Cubs' Kevin Alcántara Chasing Consistency to Secure Outfield Spot

The young outfielder has been working on his swing this offseason to complement his strong defensive game.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Spring Training is just around the corner for the Chicago Cubs, and one player to watch is outfielder Kevin Alcántara. Alcántara has a strong defensive game and is looking to improve his hitting consistency this offseason to secure a spot in the Cubs' outfield for years to come. He will be competing with Matt Shaw, another young outfielder, for the fourth outfield spot on the roster.

Why it matters

The Cubs' outfield depth is slowly coming together, and the battle for the fourth outfield spot is already intense. Alcántara's offensive potential could tip the scales, while Shaw's defensive stability and long-term upside make him a strong contender as well. Whichever player wins the job could become a staple in the Cubs' outfield for the long run.

The details

Alcántara, who appeared in only 10 games for the Cubs last season, made a splash in limited action, hitting .364 with an OPS of .780 and an OBP of .417 over 11 plate appearances. He did strike out four times, but the glimpses of offensive promise are hard to ignore. This offseason, Alcántara has been working on his swing to improve his hitting consistency, saying 'If you want to push me wide or push me high, wherever you push me, I'm going to have power. I want to find consistency so I can play for 10, 11, or even 12 years in the big leagues.' On the other hand, Shaw has unbelievable defensive skills, ranking second in baseball with +9 runs saved and one of the top five defenders in the National League in terms of defensive WAR (1.4), along with a .977 field percentage. Even as a rookie, he was one of the top six players for the Gold Glove award.

  • Spring Training is just around the corner for the Chicago Cubs.

The players

Kevin Alcántara

A young outfielder for the Chicago Cubs who has a strong defensive game and is looking to improve his hitting consistency this offseason to secure a spot in the Cubs' outfield for years to come.

Matt Shaw

Another young outfielder for the Chicago Cubs who has unbelievable defensive skills, ranking second in baseball with +9 runs saved and one of the top five defenders in the National League in terms of defensive WAR (1.4), along with a .977 field percentage.

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What they’re saying

“If you want to push me wide or push me high, wherever you push me, I'm going to have power. I want to find consistency so I can play for 10, 11, or even 12 years in the big leagues.”

— Kevin Alcántara (Marquee Sports Network)

The takeaway

The battle for the fourth outfield spot on the Cubs' roster is shaping up to be an intense one between Alcántara and Shaw. Alcántara's offensive potential could give him the edge, but Shaw's defensive prowess makes him a strong contender as well. Whichever player wins the job could become a key part of the Cubs' outfield for years to come.