First Week of Cubs Spring Training
While the snow on the grounds of Wrigley Field is just starting to melt, the sun shines brightly in Mesa for the Chicago Cubs. After a mediocre regular season and losing out on the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year, the Cubs have shown potential in their first week of Spring Training games. The Cubs have yet to lose a game all year, winning seven games and drawing three thus far in the preseason. With a shifting coaching staff, veterans ready to lead, stars waiting for their breakout moment, and a dream to relive 2016, here are three takeaways and predictions after the Cubs’ first week of Spring Training.
Texas Tucker Will Remain a Great Pick
After acquiring the young right fielder from the Houston Astros last December, Kyle Tucker has been the topic of conversation amongst Cubs fans and MLB experts alike. Tucker is known for his ability to quite literally knock it out of the park, with 23 home runs and 39 RBI in a little under half of the season played. He fractured his shin on June 3rd during a game with the St. Louis Cardinals. Despite the shortened play time, Tucker has been projected by MLB.com to be the Cubs’ top home run hitter. He has yet to show this talent in Mesa, but it will likely not be long before the former Astro reminds Cubs fans why he was a gamble worth taking.
The Bullpen Looks Bright
The Cubs have been a team that prioritizes a strong pitching rotation, and 2025’s lineup is no different. Though last year’s bullpen was chaotic, unorganized, and overall ineffective, the Cubs have kept relievers who can be developed into true stars. Notably, 2024 rookie Porter Hodge earned a 1.88 ERA after 39 games pitched. He has been complimented by his teammates, including 12-year veteran Ryan Pressly, who compared Hodge to a younger version of himself. Luke Little, a reliever who is predicted to begin his season in Triple-A, has also been mentioned as a rising star within the Cubs.
Keep an Eye on Kevin
Chicago Cubs icon Sammy Sosa visited his former team on Wednesday and gave his stamp of approval for a young outfielder named Kevin Alcantara. The Dominican, who is only 22, has expressed his desire for a place on the Cubs roster, despite the crowded outfield. In a statement to MLB.com, Alcantara said, “I think I’m prepared for playing in the big leagues for a lot of years. I’ll continue working hard.” Alcantara hit 14 home runs and 61 RBIs last season across Double-A and Triple-A Cubs affiliates. It would not be surprising if his name reappears later in the season in the face of an injury or an underperforming outfielder.
