucker would be outrighted (and he can elect free-agency if outrighted) if the Cubs sign a SP like Carlos Rodon, Sean Manaea, or Chris Bassitt, Marquez (2022 shoulder surgery) and Roberts (2022 TJS) can be placed on MLB 60-day IL on the first day of 2023 Spring Training (the day pitchers & catcher report) which would open up two additional slots on the 40 for any additional MLB free-agents signed late in the off-season or during Spring Training, and/or for an NRI RP and/or NRI utility position player added to the 40 by Opening Day, and if & when Vizcaino is reinstated from the Restricted List he would be outrighted to the minors (if he isn't claimed off waivers) and if he is outrighted he can NOT elect free-agency.