Man, it's an honor. I'm so grateful to be the guy who gets the ball on that day. Obviously it's a game just like the rest of the other 162, but I'm super grateful. Opening Day, it is really something that is truly special. I understand how much it means to Chicago fans and how much it means to my own family.
This week, Brett and I talk about Matthew Boyd's exit from Team USA and Opening Day Starter assignment. After that, we discuss Matt Shaw's usage this spring and how we think the Cubs will (and should) deploy him this season.
Boyd joined the Cubs last season, making the All-Star Game for the first time in his career. He had a 3.21 ERA and 3.4 fWAR, both the best marks he has ever posted. One of the most impressive aspects of his 2025 campaign was Boyd's health. He had struggled to stay on the field in past years, throwing just 201.5 innings between 2021 and 2024.
