You definitely forgot these Cubs players were on the 2025 Opening Day roster

Now that spring training has officially begun, Chicago Cubs fans can turn their attention to the World Baseball Classic as the lone event standing between us and Opening Day.

The Cubs' roster this year doesn't invite a lot of intrigue in terms of roster battles; the rotation is set, the bullpen has been reworked, and only the final bench spots remain open for those hoping to be in Chicago's dugout come March 26. That's a stark contrast to last year, when spring training offered ample opportunities for unsung players to crack the roster.

So, with Opening Day about one month away, let's look back to reflect on some of the more forgettable members of the 2025 Cubs.

3 Cubs players who made the 2025 Opening Day roster but didn't last

Before we get started, it's worth pointing out that the Cubs technically had two Opening Day rosters last year, since they played in the Tokyo Series about 10 days prior to the official Opening Day. We'll use their stateside roster as our standard bearer here — the only major change to note was that Jon Berti started in place of Nico Hoerner in Tokyo.

Gage Workman

Of course this list had to open up with Gage "Tater" Workman. The Cubs' Rule 5 draft pick in 2024, the 25-year-old third baseman entered spring training with a chance to earn some reps alongside Matt Shaw at the hot corner.

He more than impressed during the exhibition slate, hitting .364/.420/.705 (178 wRC+) with four home runs in 50 spring training plate appearances to make the Opening Day roster. Unfortunately, that sucess was short lived, as Workman struck out six times in 15 trips to the plate in the regular season.

The Cubs traded Workman at the end of April to the crosstown White Sox, where he lasted only three games in the big leagues.

Eli Morgan

Badly in need of bullpen reinforcements during the 2024-25 offseason, the front office traded prospect Alfonsin Rosario for Eli Morgan, designated Patrick Wisdom along the way.

Morgan was awful in his limited action for the Cubs, recording a 12.27 ERA in just seven appearances before landing on the shelf with an elbow impingement. The injury kept him out for far longer than expected, and he ended the 2025 season on a prolonged rehab assignment.

The Cubs non-tendered the reliever earlier this winter (he later went on to sign a minor-league deal with the Royals). Meanwhile, Rosario has emerged as a top-20 prospect in the Guardians' farm system.

Nate Pearson

A sneaky long-term addition at the 2024 trade deadline, the Cubs surrendered Yohendrick Pinango and Josh Rivera to acquire Nate Pearson's flamethrowing talents. The early returns were promising, as Pearson pitched to a 2.73 ERA down the stretch that year while routinely throwing in the high-90s.

Unfortunately, his command eroded in 2025, and the right-hander barely appeared for the Cubs after making the Opening Day roster. In 14 2/3 innings, Pearson surrendered a 9.20 ERA while walking more hitters than he struck out.

At the end of last season, Pearson was designated for assignment to make room on the roster for a rehabbing Eli Morgan.