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Cubs Prospect Reacts To Making Tokyo Trip

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Davis | Last updated Mar 13, 2025 11:03 AM ET

As the Chicago Cubs get ready to open the season in Toyo, Japan, the surprise of getting selected for the trip is vivid in the mind of third baseman Gage Workman.

“I must’ve been behind on the TV,” Workman said via MLB.com's Jordan Bastian. “Somebody said, ‘Congratulations,’ and I was like, ‘No way, who’s next?’ Then the Cubs walked right up and picked me. It was just me and my wife at home — nothing crazy — but a pretty cool experience.”

“It’s just a surreal feeling,” Workman added about receiving the news from Cubs manager Craig Counsell. “When he gives you that news, there’s nothing like it. It’s the best.”

An Arizona native and former Arizona State standout, Workman was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 2020 in the fourth round. He spent the past four seasons in the minor leagues, and the Cubs acquired him through the Rule 5 Draft in December 2024. While he will make the trip, the 26-player roster hasn't been finalized, as Bastian noted.

In spring training, Workman has a .438 batting average with three home runs and 13 RBIs. He showed promise in the minors over the past four years, amid .248 batting for 263 RBI and 57 home runs in 472 career games.

“Gage has had a tremendous camp,” Counsell said via MLB.com. “We’re taking Gage because we feel like he’s a functional piece on a roster. That means he played really well. And it means he really did his job. I think he impressed - - maybe more than that. He surprised.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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