Chicago Cubs News: Cam Smith makes Astros' roster, Ben Brown, and Brad Keller

When the Chicago Cubs selected Cam Smith in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft, there was a belief that Smith would fly through the Cubs' minor-league system.

The belief wasn't wrong as entering his first full-season of professional baseball, Smith is a Major Leaguer. The Houston Astros informed the former Cubs' prospect on Tuesday that he made the team's Opening Day roster.

Chicago Cubs News: Cam Smith in the Majors adds a new layer to the Kyle Tucker trade

As high as the Cubs were on Smith, it's doubtful that Smith was going to break camp with the Major League team had he remained with the organization. The Cubs were ready to hand third base to Matt Shaw and the team does not have an opening in the outfield to play Smith as the Astros are doing.

Smith already being at the Major League level does add a new layer to the Kyle Tucker. However, in order for the trade to be worth it, the Cubs do need the immediate payoff of reaching the postseason in 2025. If not, this trade could look bad for the Cubs much sooner than they anticipated.

Chicago Cubs News: Ben Brown officially named the team's fifth starter

Craig Counsell revealed to reporters on Tuesday that Ben Brown is officially in the team's starting rotation as the Cubs' fifth starter. Brown entering the Cubs' starting rotation to begin the season had been gaining momentum over the past week.

With Javier Assad opening the season on the IL, Brown had the highest ceiling of the different options the Cubs were considering to be their fifth starter to open the season. Jordan Wicks is opening the season in Triple-A Iowa while Colin Rea will be the swingman out of the bullpen. The Cubs have yet to provide a clear timeline for when they expect Assad back. Brown could be a fixture in the Cubs' rotation if he finds success right away.

Chicago Cubs News: Brad Keller makes Opening Day Roster

As expected, Counsell also revealed that veteran pitcher Brad Keller has been informed that he will be making the Opening Day roster. Keller had been among the standouts for the Cubs during spring training, joining the team on a non-roster invite. Even in their pitch to Keller, one that included Counsell, it seemed that the Cubs were aware that the veteran had a strong chance of making the Major League roster.

The corresponding move to open a spot for Keller on the 40-man roster will be curious. The Cubs do have several pitchers in their bullpen who are out of options, but the team likely wants to keep their depth for as long as possible. It remains possible the corresponding move is tied to what the Cubs do with the final spot on their bench.