Spring Awakening in Mesa
MESA, Ariz. — The Chicago Cubs held their first full-squad workout on Friday, marking the official assembly of position players for the 2025 season. This is a pivotal year for the franchise, which hasn’t reached the postseason since 2020 and hasn’t won a playoff game since 2017. The core of the team that broke the infamous curse in 2016 is now a fond, distant memory, and the recent era of Cubs baseball has been defined more by mediocrity and disappointment. However, the 2025 Cubs are determined to change this narrative. With the NL Central division wide open, the Cubs are finally stepping forward as clear contenders rather than merely being a team to watch.
Moving On from Bregman
The early days of spring training brought the inevitable questions about Alex Bregman, who the Cubs had pursued but ultimately signed with the Boston Red Sox. Despite the disappointment, players like shortstop Dansby Swanson remained optimistic. “I think everyone figured he’d be a really good fit for this team,” Swanson reflected. “Obviously, it didn’t end up happening, but Jed’s done such a tremendous job in putting together what I feel like is probably our best roster yet, just in terms of the depth, in terms of filling needs that we may have had in previous years.” Swanson’s sentiment was echoed by his teammates, who believe the Cubs got significantly better this winter. They replaced Cody Bellinger with Kyle Tucker, bolstered their rotation with Matthew Boyd, and added a quartet of veteran relievers—Ryan Pressly, Ryan Brasier, Eli Morgan, and Caleb Thielbar. The team is now focused on proving their worth on the field rather than in the headlines.
The Rise of Matt Shaw
Even without Bregman, the Cubs have reasons to be optimistic, particularly with the emergence of Matt Shaw, one of baseball’s top infield prospects. Drafted 13th overall out of the University of Maryland in 2023, Shaw has shown impressive skills, finishing 2024 with a .929 OPS in 35 Triple-A games. His rapid rise and the opportunity to start at third base for Chicago has garnered attention and excitement. Shaw learned about Bregman’s decision from his friends, many of whom are Red Sox fans. “Obviously, that’s my goal for the spring,” Shaw said. “Being able to do that would be amazing, be a dream come true, something I’ve been dreaming of for a long time.” Manager Craig Counsell mentioned a mild oblique issue, but the team doesn’t expect it to significantly impact Shaw’s spring training. Swanson, who may form a formidable left side of the infield with Shaw, is ready to support him. “He’s such a gifted player, and he’s a natural-born baseball player,” Swanson praised. “But I’m just going to let him do his thing and trust that the experience will be the best teacher for him.”
Kyle Tucker: A New Star in the Lineup
While Bregman’s signing didn’t materialize, the Cubs can take solace in the presence of Kyle Tucker, the 28-year-old All-Star right fielder. Tucker, known for his all-around excellence, excels in hitting, fielding, and baserunning. “He’s a true superstar, an incredible player,” second baseman Nico Hoerner said. “He does absolutely every part of baseball well, which you don’t really see from many players. Even guys that are All-Stars every year, there’s not many guys that truly do all parts of the game at a high level. And he does that.” Swanson added, “His body of work is impressive. If you look at what he’s been able to do over his career to this point, I think he’s a star in our game and somebody that’s going to make our team a lot better.” Tucker, a free agent at season’s end, was measured in his comments about his contract situation. “You never know how the future is gonna play out,” he said. “Just trying to take it one day at a time, and whatever happens later happens.” Nevertheless, his presence on the team is a significant boost, and he’s eager to contribute to the Cubs’ success.
A Roster Built for Success
The Cubs’ offseason moves have been both bold and strategic. The addition of Tucker not only fills a critical hole in the outfield but also adds a much-needed star to a lineup that has lacked one in recent years. Matthew Boyd’s signing shores up the rotation, while the influx of veteran relievers adds depth and experience to the bullpen. This combination of talent and veteran leadership is designed to give the Cubs a solid foundation for a successful season. “They’ve been really thoughtful and intentional about building this roster out to give us the best chance to succeed,” Swanson reiterated. The Cubs’ front office has shown a clear commitment to building a competitive team, and the players are buying into the vision. The challenge now is to translate all this preparation and optimism into results on the field.
The Road Ahead
The Cubs are poised to make a statement in the NL Central, a division that appears ripe for the taking. The absence of Bregman is a setback, but the team’s depth and the potential of young players like Shaw can offset this loss. With Tucker leading the charge and a roster filled with veterans and promising prospects, the Cubs have the ingredients to break their postseason drought. The team’s focus is clear: win games and compete for a division title. “Right now, I’m a Chicago Cub. And I’m excited to be here and try to win games for the Cubbies,” Tucker said, summing up the team’s mindset. As the Cubs embark on their spring training journey, the atmosphere at Sloan Park is charged with a blend of excitement and determination. The 2025 Cubs are not just hoping to be contenders; they are ready to prove their worth.
