Four I-Cubs From 2024 Made First Career Opening Day Roster for Chicago

The Chicago Cubs took on the Los Angeles Dodgers in a two-game set that took place in Tokyo, Japan on Tuesday, March 18 and today, Wednesday, March 19. Both teams showcased Japanese-born talent as both rosters combine for a total of five Japanese players.

Tuesday’s game featured multiple Cubs making their Opening Day debuts as they played for the I-Cubs during the 2024 season.

Matt Shaw, the number one prospect for the Cubs, got the call to play for Chicago in the Tokyo series against the Dodgers. The 23-year-old will make his first career MLB start as he started his journey at the rookie level in 2023 with the ACL Cubs.

Pete Crow-Armstrong made his first Opening Day of his career on Tuesday. He played in 123 games for the Chicago Cubs to finish up the 2024 season as he hit a .237 batting average, added 10 home runs and 47 RBIs. Before getting the call to Chicago, Crow-Armstrong played with the I-Cubs as he played in 157 games, added 11 home runs and 36 RBIs in that two-year span.

Porter Hodge earned the Opening Day spot for the first time in his career as he ended the 2024 season with a 3-1 record and a 1.88 ERA in 39 games played. Hodge started the 2024 season with the Smokies in Double-A and played in just two games before he got sent up to Triple-A and had a 1-1 record, with a 5.74 ERA in 13 games.

Ben Brown, as the last I-Cub to earn the spot, made the Opening Day roster as he entered the 2024 season with Chicago. He ended the year with a 1-3 record and a 3.58 ERA in 15 games.