According to ESPN reporter 10 minutes ago, after he reportedly turned down a contract extension of 4 years for $180 million and rejected the Los Angeles Dodgers proposal of a 3-year contract for $160.5 million 48 hours ago, as per ESPN confirmation, it is confirmed that the franchise left fielder has officially terminated his contract with the Chicago Cubs to join the Houston Astros on a 3-year $79.9 million deal due to…

The team travels to Japan for the Tokyo Series in one week
The Cubs will have extra flexibility as they set their roster for the March 18-19 series.

MESA, Ariz. – Beginning the season in Japan adds a twist to setting the Opening Day roster. And the Cubs need to have their travel roster set before boarding the plane in a week, following their Cactus League game against the Brewers on March 11.

Though the Cubs would prefer to make most decisions on non-roster invitees and players without options before the Tokyo Series, there is extra flexibility for the pair of early regular season games so that the teams involved aren’t put at a disadvantage. The Cubs therefore could put off some such decisions until domestic opening day.

For example, the Cubs have ruled out second baseman Nico Hoerner for the Japan trip, as he builds up after an offseason forearm surgery. But he doesn’t have to occupy a 26-man active roster spot, even if the Cubs don’t put him on the 10-day injured list.

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