Cubs Kick Off Full-Squad Workouts, Uncertain Future for Key Players

Team leaders deliver message of unity as several stars enter contract years

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Chicago Cubs held their first full-squad workout of the spring, with team chairman Tom Ricketts and manager Craig Counsell addressing the team about their standards and the opportunity ahead. Several key Cubs players, including Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ, are in the final years of their contracts, raising questions about the team's long-term future.

Why it matters

The Cubs are looking to build on last season's playoff appearance, but the uncertain contract situations of several star players could create distractions or roster turnover if extensions are not reached. How the team navigates this delicate situation could determine their competitiveness in the coming years.

The details

After the pitchers and catchers had already reported, Monday marked the first official practice for the full Cubs roster. Counsell emphasized the importance of the team coming together and living up to the organization's standards. Hoerner and Happ, both potential free agents after the season, expressed excitement about the opportunity ahead while acknowledging the uncertain futures of some players.

  • The Cubs held their first full-squad workout on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Tom Ricketts

The chairman of the Chicago Cubs.

Craig Counsell

The manager of the Chicago Cubs.

Nico Hoerner

The Cubs' second baseman, who is in the final year of his contract.

Ian Happ

The Cubs' left fielder, who is also in the final year of his contract and has not had extension talks with the team.

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What they’re saying

“Essentially, you know, we have some standards that we want to live by, and that's important. It's very hard to get in a room where you feel like you have a team like this, and takes a lot of hard work, and for the guys, it's fun to be a part of that.”

— Craig Counsell, Manager (cbsnews.com)

“Building off of last year, and you know what our group was able to accomplish, and continuing to progress, and at the same time, like, enjoying this season we all get to have together.”

— Ian Happ, Left Fielder (cbsnews.com)

“Look around the locker room is like there's a million narratives you can write or look into, but the cool part is that we all do share a pretty amazing opportunity for this season, and I think that's going to be something hear a lot of guys, there's plenty of guys that are on their last year here, and that's also an opportunity.”

— Nico Hoerner, Second Baseman (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The Cubs will continue their spring training schedule, with the regular season set to begin in April. The team's contract negotiations with Hoerner, Happ, and other key players will be closely watched as the season progresses.

The takeaway

The Cubs are facing a critical season with several star players in the final years of their deals, creating uncertainty around the team's long-term future. However, the team's leadership is emphasizing unity and a shared opportunity, hoping to keep the players focused on the task at hand and making a deep playoff run.