Cubs' Outfield Prospect Alcántara Impresses in Spring Training

Young outfielder earns praise from manager Craig Counsell for his attitude and preparation

Feb. 26, 2026 at 2:07pm

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Chicago Cubs outfield prospect Kevin Alcántara is drawing rave reviews from manager Craig Counsell during spring training as he looks to lock down a spot on the Opening Day roster. Alcántara spent most of the 2025 season at Triple-A Iowa, but impressed in limited time with the big-league club late in the year. Despite the swing-and-miss in his game, Alcántara's plus defense, baserunning, and potential have talent evaluators excited about his future.

Why it matters

The Cubs are facing the potential loss of two-thirds of their starting outfield this offseason, with Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki both set to hit free agency. Alcántara could emerge as an in-house option to fill one of those corner outfield spots if he continues to impress and develop his offensive game.

The details

Alcántara spent the bulk of the 2025 season at Triple-A Iowa, slashing .266/.349/.470 in 430 plate appearances but striking out nearly 30% of the time. In limited time with the big-league club, he got on base at a .417 clip, showing the potential that has many talent evaluators excited about his future. Counsell praised Alcántara's preparation, clubhouse presence, and execution when given opportunities last season, despite the sporadic playing time.

  • Alcántara spent the bulk of the 2025 season at Triple-A Iowa.
  • Alcántara got a brief stint with the big-league Cubs late in the 2025 season.

The players

Kevin Alcántara

A Chicago Cubs outfield prospect who is drawing praise for his attitude and preparation in spring training as he looks to lock down a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Craig Counsell

The manager of the Chicago Cubs who has been impressed with Alcántara's performance and approach in camp.

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What they’re saying

“Kevin did a heck of a job. There was not a lot of playing time. It was super sporadic. I thought his preparation was great. In the clubhouse, he was great. When he got chances, he executed what we wanted him to do. And I thought that was really important. And he had success.”

— Craig Counsell, Cubs Manager

“This is a family. Counsell is the father over there. I was talking with him [recently]. He said to me, 'Continue your work. Thank you for helping the team last year.' I said, 'I'm here for the team. Whatever opportunity you bring me, I want to approach the opportunity and do my best.' ... I feel so happy that he believes in me. And I'll continue working to stay in the big leagues for a lot of years.”

— Kevin Alcántara

What’s next

The Cubs will continue to evaluate Alcántara and the rest of their outfield options over the next five-plus weeks of spring training as they look to finalize their Opening Day roster.

The takeaway

Alcántara's strong attitude and preparation in spring training have put him in the mix for a spot on the Cubs' Opening Day roster, as the team looks to replace two-thirds of its starting outfield this offseason. His continued development at the plate could make him a key in-house option to fill one of those corner outfield vacancies.