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Cubs seek playoff return, facing financial challenges

theathletic.com — March 17, 2025 at 09:01 PM UTC

The Chicago Cubs begin their 2025 season against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Japan. This year is crucial for the team, especially for president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer, who is in the final year of his contract. The Cubs aim to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2018. They have made moves to improve their roster, including trading for Kyle Tucker, but face financial challenges compared to teams like the Dodgers and Mets. Despite a lower payroll than last season, projections suggest the Cubs could win around 85 to 91 games. The team's success hinges on key players performing well and avoiding injuries as they strive for a division title.

With a significance score of 1.8, this news ranks in the top 59% of today's 18366 analyzed articles.

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Timeline:

[2.0]

Dodgers and Cubs open MLB season in Japan (news.yahoo.com)

1h

[1.6]

Dodgers and Cubs play in Tokyo season opener today (nj.com)

1h

[2.0]

Dodgers face Cubs in Tokyo Series opener today (sportingnews.com)

1h

[1.9]

Dodgers and Cubs kick off MLB season in Tokyo (oregonlive.com)

4h

[1.9]

Dodgers vs. Cubs games in Tokyo start March 18 (oregonlive.com)

4h

[1.8]

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5h

[2.4]

Japanese players significantly impact MLB in Tokyo series (ocregister.com)

6h

[2.0]

Dodgers and Cubs open MLB season in Tokyo Series (cleveland.com)

7h

[2.1]

MLB season opens in Tokyo with Dodgers vs. Cubs (wmur.com)

7h

[1.9]

MLB season opens in Tokyo with Dodgers vs. Cubs (wcvb.com)

7h

[1.9]

MLB season opens in Tokyo with Dodgers vs. Cubs (kcra.com)

7h

[1.8]

Dodgers face Cubs in Tokyo for MLB season opener (cbssports.com)

7h

[1.6]

Cubs face uncertainty despite roster improvements ahead of season (yardbarker.com)

7h

[1.8]

MLB Opening Day 2025 is March 27, tickets available (sportingnews.com)

9h

[2.1]

MLB season opens in Tokyo with Dodgers vs. Cubs (courant.com)

9h

[1.8]

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9h

[2.6]

Japanese players' influence in MLB peaks in Tokyo series (courant.com)

9h

[1.8]

Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitches for Dodgers in Japan opener (nbcnews.com)

12h

[2.0]

Dodgers favored against Cubs in Tokyo Series opener (cbssports.com)

12h

[2.1]

Dodgers strengthen team chemistry during Tokyo season opener (latimes.com)

15h

[2.0]

Dodgers aim to strengthen chemistry during Japan trip (news.yahoo.com)

15h

[1.8]

Shota Imanaga prepares for debut at Tokyo Dome (chicagotribune.com)

17h

[2.2]

Dodgers shut out by Hanshin Tigers in Japan (marca.com)

18h

[2.2]

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[1.8]

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22h

[2.0]

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23h

[1.9]

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1d 1h

[1.9]

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1d 6h

[1.6]

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1d 13h

[1.8]

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1d 13h

[1.9]

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1d 15h

[2.1]

Hanshin Tigers sweep exhibition series in Japan (apnews.com)

1d 16h

[1.9]

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1d 17h

[1.8]

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1d 17h

[2.1]

Hanshin Tigers shut out Cubs, Dodgers in victories (espn.com)

1d 19h

[1.9]

Cubs aim to strengthen team bonds during Japan trip (theathletic.com)

1d 20h

[1.6]

Dodgers face Hanshin Tigers in Tokyo Series Saturday (newsweek.com)

2d 1h

[2.2]

Dodgers triumph over Yomiuri Giants in Tokyo Series opener (marca.com)

2d 7h

[2.0]

Dodgers and Cubs open MLB season in Tokyo (news.yahoo.com)

2d 8h

[2.0]

Ohtani hits home run in Angels' Tokyo victory (marca.com)

2d 9h

[1.2]

Cubs lose 3-0 to Hanshin Tigers in Japan (yardbarker.com)

2d 12h

[2.0]

Ohtani hits home run in Japan exhibition game (cbssports.com)

2d 13h

[2.0]

Shohei Ohtani hits two-run homer in Japan exhibition (apnews.com)

2d 13h

[1.8]

Dodgers beat Yomiuri Giants 5-1 in Tokyo exhibition (ocregister.com)

2d 15h

[1.8]

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2d 16h

[2.3]

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2d 16h

[2.0]

Shohei Ohtani celebrates Tokyo Series with newfound maturity (independent.co.uk)

2d 19h

[1.8]

Shohei Ohtani prepares for Tokyo Series with maturity (news.yahoo.com)

2d 19h

[2.0]

Shohei Ohtani showcases maturity ahead of Tokyo Series (thestar.com)

2d 19h

[1.9]

Dodgers face Yomiuri Giants in Tokyo Series Saturday (newsweek.com)

2d 20h

[1.6]

Cubs debut in Japan against Hanshin Tigers this Friday (newsweek.com)

3d 3h

[1.7]

Seiya Suzuki hits Cubs cameraman during batting practice (marca.com)

3d 5h

[2.0]

Dodgers and Cubs to open MLB season in Tokyo (marca.com)

3d 11h

[2.3]

Dodgers attract 10,000 fans for Tokyo workout (latimes.com)

3d 14h

[2.1]

Shohei Ohtani's popularity captivates fans in Japan (chicago.suntimes.com)

3d 16h

[1.8]

Cubs players build bonds in Tokyo welcome party (chicago.suntimes.com)

3d 17h

[2.3]

Dodgers gaining strong support in Japan ahead of games (theathletic.com)

3d 18h

[2.1]

Dodgers draw over 10,000 fans in Tokyo Dome (ocregister.com)

3d 19h

[2.1]

MLB season opens with Dodgers vs Cubs in Tokyo (gazette.com)

3d 20h

[2.2]

MLB season opens with Dodgers vs. Cubs in Tokyo (independent.co.uk)

3d 20h

[1.9]

Ohtani leads Dodgers' excitement for Tokyo series opener (japantimes.co.jp)

3d 21h

[2.1]

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3d 23h

[1.5]

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4d 0h

[1.5]

Shohei Ohtani's arrival at Tokyo airport concealed from fans (wcvb.com)

4d 0h

[1.5]

Ohtani's arrival blocked from eager Tokyo fans (wmur.com)

4d 1h

[1.6]

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4d 4h

[1.5]

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4d 13h

[1.8]

Ohtani and Dodgers arrive in Japan for Tokyo Series (olympics.com)

4d 18h

[1.5]

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4d 20h

[1.4]

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4d 20h

[1.5]

Ohtani's airport arrival concealed from eager fans (clickondetroit.com)

4d 21h

[2.0]

Fans gather in Tokyo to see Shohei Ohtani (gulfnews.com)

4d 21h

[2.1]

Dodgers strengthen ties with Japan ahead of season opener (japantimes.co.jp)

4d 23h

[1.4]

Dodgers finalize roster for Tokyo Series against Cubs (yardbarker.com)

5d 15h