The Cubs and their 31-man roster are in Japan. The biggest news of that group is that top prospect Matt Shaw is with the team and will presumptively be the team’s Opening Day starter at the hot corner. The Cubs Weekly Podcast analyzes Shaw’s inclusion on the travel squad to Japan and why the organization decided to include him on the team. Hosts Tony Andracki and Andy Martínez discuss the benefits of rostering him and what it could mean moving forward.

[READ: Analyzing Cubs 31-man roster for Tokyo Series: Who’s in, who’s out?]

Andracki and Martínez then look at one of the key names who didn’t make the traveling squad — reliever Keegan Thompson. The duo breaks down why he was left off and whether this spells the end of his tenure as a Cub.

In the spirit of March Madness, Andracki and Martínez look at the roster with a college hoops lens: who were the last four players in? They discuss why the team included Jordan Wicks, Brad Keller, Ben Brown and Daniel Palencia on the 31-man list and where they might fit in.

[MORE: 2025 Chicago Cubs regular-season TV broadcast, streaming schedule]

Before the podcast wraps up, the duo looks at one of the surprise stories of camp — Rule 5 Draft pick Gage Workman, how he worked his way onto the Opening Day roster and what he brings to this roster.

New episodes of the Cubs Weekly Podcast drop every Thursday morning throughout the offseason. Subscribe here:

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