Cubs News: 2027 spring training schedule, Pete Crow-Armstrong on Caleb Williams, Miguel Amaya

In their continued case of "nothing to see here", Major League Baseball announced on Friday that 2027 spring training will start on February 19. Of course, the elephant in the room when it comes to these procedural releases of the season ahead is that there almost certainly will be a work stoppage that delays the start of the 2027 season.

It's why Chicago Cubs fans shouldn't be too excited over the idea of Cactus League play opening against the Athletics. There's certainly a non-zero chance that the game does go on as scheduled, but the odds are closer to zero than not.

Cubs scheduled to start Cactus League games on February 19

The subject is certainly subject to change, and it likely will. The reality of Major League Baseball releasing the spring training isn't a sign that they believe a work stoppage can be avoided. Instead, this is information that has already been determined, and as part of the schtick, the league needs to release to give off the impression that there's a chance the season starts on time. Most fans should be smarter than to believe that.

Caleb Williams, Caleb Wilson, and Matas Buzelis go viral for support of Pete Crow-Armstrong

During the Cubs' victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis were in attendance to show support for Pete Crow-Armstrong.

It certainly was a surreal moment and represents the special circumstances surrounding the Chicago Sports landscape at the moment. Crow-Armstrong appears to be well on his way toward winning the National League MVP, and Williams and the Bears are expected to be one of the primary storylines of the upcoming NFL season. If Buzelis and Wilson can lead the Bulls back to NBA relevance, it truly can be a dynamic year for Chicago sports.

Miguel Amaya's slump should force Cubs to reconsider 2027 catching plans

The impression for most of the season has been that Carson Kelly will find a lucrative multi-year deal in free agency this offseason that will mark his departure from the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs certainly should want Kelly back, but give their other needs, being at the top of his market may not be feasible.

If Miguel Amaya is part of the plan to replace Kelly, even if it's as as bridge to Owen Ayers, the Cubs may want to reconsider. Despite glimpses of encouraging metrics throughout the season, Amaya's bat hasn't taken a step forward. Since July 1, he's carrying an OPS of .681. Since August 1, he's slashing .175/.283/.325. His plate appearances have looked just as ugly as his slash line.

Amaya still offers value as a defensive catcher, and managing a pitching staff, but this is a Cubs team that could be seeing the departures of Kelly, Ian Happ, and Seiya Suzuki. That's a lot of offense to be potentially walking out the door. Perhaps the Cubs look for a veteran catcher with a higher offensive upside to pair with Amaya, assuming they want to create a soft landing for Ayers next season.

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