Chicago Cubs’ Rough Start to 2025 Season
The Chicago Cubs head into their home opener with an 0-2 record after being swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Tokyo Series. Facing one of baseball’s most dominant pitching staffs, the Cubs struggled offensively, offering little clarity on their potential this season. Their early schedule is filled with playoff-caliber teams, making it a tough stretch to evaluate their true ceiling. However, after missing out on several key free-agent acquisitions, fans are unlikely to be receptive to excuses.
If the Cubs can hover around .500 through the season’s first month, they may find themselves in a favorable position leading up to the trade deadline. Should they emerge as buyers, they have a wealth of promising prospects and the financial flexibility to take on salary. That, however, would require roster adjustments, and these two players are prime candidates to be the first ones let go.
2. Vidal Brujan
Brujan is set to begin the season in a bench role, offering speed and defensive versatility but little else. His career MLB slash line of .189/.261/.270 leaves much to be desired, and there’s little reason to believe a sudden turnaround is imminent. He will primarily serve as a pinch-runner or occasional defensive replacement unless injuries create a larger opportunity. However, with no minor league options remaining, his future with the Cubs appears uncertain.
If Chicago pursues an offensive upgrade at the deadline, Brujan becomes expendable. Additionally, the presence of utility infielder Gage Workman—who must remain on the roster all season due to Rule 5 draft restrictions—only increases the likelihood of Brujan’s departure. Simply put, there isn’t room for both.
1. Julian Merryweather
Reliever Julian Merryweather is the most likely pitcher to be cut if roster moves are necessary. He made a name for himself in 2023 with a solid 3.38 ERA over 69 appearances, but that season was sandwiched between two poor performances—posting ERAs of 6.75 in 2022 and 6.60 in 2024. Injuries have also been a consistent concern, limiting his ability to provide sustained value.
To his credit, Merryweather has looked sharp in spring training, recording a 1.69 ERA across 5.1 innings. He also managed a scoreless inning in the Tokyo Series, though he allowed a hit and two walks, escaping a jam. However, like Brujan, he is out of minor-league options, making a potential roster squeeze even more problematic. If the Cubs add bullpen depth at the deadline, Merryweather may not stick around for the full season unless he proves he can consistently perform.