The Chicago Cubs have announced their roster for the season opener against the Dodgers at the Tokyo Dome, creating buzz among fans and analysts alike. The highlight of their changes is the promotion of Matt Shaw, a top prospect making his major league debut. To make space on the 40-man roster, the Cubs designated reliever Keegan Thompson for assignment. Additionally, they placed right-handed pitcher Javier Assad on the 15-day injured list due to a left oblique strain.
Shaw, just 23, is set to start at third base against Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Cubs drafted him 13th overall in 2023, and he quickly made waves in the minors. Last year, he hit an impressive .357 in 38 games. He continued his strong play, hitting a solid .279/.373/.468 in Double-A before excelling at Triple-A Iowa with a .298/.395/.534 slash line and seven home runs in 35 games.
The Cubs have placed confidence in Shaw by trading Isaac Paredes, clearing the way for him at third base. Though there was speculation about acquiring Alex Bregman, that deal fell through, solidifying Shaw’s position. In Spring Training, he showcased his skills with five hits and three walks across 19 at-bats, demonstrating he is ready for this moment.
Shaw is a standout in the Cubs’ deep farm system. He’s consistently ranked among the top 50 MLB prospects by Baseball America, FanGraphs, and others. Scouts view him as a potential power hitter with an ability to maintain a high batting average, although some concerns exist regarding his ability to avoid chasing off-speed pitches.
While Shaw is the main focus, he’s not the only rookie debuting for the Cubs. Gage Workman, a Rule 5 pick, also made the roster. The left-handed hitter was selected from the Detroit Tigers organization and had a tremendous Double-A season, posting a .280/.366/.476 slash with 18 homers and 30 stolen bases. Workman’s performance in Spring Training included three home runs and a .424 batting average, making a strong case for his inclusion on the opening day roster.
However, both young players face challenges. Teams must keep Rule 5 draftees like Workman on the active roster throughout the season to retain their rights. If he doesn’t perform well, the Cubs might have to waive him, which is a precarious position for a rookie.
As the Cubs gear up for their first games in Tokyo, they hope to kick off the season on the right foot. Fans are eager to see how Shaw and Workman will impact the team. The anticipation surrounding Shaw could have a significant effect on attendance and fan engagement as the season unfolds.
This rookie wave reflects a larger trend in Major League Baseball, where teams are increasingly relying on young talent. Research shows that over the last few seasons, teams that incorporate talented rookies have seen a lift in performance and fan interest. Time will tell if the Cubs can capitalize on this emerging talent as they aim for success this season.
For more on player rankings and upcoming games, you can check resources like Baseball America and MLB Pipeline.
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