Alex Bregman headlines the Cubs' first spring training lineup of the year

If you worried you might have to wait to get your first in-game look at Alex Bregman, fret not. Craig Counsell has the Chicago Cubs' new star penciled into the starting lineup for Friday afternoon's Cactus League opener at Sloan Park.

Bregman is batting second and playing third as the Cubs take on the crosstown rival Chicago White Sox. On the whole, the lineup is a mix of regulars, fringe guys and players who don't stand a chance of cracking the Opening Day roster - typical for an early spring game.

First Cubs spring training lineup of the year features Alex Bregman

Reigning Cubs Minor League Player of the Year Jonathon Long leads off at first base, followed by Bregman and outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who will play center field - a role Team Japan is expecting him to fill in next month's World Baseball Classic as they look to load the lineup with offense.

Miguel Amaya will start at catcher and bat cleanup as he looks to shake off an injury-plagued 2025 and finally prove he can be an everyday option behind the dish. Former top prospect Dylan Carlson, in Cubs camp looking to lock down the fourth outfielder job, bats fifth and is playing right while one of his biggest challengers for the role, Chas McCormick, will follow him in left field.

Rounding out the order, Pedro Ramirez will bat seventh and start the game at second. BJ Murray, who posted a .781 OPS at Double-A last year, will DH and bat eighth and former Phillies role player Scott Kingery, one of the Cubs' early offseason additions, will bat ninth and play shortstop.

On the mound, veteran right-hander Jameson Taillon takes the ball as he looks to round into form quickly ahead of the WBC, during which he's expected to pitch for Team Canada.