Cubs camp officially opened on Sunday as pitchers and catchers reported to prepare for an unusually early start to the season. The North Siders head to Tokyo to face the juggernaut Dodgers on March 18 and 19 before heading back to Mesa to finish spring training, then they’ll face the Diamondbacks for four games in Phoenix. Oh, and about those Dodgers? They’re not done adding. They just brought Kiké Hernández back and could sign more big league deals once they clear space with the 60-day IL opening up for them on Tuesday.
The Cubs will likewise be able to clear 40-man spots in the same manner, though adding impact players — and their salaries — at this point is very much in question.