USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs announced more roster cuts on Thursday as the 2023 MLB season approaches. This is always the tough point in the spring when players who were hoping to make one of the few roster spots are reassigned or cut.

On Thursday, the Cubs cut 10 players as they brought their roster size down to 41. 

The players cut were Nelson Velázquez, who was optioned to Triple-A Iowa, Sergio Alcántara, David Bote, Nick Burdi, Ben DeLuzio, Brendon Little, Matt Mervis, Dom Nuñez, Manny Rodríguez and Cam Sanders who reassigned to minor league camp.

Among the most high-profile cuts was Mervis, who in the winter many thought would have a chance of making the Opening Day 26-man roster. However, with the signings of Eric Hosmer and Trey Mancini, his shot quickly dwindled. 

It's not all bad for Mervis as Hosmer is on a one-year deal and he may yet have his chance to make it to the MLB club this season. Injuries occur which may provide a path for him this season to gain some experience. 

That being said, his spring slashline of .179/.294/.250 was less than inspiring and highlights the need for extra development. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Falcons make awful draft decision with No. 8 overall pick
Joel Embiid's career high keeps 76ers alive in series vs. Knicks
Bears select Caleb Williams with No. 1 pick in 2024 NFL Draft
Shohei Ohtani says what he's 'grateful' for following interpreter gambling scandal
Eagles lock in another star wide receiver with record contract extension
Panthers win again to push Lightning to playoff brink
Patrick Mahomes commends Chiefs drafting speedy offensive playmaker
Bam Adebayo urges Heat to embrace 'cage fight' vs. Celtics
Rory McIlroy perfectly sums up the state of professional golf with two words
Nuggets crush Lakers after halftime again to take 3-0 series lead
Ravens think they found a 'shutdown' CB late in first round of 2024 NFL Draft
Winners and losers from Day 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft
Chiefs trade up to No. 28, draft WR with record-setting speed
Cowboys bolster offensive line with Big 12 pick at No. 29
Cardinals shore up defensive line with No. 27 pick
Watch: Falcons TE Kyle Pitts ‘shocked’ by team drafting QB Michael Penix Jr.
Jaguars give Trevor Lawrence another weapon with No. 23 pick
Dolphins shore up defensive side of the ball with No. 21 pick
Hurricanes beat Islanders, 3-2, to take a 3-0 series lead
Bengals hope to bolster protection for Joe Burrow with No. 18 pick