2 former Cubs embarrassing themselves in spring training, 2 who are thriving

Short of recent injuries to Jordan Wicks and Porter Hodge, there haven't been any earth-shattering reveals during spring training for the Chicago Cubs. Alex Bregman, even though he's currently playing in the World Baseball Classic, looks every bit the leader that Jed Hoyer and Co. expected him to be, and Edward Cabrera appears to be on the ascent toward being at the top of the Cubs' rotation.

Even the position battles for the Cubs have identified frontrunners. Michael Conforto and Dylan Carlson appear to be angling toward the final spots on the bench, and Ben Brown has made the case to open the season in the bullpen.

2 former Cubs embarrassing themselves in spring training

That isn't the case for some former Cubs players across the league, trying to cement their role on an Opening Day roster.

Michael Soroka

When the Cubs were looking for help in their starting rotation at the trade deadline last season, they turned to Michael Soroka. It was a strange choice for the Cubs, considering Soroka was flashing signs of being hurt in his three starts before the trade. As it turns out, a shoulder injury resulted in the veteran pitcher only making six appearances with the Cubs.

He signed early in the offseason with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and it hasn't been the strongest of spring training showings. Soroka has given 4 runs on 6 hits and 4 walks in a tick over 3 innings pitched. He's also only struck out 4 of the 21 hitters he faced.

Trey Mancini

Yes, after flaming out with the Cubs in 2023, Trey Mancini is still trying to find a path back to the major league level. Mancini signed a minor-league deal with the Los Angeles Angels this offseason, and the early results in spring training haven't been encouraging. The 33-year-old has 2 hits in 18 plate appearances and feels like a safe bet that he won't break camp on the Opening Day roster.

2 former Cubs players who are thriving in spring training

Eloy Jiménez

Eloy Jiménez never reached the major league level with the Cubs, but during his early years with the Chicago White Sox, he was largely viewed as the slugger who got away. As time passed, it seemed that the Cubs' initial evaluations of Jiménez were correct. He was unable to stay on the field.

It led to the White Sox giving up on Jiménez in 2024, and his comeback attempt has taken him to the Toronto Blue Jays. Jiménez has flashed signs of turning back the clock during spring training, collecting 9 hits in his first 30 plate appearances, including a home run.

Jeimer Candelario

Like Mancini and Jiménez, Jeimer Candelario is looking for a path back to the majors after falling on some hard times in recent years. Candelario is spending spring training with the Los Angeles Angels, and there's a decent chance that he could break camp with the team. It also helps that he's posted a 184 wRC+ in 28 plate appearances this spring.