The Chicago Cubs have made significant moves this offseason to bolster their roster, adding depth and talent that could set the stage for a competitive 2025 season. After a thorough reevaluation of their needs, the Cubs brought in a mix of pitchers and position players that elevate expectations as they prepare for the new campaign.
This winter, the Cubs added several key pitchers to their bullpen, including Matthew Boyd, Eli Morgan, Caleb Thielbar, Ryan Pressly, and Ryan Brasier. These veterans bring experience and skill to a pitching staff that looks to bounce back from a challenging 2024. Alongside these acquisitions, the Cubs also brought in utility players Jon Berti and Vidal Brujan, who add versatility to their lineup, and Rule 5 draft pick Gage Workman, who will be an interesting prospect to follow. Additionally, veteran player Justin Turner joins the squad as well as co-starting catcher Carson Kelly and multi-tool all-star right fielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros.
All these changes result in a much stronger roster, but they also bring the potential for difficult decisions about which players to keep. In fact, the Cubs currently face tough calls regarding their roster heading into the season. With the recent influx of talent, the team was forced to cut ties with several top prospects. Notably, they let go of promising players Alexander Canario and Luis Vazquez, which could be significant moves given their potential. Even pitcher Keegan Thompson was designated for assignment to make room for the new additions.
Adding to the complexity, pitcher Matt Festa was released before he had an opportunity to pitch during spring training. Most recently, the Cubs opted to send pitchers Jordan Wicks and Eli Morgan to their minor league affiliates to clear spots on their opening day roster.
As the clock ticks down to their March 27 season opener, one of the most pressing roster decisions is about second baseman Nico Hoerner. His addition to the opening day roster means that the Cubs will have to cut another player, likely either Brujan or Workman. This predicament poses a dilemma for the organization, as both players bring their own strengths to the table.
Brujan, a 27-year-old with MLB experience across four seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins, has established himself as a versatile player with commendable defensive tools and speed despite a subpar .189 batting average over 550 plate appearances. Acquired for top prospect Matt Mervis, Brujan's lack of remaining minor league options means that if he doesn't earn a spot on the major league roster, he will have to be designated for assignment — a situation that could send him back through waivers where he is likely to be claimed by another team.
On the other hand, Gage Workman is a younger option at just 25 years old, and he was selected in the Rule 5 draft from the Detroit Tigers. This means the Cubs must keep him on the active roster throughout the season. Should he fail to make the opening day lineup, the Cubs would be compelled to return him to the Tigers. Workman's performance this spring has certainly made the decision more complex. He's hitting an impressive .424 with three home runs, 13 RBIs, and three stolen bases while also demonstrating solid defensive capabilities in multiple positions. This puts Workman in a position where his upside might be more significant than Brujan's in the long run.
With roster decisions looming, the Cubs are already engaged in a balancing act of maintaining strength while navigating the intricacies of their 26-man roster. The Cubs may end up without both players if they cannot find a satisfactory resolution. This ongoing situation illustrates the inherent challenge teams face during roster constructions, especially when multiple talented players compete for limited spots.
Meanwhile, the team recently wrapped up participating in the Tokyo Series, where the Cubs engaged with international competition under fascinating circumstances. The experience wasn't just about the gameplay; it allowed them to showcase their team beyond the U.S. shores. Cubs fans were able to witness ace Shōta Imanaga shine during the series, where he demonstrated that he can still command the field after posting a 2.91 ERA over 173.1 innings in the 2024 season. In a promising showing, Imanaga tossed four no-hit innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers, solidifying his place as an essential part of the pitching roster moving forward.
Ian Happ continued to display why he is an invaluable asset to the Cubs, managing to reach base four times in his nine plate appearances, contributing two hits and two walks. His awareness at the plate was evident, particularly during an at-bat against Roki Sasaki, where his decision-making led to a key walk. This kind of performance underscores Happ's importance at the top of the Cubs' batting order.
Rookie Matt Shaw also made headlines during the Tokyo Series, particularly for his excellent defense at third base, proving his versatility and validifying his potential for the season ahead. Moreover, Ben Brown has emerged as a strong candidate for the fifth spot in the rotation, allowing two runs and striking out five while throwing 65 pitches over 2.2 innings in Japan.
Off the field, veteran Justin Turner took on a mentorship role during their trip to Japan, building camaraderie with younger players like Pete Crow-Armstrong. Their adventures included exploring the local culture, which not only enriches their experience but also helps in building a strong clubhouse environment for the season.
Despite all the excitement and the complexities of roster decisions, it is important to remember that the Cubs have a long season ahead. With 160 more games to play, fans can remain hopeful about the team's chances of a successful run. Cubs management and coaching staff are confident that handling their infield depth efficiently will ultimately pay off in the long run.
