Arismendy Alcantara and Javier Baez could start season in Triple-A Iowa

The hope of this year’s Chicago Cubs is predicated mostly on their youth. There’s a lot of it, and it’s full of talent. We got a good taste of it last season, but with all the signings and moves the Cubs have made, will those players that got a shot last season start this year in Chicago?

It’s a possibility that I’ve broached before, specifically with Javier Baez and Arismendy Alcantara. It was met with criticism, as most believe the Cubs wouldn’t start either of these two back in the minors after calling them up. But with the array of moves the team made, and the struggles of Baez this winter it’s very possible these two could find their year starting in Des Moines.

Before the “no way that happens” comments, this is in no way a knock on their potential or ability. It’s a personnel and development issue. Alcantara was already moved out of his natural position last year to get a shot in center field, as well as a chance at the leadoff spot. After a hot start, Alcantara cooled off, and was uncharacteristically  aggressive at the plate. Striking out more often than he had in the minors, and failing to get on base. While he’s very talented and has good speed, if he can’t get on base his value becomes far less.

The Cubs acquisition of Dexter Fowler may be temporary, but it would allow Alcantara the opportunity to  develop, without having the pressure of succeeding in the leadoff spot. His versatility lends well to staying in Chicago though, as he has played the middle-infield, third base and the outfield. with Kris Bryant a month away in all likelihood, he may get the chance to win the third base job, or possibly even second should Baez not make the team.

Baez is a curious case, because we are all aware of what he’s capable of. His bat speed has been recognized as one of the best in baseball, compared at times to Gary Sheffield, who I had the chance to watch in his career. It was violent and fast. Baez matches it. Which means when he connects, good things happen. The problem for Baez is as of now, there’s very little of that.

Throughout his progression of the farm system, he’s experienced little “hitches” in development, but eventually has made the needed adjustments and worked through. But his time in the Puerto Rican winter league seems to show there’s still some issues there, as he struck out 17 times in 60 at-bats, with zero home runs.

More from Chicago Cubs News

• Cubs need to walk the walk this winter after talking the talk
• Alec Mills shocked Cubs fans, baseball world with 2020 no-hitter
• Cubs: After season of adjustments, Seiya Suzuki primed for monster 2023
• Projecting the 2023 Cubs Opening Day lineup
• Cubs: 2022 season a ‘success,’ according to Tom Ricketts

The chances that at least one of the two doesn’t start with the big league club is slim. Manager Joe Maddon has made it clear that everyone will need to earn their playing time. I would assume that also means earn their spot on the roster. It won’t be handed to them because they were here last year. There are limits to that, but these two still have options and can be moved without penalty.

My personal opinion, and this is without the benefit of Spring Training to see how they have progressed, is that Alcantara will start in Chicago, filling a “super-sub” role that Maddon enjoys having. Baez may find some time in Triple-A to make adjustments without the pressure of expectation, not just on himself but for a team that is suddenly believed to be a competitor and not a cellar-dwellar.

For many years, when the Cubs struggled, we would have only the opportunity to see the Cubs prospects make their late-season debuts to keep us interested. Now, there’s no need to force them onto the roster. The Cubs have depth, they have promise, and they have expectations. Managing all that is more important than any one player alone.

Next: Ted Lilly facing jail time for felony charge