Cubs Kick Off Season with High Hopes After Unusual Spring Training

PHOENIX — The Chicago Cubs officially kicked off their 2025 regular season on March 27, returning from an unusual spring training that included an early start and two games in Tokyo against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Cubs faced a rare challenge as they attempted to bounce back after dropping both games in Japan. Manager Craig Counsell acknowledged the unique nature of the early schedule: “These are great experiences, period, and they’re fun experiences. They’re different. They do resemble the playoffs. So that’s a great experience for our young players. And hopefully, we’ll get that experience again in October,” he said.

One key player to watch this season is second baseman Nico Hoerner, who underwent right flexor tendon surgery last October. While Hoerner missed the Tokyo games to focus on recovery, he has been cleared for the domestic opener. “Early in the season, if something would happen to Dansby [Swanson], I think you’d probably see somebody else there. But as we get into the end of April, I think, absolutely, Nico will be the guy,” Counsell stated.

Hoerner is expected to contribute significantly to the Cubs’ defense, enhancing the team’s infield capabilities. Despite a challenging offseason, his ability to hit the ground running will be crucial for the Cubs as they aim for a successful season.

The Cubs are banking on young talent like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Miguel Amaya to make significant strides this year. Crow-Armstrong, who showcased elite defense in center field, struggled at the plate for much of 2024 but found his rhythm in the second half of the season, hitting .289 with an .806 OPS. Amaya also turned a corner defensively and offensively, finishing the year with a .282 batting average.

Amaya’s improvements will be pivotal, especially after a strong spring training performance where he recorded an impressive OPS of 1.327. Crow-Armstrong echoed similar excitement, noting that early season success could be a foundation for a promising year.

In the pitching rotation, the Cubs have named rookie right-hander Ben Brown as the fifth starter. After a solid start to his career in 2024, marked by a 3.23 ERA in eight outings, Brown’s velocity and strikeout potential make him an intriguing option for the Cubs.

“I think we have a good mix in our rotation, and Ben brings a different dynamic that can help us secure wins,” Counsell added. The Cubs will monitor Brown closely as they manage his workload throughout the season.

The Cubs’ lineup also welcomes rookie Matt Shaw, who won the third base job and made his big league debut in Tokyo. Despite a throwing error in his first game, Shaw showed promise with a diving stop and will be crucial to the Cubs’ infield depth.

As the Cubs enter a challenging stretch of their schedule with games against the Diamondbacks, Dodgers, and Padres, the pressure is on the team to perform. Pitcher Justin Steele is set to start against the Diamondbacks, with hopes to bounce back from a loss in Tokyo.

“Anytime you have expectations on yourself, it’s usually a good thing,” Steele said regarding the team’s ambitious goals for the season. The Cubs aim to break a four-year playoff drought, and solid performances — especially from their younger players — will be essential to achieving that goal.