Tucker, Shota and more: A crash course on the 2025 Cubs

The Cubs kick off the 2025 MLB season Tuesday in Tokyo vs. the LA Dodgers.

• First pitch is 5:10am Central Time.

The big picture: This year's team has high expectations, with many analysts picking the Cubs to win the NL Central.

• If you find yourself among friends at a breakfast watch party and have no idea about this year's squad, I've got you covered.

Here's how to fake being a Cubs fan:

First off, your eyes aren't deceiving you — the left-handed hitting outfielder is not Cody Bellinger. That's Kyle Tucker.

The Cubs switched outfielders this year. Tucker is better and should instantly be the team's biggest hitter.

• A simple "Bellinger looks taller this year" will break the ice.

Shota Imanaga is coming off a sensational rookie campaign and is the ace of this squad. The Japanese transplant quickly became a fan favorite at Wrigley Field and will be Tuesday's starter.

• Go for another laugh with, "Shota? More like 'Shota' been the rookie of the year." You might get groans with that Bob Hope-esque one-liner, or maybe you get a belly laugh. Sometimes you just have to take risks.

Between the lines: The Cubs were pretty good last year but were betrayed by a terrible bullpen, which blew 18 saves. Ouch.

• Enter former Astros reliever Ryan Pressly. Once elite, the team acquired him to lock down the ninth inning.

Yes, but: Pressly had a down season in 2024, amassing eight blown saves himself.

• You can win points at the party with an inquisitive "What should Pressly's song be when he gets called into the game?"
• Then pull out your phone and play the first couple of bars of this jam. People love it when you play songs on speaker.

Rookie watch: Matt Shaw looks to be in line to play third base. The rookie had a great spring and is starting the season on the roster, but might cede some playing time to newly acquired veteran Justin Turner.

• "Shaw better do his best impression of Tuffy Rhodes" will remind die-hard fans of Rhodes' three-home-run Opening Day in 1994 and that you bleed Cubbie blue.

The Cubs swiped Brewers manager Craig Counsell last year and after a mediocre first season, it's his time to prove why he's worth one of the biggest managerial contracts in baseball.

• "Can you send a manager to the minor leagues?" would be a funny quip if the Cubs start losing. "Or even worse than the minors, how about the White Sox?"
• It's funny and topical, and fellow partygoers will definitely let you cut in line for the waffle bar.

What's next: The 5:10am first pitch will be broadcast on Fox.