Searching for their first playoff look since 2020, the Chicago Cubs are coming off a second consecutive 83-79 end. However they made some huge strikes this offseason to make them one of many favorites to win the Nationwide League Central division in 2025.
Buying outfielder Kyle Tucker and reduction pitcher Ryan Pressly in separate trades with the Houston Astros, the Cubs additionally added a few veterans who may find yourself being huge additions to the clubhouse, together with nook infielder Justin Turner.
Listed below are three gamers to look at because the Cubs proceed spring coaching.
Pete Crow-Armstrong, outfielder
2024 MLB stats: .237/.286/.384, 10 house runs, 47 RBI and 27 stolen bases in 123 video games performed
Crow-Armstrong acquired off to a sluggish begin throughout his MLB debut final season, however due to a sizzling August and September, he enters the 2025 season with huge expectations because the Cubs’ on a regular basis middle fielder.
With elite protection and velocity, Crow-Armstrong instantly turns into one of many favorites to win the Nationwide League Gold Glove in middle discipline and is a serious menace on the basepaths.
If he can proceed to enhance on the plate, the 22-year-old could possibly be a thorn in opponents’ sides for the following decade at Wrigley Area.
Matt Shaw, third base
2024 MiLB stats: .284/.379/.488, 21 house runs, 71 RBI and 31 stolen bases in 121 video games performed
The nineteenth total prospect in MLB, in accordance with MLB.com, Cubs infielder Matt Shaw had an enormous yr within the minors final yr, smashing 44 extra-base hits and scoring 78 runs in 121 video games performed throughout Double-A and Triple-A.
He enters spring coaching with an opportunity to clutch the job at third base and grow to be an on a regular basis starter in Chicago.
Shaw has the potential to be a serious influence bat with the upside to play plus protection throughout a number of positions, however he needs to be a greater than ample defender when it is all stated and carried out.
Shaw could possibly be a family identify earlier than the top of the 2025 season.
Shota Imanaga, pitcher
2024 MLB stats: 15-3, 2.91 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 174 strikeouts in 173.1 innings pitched
After a robust exhibiting in his first season in MLB, 31-year-old pitcher Shota Imanaga might want to show that he is not simply one other one-year surprise in 2025.
Placing up a 3 WAR for the Cubs, Imanaga completed fourth in voting for the 2024 Nationwide League Rookie of the Yr final season after eight seasons in Japan.
Whereas he would not overpower opposing hitters, the left-hander has nasty motion on his pitches and nice command to compensate for the decrease velocity.
The Cubs will want a repeat efficiency in the event that they wish to be critical contenders. With the rotation headlined by Imanaga and Justin Steele, the Cubs have an excellent one-two punch.
Whereas the supporting solid has had damage points, pitchers Jameson Taillon, Javier Assad, Matthew Boyd and Colin Rea give the Cubs a number of choices to finish the remainder of the rotation.
