The Jaguar is all set to be on the active roster for the Cubs. Kevin Alcantara, the top prospect for the Cubs, has announced his arrival for the big stage in this spring training season. While spring training is going in full swing for the Cubs, big names like Kyle Tucker, Justin Turner, and Ryan Pressly are getting all the eyes. However, besides them, a new name is also capturing attention—Kevin Alcantara. 

What’s more, Alcantara just got endorsed by Cubs veteran Sammy Sosa on his return to the club. That’s the level of hype Alcantara generated from this spring training. Well, contrary to this hype, his last year’s performance was low-key, with 14 homers scored in the minor league. So, what’s special about Kevin Alcantara? How is he expected to contribute to the team in the coming years? 

The new star in the making

Alcantara’s last year’s performance was below average with 14 homers and 61 RBIs. His career stat in the minor since his debut though worthy enough. 48 HRs and 260 RBIs with an average of .281! However, that’s not all; his spring training performance also played a role in building the hype. Among the six spring games played by the Cubs, Alcantara played in the first five. He amassed six hits with a .500 batting average, including two doubles, four RBIs, and a stolen base, while scoring four runs, even leading the Cubs roster in terms of hits and doubles. 

Well, a prospect yet to play in the majors full-time who is leading the chart from the first five spring games is worth hyping. Sosa’s verdict about him just made the day better for Alcantara. “He reminds me of when I was coming up. I was cocky, was confident … I think he’s going to be a very, very good player,” said Sosa during his visit to the Cubs as an instructor. Sammy Sosa is known for hitting 609 home runs during his 18-year MLB career, and compliments coming from his end matter for Alcantara. The energy Alcantara shows on the field not only earned him a pat from Sosa, but he got his nickname “The Jaguar”. ‘

Roads ahead for Kevin Alcantara 

Well, the journey to the top has just started for Kevin Alcantara and there is a long way to go. While he debuted in the majors last year, it was a brief stint. He is reportedly set to play for Triple-A Iowa this year. However, considering how he is progressing, his full-fledged MLB debut is around the corner. Players like Ian Happ, Kyle Tucker, Pete Crow Armstrong, and Seiya Suzuki are already set to start as outfielders, and Alcantara’s minor stint will help to hone his skills further to get into the active rotation. 

It would only take an injury on the active roster for Alcantara to get into the major. Till the time he is making an injury replacement in the major, fans will witness his skills in the minor league. This spring training season already teased about Alcantara’s ability and what he can do. Here, veteran Sammy Sosa picked the right talent to bet on for the future. His route toward becoming a key contributor to the Cubs’ roster appears increasingly potential. For the fans willing to witness his development journey firsthand, tuning in to his minor league games this season could be the best bet.

The emergence of Kevin Alcantara made the Cubs farm system look promising. Considering he continues up the ladder, the biggest stage is set to witness a breakthrough star. What do you think about Alcantara’s potential? Share your thoughts with us below.