Cubs' Counsell Rips Prospect Alcántara Over Baserunning Gaffe

Young outfielder's confusion during drills leads to manager's heated rebuke ahead of roster decisions.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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During a spring training baserunning drill, Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell strongly criticized prospect Kevin Alcántara for being confused about whether to tag up or go halfway on a fly ball. Counsell warned that players who don't know how to properly run the bases by the end of camp won't make the team, signaling Alcántara faces an uphill battle to break camp with the major league roster.

Why it matters

Alcántara is one of the Cubs' top prospects, and his development is crucial to the team's long-term plans. However, this incident highlights the importance of fundamental skills like baserunning, which can make or break a player's chances of making the big-league roster, especially for young prospects trying to earn a spot.

The details

According to reports, during a drill where Cubs players were practicing tagging up and deciding whether to tag or go halfway on fly balls, Alcántara appeared confused about the proper baserunning technique. This prompted an angry outburst from Counsell, who warned that any players who don't master baserunning by the end of spring training won't make the team.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday during baserunning drills at the Cubs' spring training facility in Phoenix, Arizona.

The players

Craig Counsell

The manager of the Chicago Cubs, known for his emphasis on fundamentals and holding players accountable.

Kevin Alcántara

A top prospect in the Cubs' farm system, Alcántara is competing for a spot on the major league roster this spring.

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What they’re saying

“If you don't know how to run the bases by the time camp ends, you're not going to be on this team.”

— Craig Counsell, Cubs Manager (104.3 The Score)

What’s next

Alcántara will need to demonstrate a strong grasp of baserunning fundamentals throughout the remainder of spring training in order to improve his chances of making the Cubs' opening day roster.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of mastering the basics in professional baseball, even for highly touted prospects like Alcántara. Counsell's stern message sends a clear signal that roster spots will be earned through consistent execution of fundamental skills, not just raw talent.