Al Yellon created Bleed Cubbie Blue and has been its managing editor since 2005. His latest book about the Cubs is "Chicago Cubs Firsts." Find him on Bluesky at @bleedcubbieblue.bsky.social
Two of the keys to the Cubs’ success in 2025 are the players expected to be the starting second baseman and third baseman, Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw.
In BCB After Dark, Sara Sanchez covered the question of who’ll play second base if Nico can’t start the season there, and you can discuss that portion of the question over there.
Meghan Montemurro of the Tribune confirms, in this article, that Nico won’t play the two games in Japan against the Dodgers, but could be ready for the North American start to the season:
Hoerner won’t make the trip with the team, manager Craig Counsell said Thursday.