Gage Workman Makes Cubs’ Travel Roster for Tokyo Series

A Surprise Pick for the Rule 5 Draft

MESA, Ariz. — Cubs manager Craig Counsell got right to the point: Gage Workman is going to Japan with the team.

“It was crazy,” Workman said. “Shocked. Just like, ‘I can’t believe this is happening.'”

Just three months ago, the Cubs selected Workman in the Rule 5 Draft from the Tigers. The 25-year-old third baseman never had played above Double-A or even been invited to major-league spring training before. Now he’s expected to make the Cubs’ Opening Day roster in Tokyo.

“Things change quick,” he said. “It was really cool just to have the opportunity. Just a big blessing. To be here and be able to play well and be able to make this team is pretty special.”

A Strong Showing This Spring

Workman has performed well all camp, posting a 1.214 OPS in 13 games. Through Sunday, he was tied with Pete Crow-Armstrong for the most home runs by a Cubs player this spring (three). But it was his at-bats last week against the Diamondbacks’ Corbin Burnes, A.J. Puk, and Justin Martinez that stood out to Counsell.

“You’re not going to have a day of harder at-bats in the big leagues,” Counsell said. “Three different guys, three at-bats, and he handled all those at-bats as well as anybody that day.”

A Product of Hard Work and Preparation

Against Burnes, Workman worked a full count before turning on a cutter in the bottom third of the strike zone and sending it through the right side for an RBI single. It’s the only run Burnes has given up this spring.

Against Puk, a left-hander, Workman got to another deep count before reaching down for a slider diving out of the zone. He lined out.

Against Martinez, Workman jumped on a second-pitch fastball, drove it to right-center, and legged out a double.

“He was like, ‘You’ve just got to take the name away from the pitcher,'” Workman said, referencing advice from outfielder Travis Jankowski, a veteran non-roster invitee whom the Cubs returned to minor-league camp Sunday. “We look at our reports, and … you don’t necessarily think of this as Cy Young Corbin Burnes. You just think, ‘This is another pitcher. How would I prepare against him?'”

A Strong Defensive Player

Workman’s defense also strengthened his case. “We think he’s going to be a ‘plus’ defensive third baseman,” Counsell said. “And that’s something we need, right? So that’s a fit there, too.”

A Rule 5 Pick Making a Name for Himself

Rule 5 picks often end up back with their original teams. So when a team makes a selection, it isn’t necessarily doing it with the expectation the player will stick on the active roster; the team is taking a flier on the possibility. And Workman, a left-handed hitter with power who can play multiple positions, had a profile the Cubs were missing.

Now he’s going to Japan.

When Workman got the news, he said he first called his wife, parents, and in-laws. Then he called his best friend, Brennen Davis, a former Cubs top prospect.

“He was pumped,” Workman said. “He was just like, ‘No way, dude. Congrats.’ As a baseball guy, he gets it. It’s a cool thing to be called up for the first time.”

Conclusion

Gage Workman’s surprise selection in the Rule 5 Draft has paid off, and he’s expected to make the Cubs’ Opening Day roster in Tokyo. His strong performance this spring, including a 1.214 OPS and three home runs, has impressed the team, and his defense has also been a major plus. As a Rule 5 pick, Workman’s selection was seen as a flier, but he’s made a strong case for himself.

FAQs

* What is the Rule 5 Draft?
The Rule 5 Draft is a process in which teams select players from other organizations who are not on the 40-man roster. The selected players must be kept on the 25-man roster for a full season or be offered back to their original team.
* How did Gage Workman perform in the Rule 5 Draft?
Workman was selected by the Cubs in the Rule 5 Draft from the Tigers. He has performed well in spring training, posting a 1.214 OPS and three home runs in 13 games.
* What is Gage Workman’s profile?
Workman is a left-handed hitter with power who can play multiple positions, including third base. He has a strong defensive game and has impressed the Cubs with his at-bats and power.