The Cubs began preparing for the upcoming Tokyo Series well before Spring Training officially started. Pitchers started their routines earlier than usual, knowing the season would kick off in mid-March.
“This has created a sense of urgency for our players,” said Cubs manager Craig Counsell. “Our pitching staff did an excellent job during the offseason in getting everyone ready.”
All that preparation will be put to the test next week when the Cubs and Dodgers launch MLB’s season on March 18-19 at the Tokyo Dome. The Cubs will depart for Japan after Tuesday’s Cactus League game against the Brewers, giving team officials a few more days to finalize the travel roster.
To prevent any uncertainty on Tuesday morning, the Cubs aim to settle their roster decisions by Monday. Here are some key questions they need to answer before finalizing their plans.
Is Matt Shaw ready to start at third base?
The Cubs have already decided that second baseman Nico Hoerner (right forearm) will not make the trip to Japan. This will allow him to continue his recovery with the goal of being fully prepared for the home opener on March 27 against the D-backs.
Japan trip roster rules permit up to three “inactive” spots, giving the Cubs the flexibility to keep Hoerner on the roster without placing him on the injured list. In the meantime, veteran utility player Jon Berti is expected to fill in at second base, reducing the team’s options at third.
Top prospect Matt Shaw, ranked No. 19 overall by MLB Pipeline, is the frontrunner for the third base job, though Counsell emphasized Friday that “all options with Matt are still open.” Shaw was sidelined early in Spring Training due to a left oblique issue, and Saturday marked only his fourth Cactus League appearance.
“We’re evaluating his readiness above all else,” Counsell said.
Other third base options include Gage Workman (a Rule 5 draft pick) and Vidal Bruján (who is out of Minor League options). Veteran Justin Turner can play third but is primarily viewed as a first baseman. Turner is already locked into the 26-man roster, while Workman and Bruján are strong candidates due to their versatility.