Chicago Cubs: These three guys need to have a big spring to have a chance

Chicago Cubs: Is Souza healthy?

Steven Souza Jr. should be considered a lock to make the big-league roster after being the first player the Cubs signed to a major-league deal this winter.

The veteran has positional versatility, and he has shown he can hit for some power. However, is Souza going to make it through the Spring fully healthy?

Souza missed all of last season after suffering a torn ACL, and he played just 72 games in 2018. Naturally, there are a lot of questions with respect to his durability.

Alternatively, perhaps the extended time off will have benefited Souza. He slashed .239/.351/.459 with 30 homers and a 119 OPS+ in 2017, and he has had plenty of time to refine his stroke and work his way back into playing shape.

The Cubs could certainly use depth in the outfield. Should Souza prove he can be productive, he might be able to see more at-bats in center field while also allowing Happ to move to second base.

In any case, there is room for optimism. Souza might be a guy that can get post a respectable on-base percentage and swipe some bags from time to time.

For now, however, he needs to remain healthy.