Amid a somewhat abbreviated Spring Training for the Chicago Cubs, the team will wrap up their Cactus League slate this week before they travel to Japan for the highly-anticipated two-game set with the defending World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers. The Cubs had a successful offseason, bringing over impactful players like Kyle Tucker via trade.

However, the squad is now facing new expectations and is projected/predicted to be a top competitor for the National League Central crown. So, what questions does Chicago face before finalizing its travel roster? First, how will they use their travel team? The Dodgers and Cubs can bring five players who will serve as a”taxi squad” and aren’t guaranteed to make the Opening Day 26-man roster.

It’s interesting to see how the Cubs will utilize those slots, whether through more bullpen arms or potential platoon bats used for specific situations. The Cubs’ middle infield is banged up, so that could be another player Chicago opts to bring.

Secondly, who is playing third base? All the reports say it will be Cubs star prospect Matt Shaw, but manager Craig Counsell hasn’t officially announced anything and may be trying to test the waters in this series.

Chicago has other options: Vidal Brujan, who has seen decent MLB service time, or Justin Turner, a veteran better suited for defensive reasons at first base. Counsell has obviously judged Shaw by his readiness, and after dealing with a slight oblique issue, it’s not absurd to think the Cubs want to take it slow with one of their remaining top prospects.