The Chicago Cubs touched down in Arizona after jetting out of Japan, still licking their wounds from a 6-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Tokyo Series on Wednesday night. That trip? A blast for everyone involved—fans, players, you name it—but let’s not sugarcoat it: the Cubs are 0-2. And with a brutal April staring them down, it’s not exactly the start you dream about.
Facing studs like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, plus that killer Dodgers bullpen, was no picnic. If that wasn’t tough enough, just wait—Zac Gallen, Corbin Burnes, and the Arizona Diamondbacks are up next for Opening Day back home. No pressure, right?
Where’s the Big Hit?
Over those two games in Tokyo, the Cubs couldn’t get it going with runners in scoring position—2-for-14, ouch. They managed just three extra-base hits, all doubles, and only one came with a guy on base. Wednesday was better—they drew seven walks compared to Tuesday’s measly one—but cashing in? Nope.
Craig Counsell put it plain as day: “We put pretty good pressure on them. We hit six singles; they hit six extra-base hits. That’s the game right there. They made their hits hurt. We had traffic but couldn’t land the knockout punch.”
Slugging’s been a sore spot for this team—last year’s .151 ISO (21st in MLB) says it all. Sure, Wrigley’s wind can mess with you, but they’re hoping it’s less of a factor in 2025. Adding Kyle Tucker’s pop helps big time, and guys like Seiya Suzuki (.199 ISO) and Ian Happ (.199 ISO) bring some thump. Michael Busch (.192 ISO) might just be warming up, too. I’ve got my fingers crossed Miguel Amaya finds more power, and Matt Shaw could be a spark if he settles in. Two games don’t tell the whole story, but the punch wasn’t there in Japan.
Bullpen Blues and Bright Spots
The bats weren’t the only shaky part. The Cubs bullpen walked 10 guys in 10 innings—yikes. Tommy Hottovy, the pitching coach, is probably pacing right now; he’s always harping on strike-throwing as the gold standard. Early March rust isn’t weird, and Tokyo’s electric vibe might’ve juiced up some arms, but still—not a great look.
There were some highs, though. Porter Hodge fired a clean inning with a punchout. Ben Brown got tagged for three runs, but freezing Shohei Ohtani with a filthy three-pitch strikeout? That’s a keeper. Vets like Caleb Thielbar and Eli Morgan held their own, too. Depth’s there—this might be the deepest ‘pen the Cubs have had in a minute. Counsell’s just gotta mix and match ‘til it clicks.
Facing a Beast in the Dodgers
Let’s be real: the Dodgers are a nightmare to pitch to. Even without Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, that lineup’s a buzzsaw. Last year, only the Yankees chased less junk outside the zone. They’re clutch with two strikes, walk like crazy (third in MLB), and just refuse to go down easy.
Dansby Swanson nailed it: “We got to two strikes, just couldn’t finish ‘em off. It’s not about talent—it’ll come. This season’s gonna be a blast. We just gotta dust off and get back at it.” Two games against the best team in baseball in March? No panic button needed. But after last year’s offensive slog, shaking this off quick matters.
Roster Moves and Tough Calls
Thursday brought some action—Eli Morgan and Jordan Wicks got optioned to make room for Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd, who sat out the Tokyo trip. Morgan’s move might raise eyebrows; he’s a vet reliever the Cubs chased hard this offseason. But early-season bullpen juggling is chess, not checkers. Counsell and Jed Hoyer love depth, and optionable arms like Morgan’s are gold. He won’t be in Triple-A Iowa long—bet on that.
More moves are coming. Nico Hoerner and Brad Keller need spots, and Keller’s gonna force a 40-man shuffle. If Ben Brown stretches out as a starter and Colin Rea slots in as the fifth guy, that simplifies things. Then there’s the Hoerner ripple—Vidal Bruján or Gage Workman? Workman’s lefty bat, pop, and glove across the diamond feel like the pick, but Bruján’s speed and switch-hitting pedigree are tough to ditch. I’d lean Workman, but they’ve got a week to stew on it.
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