For the third straight season, the Chicago Cubs are entering the season as serious World Series contenders, and their roster depth reflects that standing in the baseball world.

How will things shake out for the Cubs as they convene in Mesa and get their spring underway? We’re taking a deep dive into the team’s roster and finding out where things stand with the club.

First Base:

There is zero question that Anthony Rizzo is the long-term man at first for the Cubs, and the team likely won’t even carry a backup for him on the roster. Players like Kris Bryant will spell Rizzo on the rare days that he needs time off, and Joe Maddon has shown a willingness to get creative when he needs to in those situations.

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Second Base:

Here is where things get a bit trickier for the Cubs. Ben Zobrist and Javier Baez will obviously be with the team out of spring training, but the team definitely leaned heavier on Baez as the season wore on last year. His defense is far superior to Zobrist’s, and last year his bat was superior as well.

With a full offseason to recover, the Cubs will have to keep a sharp eye on Zobrist’s health, and will have to figure out how to get him playing time with so many options in the corner outfield spots and at second base.

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Shortstop:

Addison Russell should be viewed as the favorite for the shortstop job, but there is definitely a chance that Baez could take playing time from him there. Not only will the Cubs need to get Zobrist into the mix, but they could also look at Baez’s definite advantage in terms of arm strength over Russell, who sometimes looked like he was having issues getting zip on his throws across the diamond last season.

There is certainly a chance that Russell could get bumped to second as well, giving the Cubs a lot of flexibility and a lot of formidable options in the middle of their infield.

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Third Base:

Kris Bryant will be the man at third base again for the Cubs, and he could once again bounce around the diamond as needed when injuries or rest concerns end up popping up. Tommy La Stella could see some limited action at third, but will likely be used as a pinch hitter primarily by Maddon and company.

Catcher:

Willson Contreras is going into the season with a ton of confidence as he looks to establish himself as one of the best catchers in baseball, but the question over who will back him up is one that still hasn’t been addressed.

The two main contenders for that role are Chris Gimenez, who has a lot of history with new acquisition Yu Darvish, and Victor Caratini, who was the backup for stretches last season with the Cubs.

Taylor Davis could also force his way into the conversation with a good camp, but for now the focus will be on maximizing the amount of time that Contreras spends on the diamond this season.