With less than six hours before the season opener in Tokyo, the Chicago Cubs finalized their roster moves ahead of tonight’s game.
Rookie infielder Matt Shaw has been added to both the 40-man and 26-man rosters, while right-handed pitcher Keegan Thompson was designated for assignment to make room.
Additionally:
- Javier Assad (RHP) was placed on the 15-day injured list.
- Daniel Palencia (RHP) was optioned to Triple-A Iowa.
Matt Shaw’s Road to the Majors
Shaw, the Cubs’ top prospect and first-round pick in 2023, secured the starting third base job after an impressive Spring Training, hitting .313/.421/.375 over six games. Last season, he slashed .284/.379/.488 across Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa.
Keegan Thompson’s Future
A third-round pick in 2017, Thompson has pitched as both a starter and reliever for the Cubs since his 2021 MLB debut. However, multiple stints on the injured list have impacted his effectiveness. In 2023, he posted a 2.67 ERA over 30 1/3 innings across 24 relief appearances. With trade or waiver claims likely, his time with Chicago appears to be ending.
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Cubs’ Opening Day 26-Man Roster
Starting Pitchers:
- Shota Imanaga
- Justin Steele
Relievers:
- Ryan Brasier
- Ben Brown
- Porter Hodge
- Julian Merryweather
- Tyson Miller
- Eli Morgan
- Nate Pearson
- Ryan Pressly
- Colin Rea
- Caleb Thielbar
- Jordan Wicks
Catchers:
- Miguel Amaya
- Carson Kelly
Infielders:
- Jon Berti
- Vidal Bruján
- Michael Busch
- Matt Shaw
- Dansby Swanson
- Justin Turner
- Gage Workman
Outfielders:
- Pete Crow-Armstrong
- Ian Happ
- Seiya Suzuki
- Kyle Tucker
Inactive Players:
- Matthew Boyd
- Brad Keller
- Reese McGuire
- Daniel Palencia
- Jameson Taillon
This Japan Series roster is built specifically for the two-game series in Tokyo and will be adjusted before the full Opening Day in Arizona.
