Alexander Canario may have just checked an important box for the Chicago Cubs

One of the important yet less discussed storylines for the Chicago Cubs this season is that outfield prospect Alexander Canario is out of options.

The fact Canario is already out of minor-league options despite having less than 50 plate appearances over the last two seasons speaks to the lack of plan the Cubs have had for their outfield prospect.

In case you're keeping tabs, Canario has slashed .286/.333/.524/135wRC+ with 2 home runs in 45 plate appearances at the Major League level. The sample size, while small, does suggest that Canario is capable of being an effective hitter at the Major League level but the biggest reason he has gone by the wayside during his momentary stints at the the Major League level in 2023 and 2024 is the logjam the team has had in the outfield.

With Seiya Suzuki settling until life as the Cubs' full-time designated hitter and Mike Tauchman now a member of the Chicago White Sox, Canario should see more runway in 2025 than he has in each of the past two seasons. The Cubs also may be looking to expand his positional versatility.

Alexander Canario may have a new position

Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that Canario has gotten reps at first base during the early stages of Spring Training, and the Cubs are looking to explore that possibility further. With the Cubs also prepping career utility man Jon Berti to potentially be the backup to Michael Busch at first base this season, Canario serving in that role would allow Berti to serve in the role he has been his entire career--a capable replacement at either second base or third base.

It would also seem that the Cubs' quest for a backup first baseman was tied to their pursuit of Alex Bregman. With Bregman now with the Boston Red Sox, it is fair to wonder if the Cubs' rumored interest in Justin Turner picks up. While Turner earned his reputation as a third baseman with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he is more suited for a backup first base role at this stage of his career.