Cubs' WBC Players Rejoining Big-League Camp

After emotional World Baseball Classic experience, players ready to focus on upcoming MLB season

Mar. 22, 2026 at 1:36am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Several Cubs players, including Pete Crow-Armstrong, Alex Bregman, Matthew Boyd, and Daniel Palencia, recently returned to the team's spring training camp after competing in the World Baseball Classic. The players are adjusting to the different pace and focus of major league camp after the intensity of the WBC tournament. While the WBC experience was memorable, the Cubs are now eager to turn their attention to the upcoming MLB season and getting ready for Opening Day.

Why it matters

The Cubs' participation in the WBC disrupted the normal flow of spring training, with players missing time to represent their national teams. This can impact team chemistry and preparation, but the Cubs are confident they can overcome the challenges and leverage the individual growth their players experienced in the WBC.

The details

The Cubs had 10 players leave spring training to compete in the WBC, including some of their top talents like Crow-Armstrong, Bregman, Boyd, and Palencia. This altered the normal camp schedule and workouts, with more focus on individual preparation than team-building. Now that the WBC players are back, the Cubs can shift into "season mode" and start working more on the team aspects ahead of Opening Day.

  • Spring training began in early February 2026.
  • The World Baseball Classic tournament took place in March 2026.
  • The Cubs will open the 2026 MLB regular season in 5 days.

The players

Pete Crow-Armstrong

A 23-year-old Cubs outfielder who recently returned from representing Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

Alex Bregman

A $175 million free agent addition to the Cubs' 2026 roster, who is taking on a veteran leadership role despite limited time to acclimate with his new teammates.

Matthew Boyd

A Cubs pitcher who is eager to get the regular season started and pitch in front of the "best fans in baseball" at Wrigley Field.

Daniel Palencia

A Cubs player who represented his national team in the World Baseball Classic.

Craig Counsell

The Cubs' manager, who had to adjust the team's spring training focus due to the disruption caused by the WBC.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've been looking forward to [Opening Day] the last few months. I feel like I'm in a weird space here. Nothing was on my mind except winning WBC games and now that we're here it's absolutely great to look forward to going to Chicago and seeing everyone there. That's why I'm back, to be with this team and be with my boys again.”

— Pete Crow-Armstrong

“It's a different camp for sure, there's no way to shake that. But different is not always bad. There's ways we've all grown from it. Being away, other guys got reps that will make us better collectively. And the cohesiveness of this unit is in its continuity, and there is big power in that. We're a close-knit group.”

— Matthew Boyd

“I can't wait to get to Chicago and get started. It's great to be back [from the WBC] with the guys. Looking forward to a good season.”

— Alex Bregman

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.