Constructing the ideal Chicago Cubs lineup ahead of Opening Day

The Chicago Cubs won't have their ideal starting lineup on Tuesday when they open regular-season play against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Japan. The same caveat can be applied to the Wednesday game against the Dodgers as well but once the Cubs return stateside, there is a strong chance that their ideal starting lineup will be on display against the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 27.

The reason for that is second baseman Nico Hoerner did not travel with the team to Japan. Hoerner continues to recover from offseason elbow surgery in Japan but is expected to be ready for the Cubs' second Opening Day of the season against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Taking Hoerner's return into account, we look at the ideal Cubs' starting lineup for Opening Day.

Projecting the 2025 Chicago Cubs' Opening Day lineup

1. Happ Happ, LF

Ian Happ hasn't just turned himself into one of the Cubs' offensive cornerstones but the team's best leadoff hitter since Dexter Fowler. Until Pete Crow-Armstrong is ready to take the spot over, there is no need to move Happ from the top of the lineup.

2. Kyle Tucker, RF

The team's best hitter hits second. Nothing else needs to be said.

3. Seiya Suzuki, DH

Focusing just as the Cubs' designated hitter last season, Seiya Suzuki enjoyed another second-half surge. If he is able to put a full season together, he could be one of the best offensive players in the entire National League.

4. Michael Busch, 1B

The way Michael Busch gets talked about, you would think he struggled considerably during his rookie season. In fact, it was the opposite. Busch was one of the best offensive first basemen in the National League last season. Considering the spring training he has had, there is a reason to believe he will be even better in 2025.

5. Dansby Swanson, SS

Eventually, the No. 5 spot will be the home of Matt Shaw in the Cubs' lineup. I don't think Craig Counsell would place that much pressure on the rookie immediately; Swanson gets the nod here with the Cubs hoping his 2024 second-half performance can be trusted for the 2025 season.

6. Nico Hoerner, 2B

Nico Hoerner's bat-to-ball skills make him an ideal candidate for the No. 6 spot.

7. Matt Shaw, 3B

As an offensive player, Matt Shaw is the Cubs' first blue-chip prospect since the 2016 World Series core. It seems inevitable that he will quickly rise in the Cubs' starting lineup.

8. Miguel Amaya, C

Miguel Amaya being the Cubs' No. 8 hitter is more about the hot take I have for Pete Crow-Armstrong.

9. Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF

Pete Crow-Armstrong is the most electric player on the Cubs' roster and there is reason to believe 2025 will be a breakout season. Having him in the No. 9 hole isn't indicative of that but speaks to having the second leadoff man before the lineup turns over.