Chicago Cubs: A look at who’s hot and who’s not right now

Joc Pederson’s power is on full display so far in spring training. In 17 at-bats, the lefty has five home runs and ten RBI while slashing .529/.600/1.471 through seven games. The type of offensive display Pederson is putting up is what you hope carries into April. Still, being on fire right now is a lot better than being ice cold at the plate.

Cubs: Joc Pederson is among the hottest hitters in the Cactus League.

Among the other outfielders performing well is Ian Miller. The speedster is regarded as the fast Cubs player in camp, and has four stolen bases in five attempts through ten games this spring. Miller has just five at-bats but has recorded two hits with one walk and one strikeout.

He won’t hit for power, but the Cubs can benefit from having a contact-first hitter with the speed of Miller on their bench. Miller has appeared in just 13 MLB games, but his competition for a reserve outfield spot has not impressed so far.

Cameron Maybin is slashing .133/.133/.200 with eight strikeouts in 15 at-bats. Maybin was invited to spring camp on a minor-league deal previously this offseason.

Jake Marisnick appeared to be a lock as the team’s fourth outfielder, but has appeared in just one spring training game. A calf strain has limited Marisnick that isn’t deemed to be serious, but the team is taking precaution.

If Marisnick is forced to spend time on the Injured List and Maybin continues to struggle, I’d say Miller is a safe bet to make the Opening Day roster.