The Chicago Cubs showcased their young talent in a 10-6 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday, with Miguel Amaya leading the charge by driving in five runs, matching his career high. Rookie Matt Shaw also made an impact, scoring three runs, while Pete Crow-Armstrong reached base twice and scored both times. Ian Happ contributed significantly with a two-run double and a solo home run, crucial for building their lead. Nico Hoerner returned from injury, reaching base three times and driving in a run, highlighting the importance of the younger players in this win.

Despite previous losses in the Tokyo Series, the Cubs maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing the importance of focusing on each game rather than the larger picture. Jed Hoyer acknowledged the team's playoff aspirations, underscoring that the current roster has the potential to compete effectively. This victory was vital to avoid an 0-3 start, a scenario the Cubs haven't faced since 1997. The players expressed their commitment to winning for one another and for Hoyer, as they navigate a season filled with high expectations.

The Chicago Cubs are witnessing the promising development of rookie center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, whose defensive prowess is matched by a significant offensive turnaround. After struggling early on with a .196 average, he finished the season strong, improving to .286 with an .801 OPS in his last 49 games. Manager Craig Counsell's patience proved crucial for Crow-Armstrong's growth. Meanwhile, rookie third baseman Matt Shaw faces similar challenges as he adjusts to major-league pitching, following a rocky start in the Tokyo Series. The Cubs are hopeful he will adapt quickly with the support of veteran teammates.

As the Cubs gear up for the new season, Crow-Armstrong’s stellar spring performance, highlighted by a .500 average, showcases his readiness. He remains focused on playing exceptional defense while deferring to Ian Happ in the leadoff role. The Cubs have added depth to their roster, and as they finalize their decisions, the spotlight will be on both Crow-Armstrong and Shaw to contribute to a potentially division-leading team.

The Chicago Cubs are ramping up for the start of the 2025 season after an intense spring training, which included a trip to Japan for opening games. Left fielder Ian Happ noted the challenge of balancing meaningful games with spring training, emphasizing the importance of staying sharp. Key player Nico Hoerner, recovering from surgery, is expected to join the roster as decisions loom for the pitching staff.

Manager Craig Counsell confirmed Shota Imanaga will start Game 3 of the Diamondbacks series, while Ben Brown and Colin Rea vie for the fifth starter spot after both had mixed results in the Cactus League. Despite underwhelming offensive stats in the Tokyo series, the Cubs believe their lineup is significantly improved with new talents like Kyle Tucker. As they face a tough schedule in April, Cubs players are focused on getting off to a strong start as they prepare for their domestic opener.

Early in the 2025 MLB season, the topic of fan interference has sparked heated discussion, particularly after an incident involving Los Angeles Dodgers' Max Muncy and a fan during the Tokyo Series. Muncy pursued a foul ball that Chicago Cubs' Ian Happ had hit, only to find it snatched away by former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete, who was on-site cheering for the Dodgers. Peete's catch sparked laughter and frustration, with Muncy visibly displeased. However, since the ball was out of play, no interference was claimed. Peete's actions were reportedly to protect his wife from a potentially dangerous ball. This incident, combined with Shohei Ohtani's home run, has fans buzzing as both teams look to solidify their standings as the season progresses.

As the MLB season kicks off with an exciting two-game series in Tokyo, the showdown between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs is creating a buzz among fantasy players. The spotlight is on pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who has proven to be a formidable asset despite a rocky start in his debut season. His impressive stats, including 10.4 K/9 rate and a remarkable 2.53 ERA in his last 17 starts, make him a top choice against the Cubs.

Offensively, Teoscar Hernandez is highlighted as a strong candidate, bolstered by his powerful season last year and advantageous matchups against southpaw pitchers. Ian Happ and Will Smith also present solid opportunities, particularly with their consistent performance against right-handed pitchers. DraftKings enthusiasts will want to balance their lineups with a mix of established stars and potential breakout players like rookie Matt Shaw, who has shown promise in the minors.