*** Official 2025 Chicago Cubs Thread***

[CYdTracked]

Workman making the trip to Japan

Gage Workman on Cubs' travel squad for Japan

Still has to make the 26 man roster but this at least buys them a couple weeks to keep him on the roster to evaluate. Still haven't heard who else is making the trip but sounds like they may not have decided yet if Shaw and/or Alcantara will be part of that group. Shaw also needs to be added to the 40 man roster if he does which means another roster move somewhere to make that happen.

 

[Cyforce]

I really thought they use Alcantara as one of the five extra spots to show him how close he really is. Instead they went with two extra starters, two relievers and a third catcher. Probably to keep everyone fresh and throw those guys in the exhibitions.

 

[CYdTracked]

I really thought they use Alcantara as one of the five extra spots to show him how close he really is. Instead they went with two extra starters, two relievers and a third catcher. Probably to keep everyone fresh and throw those guys in the exhibitions.

For Alcantara he still might make the state side opening day roster and it's possibly just a matter of getting him some regular AB in the minor league spring training while he would maybe get little to none had he traveled to Japan. It's only 2 games with the Dodgers in Japan then another week off before they open at Arizona. I don't see McGuire being added to the 40 man unless an unexpected injury happens. If they feel Shaw is ready to go in Japan they do have to make a 40 man move to add him. The fact they did not bring Keegan Thompson with them who is out of minor league options makes me think he's going to be the one that gets DFA to add Shaw. They also would have to make another 40 man move if they add Keller to the active roster.

 

[Cyforce]

For Alcantara he still might make the state side opening day roster and it's possibly just a matter of getting him some regular AB in the minor league spring training while he would maybe get little to none had he traveled to Japan. It's only 2 games with the Dodgers in Japan then another week off before they open at Arizona. I don't see McGuire being added to the 40 man unless an unexpected injury happens. If they feel Shaw is ready to go in Japan they do have to make a 40 man move to add him. The fact they did not bring Keegan Thompson with them who is out of minor league options makes me think he's going to be the one that gets DFA to add Shaw. They also would have to make another 40 man move if they add Keller to the active roster.

I think the open spot for Alcantara is currently going to be Workman. The other four are locks. Kelly, Suzuki, Brujan and Turner. When Hoerner gets added that spot may be gone as well.

 

[cyfanatic]

Cubs Have Reportedly Had Talks With Lance Lynn

The Cubs, eyeing rotation depth, have reportedly "entered negotiation" with free agent right-hander Lance Lynn. Read more at MLB Trade Rumors.

www.mlbtraderumors.com

 

[CYdTracked]

I think the open spot for Alcantara is currently going to be Workman. The other four are locks. Kelly, Suzuki, Brujan and Turner. When Hoerner gets added that spot may be gone as well.

Barring an unexpected injury there is a roster crunch coming when Nico is ready. Don't think they will be able to keep both Workman and Brujan on the roster at that point now that they signed Turner. They either need to keep Workman in Chicago for the whole season to retain his rights or just go ahead and make a trade for them so they can option him to the minors. Same could happen if Alcantara and/or Caissie just tear it up in Iowa and we need some more pop off the bench or something. I guess it's not a terrible problem to have because last year it would have been easy to just DFA guys like Wisdom and Mastrobuoni to make room but the bench coming into this year is improved and not as clear cut who is in the pecking order when the time comes.

 

[CYdTracked]

Cubs Have Reportedly Had Talks With Lance Lynn

The Cubs, eyeing rotation depth, have reportedly "entered negotiation" with free agent right-hander Lance Lynn. Read more at MLB Trade Rumors.

www.mlbtraderumors.com

I would prefer its some kind of minor league deal where they can stash him in Iowa and put some kind of option deadline of like May 1 or something he could opt out if we don't add him to the 40 man. Guess it will depend on what other offers he has out there. I think there definitely is open competition for the 5th starter in the rotation with no clear cut favorite but I kinda would prefer we work through some in-house options there first before adding Lynn which would require bumping another guy off the 40 man. Is he a significant upgrade over Rea, Assad, or Brown or even Keller who has made a case to make the opening day roster? He had a rebound year last year after a horrible season before that and at 37 you gotta wonder how much does he have left. Plus he would have to ramp up somehow before you could throw him into the rotation so just where is he at right now where he could be ready to pitch in a couple weeks?

 

[Cyforce]

I would prefer its some kind of minor league deal where they can stash him in Iowa and put some kind of option deadline of like May 1 or something he could opt out if we don't add him to the 40 man. Guess it will depend on what other offers he has out there. I think there definitely is open competition for the 5th starter in the rotation with no clear cut favorite but I kinda would prefer we work through some in-house options there first before adding Lynn which would require bumping another guy off the 40 man. Is he a significant upgrade over Rea, Assad, or Brown or even Keller who has made a case to make the opening day roster? He had a rebound year last year after a horrible season before that and at 37 you gotta wonder how much does he have left. Plus he would have to ramp up somehow before you could throw him into the rotation so just where is he at right now where he could be ready to pitch in a couple weeks?

He’d be our 5th starter if we signed him

 

[isucy86]

I figured the Cubs vs. Dodgers games next Tue/Wed in Japan would be early, but kept forgetting to check exact start. 5:10am CT.... that might be tough to make first pitch. Even for opening day.

Also 1 day after I was planning to drop my HULU subscription. Need to figure if can pick up on YT or maybe FOX Sports App.

 

[Cyforce]

I figured the Cubs vs. Dodgers games next Tue/Wed in Japan would be early, but kept forgetting to check exact start. 5:10am CT.... that might be tough to make first pitch. Even for opening day.

Also 1 day after I was planning to drop my HULU subscription. Need to figure if can pick up on YT or maybe FOX Sports App.

MLB network and marquee are broadcasting the games. Including the two exhibitions

 

[CYdTracked]

MLB network and marquee are broadcasting the games. Including the two exhibitions

Fox and FS1 are broadcasting the 2 Japan games. Set my DVR but may set my alarm to watch opening day live before I go to work.

 

[Cyforce]

Fox and FS1 are broadcasting the 2 Japan games. Set my DVR but may set my alarm to watch opening day live before I go to work.

That must of been the exhibitions on mlb network.

 

[CYdTracked]

That must of been the exhibitions on mlb network.

 

[BigJCy]

Cancel the season we are doomed. Got shutout by the Hanshin Tigers last night:

 

[Cyforce]

Fly the W

Tailion threw well
Boyd was dominant
PCA and Shaw with the big hits

 

[BigJCy]

 

[BigJCy]

 

[ISUCubswin]

Getting more and more anxious for season solely for the implications that it could have on the entire franchise if they don’t win the division.

Love the Tucker trade, but it’s looking like Cam Smith will be on the Astros opening day roster, and I’m not sure the Cubs trade him if they thought he’d be ready, and ownership has yet to show they’d be willing to be competitive for a guy like Tucker on the market.

Like the Boyd signing, but hate they ignored a true top end SP addition - they do not have a playoff rotation right now (though I think it’ll be added later). Didn’t get Sasaki, didn’t land Luzardo, it’s clear they wanted a top guy and failed to get one.

Like Pressly, but he was at least the 4th best relief option we looked at.

And I like Shaws future but if he doesn’t perform early, we’re banking on a rule 5 guy or Jon Berti to bail us out

 

[Cyforce]

Getting more and more anxious for season solely for the implications that it could have on the entire franchise if they don’t win the division.

Love the Tucker trade, but it’s looking like Cam Smith will be on the Astros opening day roster, and I’m not sure the Cubs trade him if they thought he’d be ready, and ownership has yet to show they’d be willing to be competitive for a guy like Tucker on the market.

Like the Boyd signing, but hate they ignored a true top end SP addition - they do not have a playoff rotation right now (though I think it’ll be added later). Didn’t get Sasaki, didn’t land Luzardo, it’s clear they wanted a top guy and failed to get one.

Like Pressly, but he was at least the 4th best relief option we looked at.

And I like Shaws future but if he doesn’t perform early, we’re banking on a rule 5 guy or Jon Berti to bail us out

Turner played some third this spring also

 

[CYdTracked]

Getting more and more anxious for season solely for the implications that it could have on the entire franchise if they don’t win the division.

Love the Tucker trade, but it’s looking like Cam Smith will be on the Astros opening day roster, and I’m not sure the Cubs trade him if they thought he’d be ready, and ownership has yet to show they’d be willing to be competitive for a guy like Tucker on the market.

Like the Boyd signing, but hate they ignored a true top end SP addition - they do not have a playoff rotation right now (though I think it’ll be added later). Didn’t get Sasaki, didn’t land Luzardo, it’s clear they wanted a top guy and failed to get one.

Like Pressly, but he was at least the 4th best relief option we looked at.

And I like Shaws future but if he doesn’t perform early, we’re banking on a rule 5 guy or Jon Berti to bail us out

These are fair assessments. I have a lot of the same concerns especially with not adding another top end of the rotation pitcher and the uncertainty at 3B until Shaw proves he can perform at the MLB level. Curious to see what Cam Smith does too. If he's a stud right out the gate and doesn't have to be sent back to the minors to work on some things then how that trade is evaluated after this season is going to be interesting.

My other worry is how many of our top prospects get stalled out in Iowa this year because we have no room for them to play regularly in Chicago. If this team is healthy and competing for the division it's one thing to play the waiting game I guess. But if the big league team struggles and is not in the driver's seat for the division by July the franchise will be at a crossroads of do you deal MLB ready prospects to fill in the voids to try and compete this year at any cost necessary or do you sell off some pieces to make room for those prospects to play now and move forward with a longer term plan for the roster.