As spring training heats up, Chicago Cubs Rule 5 pick Gage Workman is firmly making his presence felt. The 25yearold infielder has shown his potential in what has been a pivotal month, trying to secure a spot on the Cubs 26man roster for the 2025 season. But the journey for Workman, a former fifthround draft pick by the Detroit Tigers, is far from ordinary. His future hinges on his ability to not only impress the Cubs coaching staff but also to overcome the unique challenges associated with being a Rule 5 selection.
Rule 5 Draft and Gage Workmans Journey
In December 2024, the Cubs selected Workman from the Tigers in the Rule 5 draft, a move that placed him in a precarious situation. According to the rules, if the Cubs dont keep him on their major league roster for the entire 2025 season, Workman must be offered back to Detroit. This creates a highpressure scenario for the young player, who has just one season of DoubleA experience under his belt. But rather than faltering, Workman has turned heads with his performance, showcasing a mix of power, defensive ability, and maturity that has made him impossible to ignore.
A Spring Training to Remember
Workmans spring training performance has been nothing short of impressive. In just a handful of games, he has already demonstrated his ability to hit for power. His debut saw him hit a tworun homer off a lefthanded pitcher in the Cubs first spring training game, a strong start that energized fans and analysts alike. The fact that he was able to take the ball the opposite way for a home run, especially against a lefty, speaks volumes about his versatility.
At the plate, Workman has continued to impress, leading the Cubs in home runs and tying for the team lead in RBIs. His .364 batting average and .423 onbase percentage make it clear that his bat is more than capable of contributing to the Cubs lineup. The added bonus is his impressive defensive work at third base, where hes shown solid range and a good arm, proving he could be an asset both offensively and defensively if he secures a spot on the roster.
The Cubs Tough Decision
Workmans stellar spring training could not have come at a more critical time. The Cubs are dealing with a roster crunch, particularly when it comes to infield depth. Players like Jon Berti, Justin Turner, and the versatile Vidal Brujan have already been brought in to bolster the teams depth. Brujan, however, has no minor league options left, which adds to the complexity of the Cubs decision.
The Cubs also have other promising infield options like Matt Shaw, the 23yearold third base prospect, who is also competing for a spot. This leaves the Cubs in a difficult position where they must weigh Workmans spring performance against the value of other players already in the mix. As Cubs manager Craig Counsell has pointed out, the decision will likely come down to how the front office views the longterm potential of Workman versus the immediate needs of the roster.
Workmans Unique Skill Set
What sets Workman apart from the crowd is his wellrounded skill set. As a player, he offers power from the left side of the plate, a position that is in demand for the Cubs. His ability to handle the bat with good plate discipline, coupled with solid defensive skills, makes him a wellrounded option for a team looking to improve its bench depth. Additionally, his ability to play multiple positionshaving worked at shortstop, third base, second base, and even the outfieldgives the Cubs flexibility in their lineup.
It is important to note that while Workman has shown flashes of brilliance, he still has room for development. His previous experience has been primarily in DoubleA, and he has not yet stepped onto a major league field for a full season. That said, his rapid growth in spring training suggests that he could be a valuable asset for the Cubs, especially if they choose to gamble on his potential.
The Future is Now
With just days left before the Cubs must make their final roster decisions, Gage Workmans performance has kept him firmly in the mix. The Cubs are no strangers to making bold moves, and keeping a player like Workman could be just the kind of risk that pays off in the long run. His power, versatility, and maturity in the face of pressure have shown that he could be a differencemaker for the team in 2025.
In a season where the Cubs are hoping to break through and improve on their 83win record, adding depth to their bench could be a key factor in their success. Gage Workman may just be the player who fills that gap, providing both depth and a spark of youthful energy. However, the Cubs front office will have to make a tough decisionone that could determine not only Workmans future with the team but also how the Cubs approach their roster composition moving forward.
Conclusion
As the Cubs continue to evaluate their roster ahead of the 2025 season, Gage Workman is doing everything in his power to prove that he deserves a spot. His strong spring training performance has made it impossible to overlook his potential. Now, its up to the Cubs to make a decision that could shape their seasonwhether to keep the talented infielder or risk losing him to another team. The next few days will be crucial for Workman and the Cubs, as they face a critical decision that could impact the teams success in 2025.