Episode Summary:
I’m back after a few hectic weeks, and with Opening Day (for most of MLB) here, it felt like the perfect time to drop a season preview episode! This one’s a little shorter, but I wanted to break down the Cubs’ final 26-man roster, talk through what went right and wrong this offseason, and give you my predictions for 2025.
I also dive into how I’m approaching this season personally—falling back in love with baseball after a stressful winter, enjoying the game wherever I can find it, and just appreciating the ride. Cubs, college ball, high school, youth leagues—I’m all in.
Let’s talk expectations, roster surprises, and whether this team has what it takes to win the division and make a deep postseason run.
⚾️ What I Cover in This Episode:
🔹 Final 26-Man Roster Breakdown
Ben Brown named 5th starter
Matthew Boyd & Brad Keller win rotation and bullpen spots
Ryan Brasier and Tyson Miller to the IL, Vidal Brujan and Keegan Thompson off the roster
Gage Workman makes the team via Rule 5, beats out Brujan
🔹 Rotation Outlook
Steele, Shōta, Taillon, Boyd, Brown
Upside in Boyd & Brown, but can they stay healthy?
Depth from Wicks, Assad, and Horton could prove crucial
Why I expect Shōta to regress slightly but still be effective
🔹 Bullpen Depth Is a Strength
Presley, Merriweather, Hodge, Morgan, Pearson, Teelbar, Keller, Ray
Merriweather looks sharp again
Cubs have tons of “big guy, throws hard” arms in Iowa ready to rotate in
🔹 Lineup & Bench: Better Than 2024?
Tucker > Bellinger (a clear upgrade)
Swanson & Nico healthy again = huge boost
Shaw at 3B will have growing pains, but the tools are there
Bench of Turner, Birdi, Workman, and Kelly gives Craig Counsell flexibility
Cubs have more options than they’ve had in years
🔹 The Cody Poteet DFA: A Curious Move
Cubs basically dumped Bellinger’s contract for Poteet… and now he’s gone
Shows the value they see in Brad Keller
📈 Season Preview & Predictions
Cubs win 91 games and take the NL Central crown
Brewers (86 wins) and Reds (85) keep it close
Cubs’ depth & financial flexibility will let them improve at the deadline
If they need an arm? Think Sandy Alcántara-type trade
April is a gauntlet, but May gets easier
🧢 Personal Goals for 2025
Watch the Cubs as much as I can—but also
Appreciate baseball at every level: MLB, college, high school, youth
This is my reset year. I’m in it for the love of the game
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