Cubs will give outfield candidates a good look during WBC

Cubs camp will look a bit different for a few weeks as a handful of key players will soon join their World Baseball Classic teams. Among the many Cubs playing in the tournament are outfielders Pete Crow-Armstrong and Seiya Suzuki. While centerfield for the Cubs is set with Crow-Armstrong, and Ian Happ in left, the rightfield and outfield depth spots are being evaluated this Spring.

For a handful of players sticking around camp, it’s an opportunity to give the coaches and front office a good look. This includes the multiple outfield candidates in camp. With Crow-Armstrong and Suzuki being absent, the various outfielders will get solid playing time in Cactus League action.

Giving outfield candidates a good look.

One of the bigger story lines this spring is where Matt Shaw will play defensively with Alex Bregman taking third. Shaw has already played right field this Spring, and he will continue to do so as that’s where he’ll play a sizeable chunk of time this season. Even if there was no WBC, that would have been the plan with him.

There’s also the matter of Kevin Alcantara, who does not have a solidified spot on the team right now. While there is a chance he can make the roster, he does have an option left, and it would not be surprising if he starts 2026 in Iowa. Still, it’s a good chance for him to get playing time in for Craig Counsell and company.

The Cubs are also evaluating some of the veteran depth they brought in. In camp are notable outfielders Michael Conforto, Dylan Carlson, and Chas McCormick as non-roster invitees. Not only will the Cubs be giving them a look, but it’s also good just to have able bodies out there to get through these Cactus League games while others are away. It seems likely that one of them will make the Opening Day roster as the 26th man, but it’s not guaranteed.

Other outfielders to watch.

There are a few other outfield options on the current 40-man roster, including utility man Tyler Austin and centerfielder Justin Dean.

Austin was signed to a big league deal a few months ago and can play first and corner outfield. His main role right now is a platoon option at first with Michael Busch, though he will be used sparingly as Busch will likely get more cracks at lefties than he did last year.

Dean is a 29-year old career MiLB player with 18 MLB games on his resume. The Cubs claimed him off waivers in January. His best asset is his speed. Dean was used last year as a late-game defensive outfielder and pinch runner with the Dodgers. Similar to what Terrance Gore and current Cubs coach Quintin Berry did while on the Cubs roster back in the day.

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