The Cubs have yet to tip their hand as to how the team will fill their void at third base to begin 2025. However, two notable contenders for the job will be in Tokyo when the Cubs start the 2025 campaign. Notably, Matt Shaw, who’s been one of the favorites.
Manager Craig Counsell confirmed Matt Shaw, the Cubs’ 2023 first-round pick, will join the team for their trip to Japan. The team also confirmed that Rule 5 Draft pick Gage Workman will be there, as well.
It’s unclear, though, whether Shaw will be on the team’s Opening Day roster. The Cubs will be allowed to bring five additional players for a taxi squad.
Shaw, a non-roster invitee, has done nothing but hit since going pro. He slashed .284/.379/.488 (.867 OPS) between Double-A and Triple-A last season, with 21 home runs and 31 stolen bases.
He missed the first batch of spring games with an oblique injury. Shaw’s hit fine since returning, posting a .286/.375/.286 (.661 OPS) slash line over five spring contests.
If Shaw were to play in Japan, it would be the second-straight year a former first-round pick and highly-touted prospect were to debut overseas. Last year, Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill made his MLB debut in Seoul against the Dodgers.
Workman, meanwhile, must be on the Cubs’ Opening Day roster for Chicago (NL) to retain his rights. Since Workman was taken in the MLB phase, the Cubs need to keep him on the roster for the year. Otherwise, his rights must be offered back to the Tigers.
The former Arizona State star’s been a standout this spring. Workman is hitting .438/472/.750 (1.222 OPS), leading the Cubs in hits (14) and tied with Pete Crow-Armstrong for the most home runs (3).
Workman hit 18 home runs and posted a .842 OPS in the Minors during the 2024 campaign. He can play multiple infield positions, including second and third, notable since Nico Hoerner will be unavailable for the Tokyo Series.
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