Previewing team's Japan roster and more

The Cubs are less than a week before jetting across the Pacific Ocean for Japan for the 2025 Tokyo Series — and there’s plenty of questions before that plane hits the air. The Cubs Weekly Podcast looked at some of those queries and how the Cubs might try and tackle them. Tops among them is the status of top prospect Matt Shaw and his potential status for Opening Day against the Dodgers.Hosts Tony Andracki and Andy Martínez looked at Shaw’s status for the series and what course the Cubs might take if he isn’t ready. The duo also discussed some of the unique roster intricacies that the Cubs will face for the two-game set and why some big-name players might make the trip but won’t be on the active roster.Later in the pod, the pair look at the Cubs’ bench situation and where a quartet of intriguing players — Jon Berti, Vidal Bruján, Gage Workman and Nicky Lopez could fit on the roster. Then, Andracki and Martínez discuss the Cubs starting pitching setup post-Japan — who should start the domestic opener against the Diamondbacks when they return? The duo weighs the benefits of restarting the rotation or picking up with their number three starter against the Diamondbacks.