Cubs have intriguing roster additions

With a mercurial bullpen and the return of star catcher Willson Contreras uncertain, the Cubs will load up in those areas when 25-man roster can be expanded on Sept. 1.

Discussions started in the middle of August and are expected to be finalized soon.

The importance of major-league promotions can’t be underestimated. After spending most of 2015 in the minors, Javier Baez rejoined the Cubs in September and played 28 games before taking over the shortstop duties in the National League Championship Series after Addison Russell suffered a hamstring injury.

Outfielder Albert Almora Jr. rejoined the Cubs last September after a 5-week stint at Iowa, and his heady baserunning in Game 7 contributed to the franchise’s first World Series title since 1908.

The Cubs dipped into Iowa’s roster Friday when they called up pitchers Rob Zastryzny and Felix Pena to replace injured Jon Lester and Justin Grimm.

Here’s a list of candidates from Iowa for a promotion.

Rob Zastryzny, LHP: Zastryzny provided a big lift last August and September, and can start as well as relieve.

Dillon Maples, RHP: Maples could be the organization’s pitcher of the year. He has been a revelation after six disappointing seasons in the minors after receiving a $2.5 million bonus to get out of his commitment to North Carolina. Team official marvels over his corner-to-corner slider that “buckles” many hitters and complements his high-90 mph fastball.

Matt Carasiti, RHP: Acquired late last June from the Rockies for left-hander Zac Rosscup, Carasiti possesses a 96-mph fastball. Carasiti posted a 9.19 ERA in 19 appearances last season, but he allowed no runs on two hits in his final eight appearances with the Rockies.

Victor Caratini, C: Experience is the only factor lacking for Caratini, a switch-hitter who has impressed in two stints over the past 7 weeks.

Jacob Hannemann, OF: The former Brigham Young football recruit would give the Cubs a speedster off the bench.

Taylor Davis, C-INF: Chances looked promising until Rene Rivera was claimed on waivers Saturday from the Mets. Davis, who signed in 2011 as an undrafted free agent, has been a favorite for the past two spring trainings and has worked with many of the Cubs’ pitchers.

Eddie Butler, RHP: Butler could provide the Cubs with an emergency starter from the right side, although he has been on the disabled list since Aug. 6. Butler was 4-3 with a 3.86 ERA in 11 starts but pitched six innings only once.

The Cubs’ 40-man roster is full, so they would need to clear space if Maples, Carasiti or Davis is added.