Cubs Activate Matt Shaw, DFA Keegan Thompson

With the Cubs season just hours away, Matt Shaw has officially been added to the 40-man roster. In a corresponding move, right-hander Keegan Thompson has been designated for assignment.

Thompson appeared in 104 games with the Cubs, posting a 3.64 ERA with 225 strikeouts in 227.1 innings. After debuting with several starting opportunities, he was moved to the bullpen by 2023.

Other moves will likely be coming before the domestic opening day in Arizona, but for now, Shaw is the only player joining the Cubs’ roster.

We made it. Cubs baseball is back!!!

Here is the Cubs official press release:

TOKYO, Japan – The Chicago Cubs have set their Tokyo Series Opening Day 26-man roster in advance of their 2025 season opener tonight vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Tokyo Dome.

Infielder Matt Shaw has been selected to the 40-man roster. Right-handed pitcher Keegan Thompson has been designated for assignment.

The Cubs have placed right-handed pitcher Javier Assad (left oblique strain) on the 15-day injured list and optioned right-handed pitcher Daniel Palencia to Triple-A Iowa.

Here is a look at the Cubs 2025 Tokyo Series Opening Day roster:

Pitchers (13)
18 – Shota Imanaga, LHP
24 – Caleb Thielbar, LHP
32 – Ben Brown, RHP
33 – Eli Morgan, RHP
35 – Justin Steele, LHP
36 – Jordan Wicks, LHP
37 – Porter Hodge, RHP
49 – Tyson Miller, RHP
53 – Colin Rea, RHP
54 – Ryan Brasier, RHP
55 – Ryan Pressly, RHP
56 – Nate Pearson, RHP
66 – Julian Merryweather, RHP

Catchers (2)
9 – Miguel Amaya
15 – Carson Kelly

Infielders (7)
3 – Justin Turner
5 – Jon Berti
6 – Matt Shaw
7 – Dansby Swanson
17 – Vidal Bruján (S)
25 – Gage Workman (L)
29 – Michael Busch (L)

Outfielders (4)
4 – Pete Crow-Armstrong (L)
8 – Ian Happ (S)
27 – Seiya Suzuki
30 – Kyle Tucker (L)                                                                                  

The coaching staff under manager Craig Counsell (#11) is as follows: Ryan Flaherty (bench, #84), Tommy Hottovy (pitching, #68), Dustin Kelly (hitting, #76), Jose Javier (first base, #65), Quintin Berry (third base, #0), Mark Strittmatter (bullpen, #81), Casey Jacobson (assistant pitching, #86), Juan Cabreja (assistant hitting, #63), John Mallee (assistant hitting, #80), Jonathan Mota (coach, #90), Tyler Zombro (special assistant, pitching, #88), AJ Lewis (staff assistant, #74), Erick Castillo (bullpen catcher, #93), Garrett Lloyd (bullpen catcher, #85) and Alex Smith (strategy, #97).