Three players to watch during Cubs spring training

Pete Crow-Armstrong, outfielder

2024 MLB stats: .237/.286/.384, 10 home runs, 47 RBI and 27 stolen bases in 123 games played

Crow-Armstrong got off to a slow start during his MLB debut last season, but thanks to a hot August and September, he enters the 2025 season with big expectations as the Cubs' everyday center fielder.

With elite defense and speed, Crow-Armstrong immediately becomes one of the favorites to win the National League Gold Glove in center field and is a major threat on the basepaths.

If he can continue to improve at the plate, the 22-year-old could be a thorn in opponents' sides for the next decade at Wrigley Field. 

Matt Shaw, third base

2024 MiLB stats: .284/.379/.488, 21 home runs, 71 RBI and 31 stolen bases in 121 games played

The 19th overall prospect in MLB, according to MLB.com, Cubs infielder Matt Shaw had a huge year in the minors last year, smashing 44 extra-base hits and scoring 78 runs in 121 games played across Double-A and Triple-A.

He enters spring training with a chance to take hold of the job at third base and become an everyday starter in Chicago.

Shaw has the potential to be a major impact bat with the upside to play plus defense across multiple positions, but he should be a more than adequate defender when it's all said and done.

Shaw could be a household name before the end of the 2025 season. 

Shota Imanaga, pitcher

2024 MLB stats: 15-3, 2.91 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 174 strikeouts in 173.1 innings pitched

After a strong showing in his first season in MLB, 31-year-old pitcher Shota Imanaga will need to prove that he isn't just another one-year wonder in 2025.

Putting up a three WAR for the Cubs, Imanaga finished fourth in voting for the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year last season after eight seasons in Japan.

While he doesn't overpower opposing hitters, the left-hander has nasty movement on his pitches and great command to compensate for the lower velocity.

The Cubs will need a repeat performance if they want to be serious contenders. With the rotation headlined by Imanaga and Justin Steele, the Cubs have a good one-two punch. 

While the supporting cast has had injury issues, pitchers Jameson Taillon, Javier Assad, Matthew Boyd and Colin Rea give the Cubs multiple options to complete the rest of the rotation.