Former Cardinals first rounder stealing spotlight in Cubs spring training

There aren't many Chicago Cubs spring training games being broadcast this season, and that could be one of the reasons why it's been a quiet camp for the Cubs. The arrival of Alex Bregman certainly made headlines, with each insider itching to explain why his leadership is valuable behind the scenes. But Bregman's impact, while important, shouldn't distract fans from the position battles that are taking place.

Again, due to the lack of games on TV, fans can only go by word of mouth when it comes to the developments for the Cubs' Opening Day roster. Short of filling out the final spots in the bullpen, the biggest competition that the Cubs have is for the fourth outfielder spot on the bench.

The competition isn't exactly a who's who. Former Houston Astros outfielder Chas McCormick, ex-Cardinals bust Dylan Carlson, and former New York Mets one-time All-Star Michael Conforto are the main participants vying for the job. Top prospect Kevin Alcantara is in the mix, but the impression is that he could benefit from playing every day at Triple-A Iowa this season.

Conforto also may be in a separate category. With Tyler Austin injured, Conforto figures to make the roster as one of the primary bats on the bench and a veteran option to split time with Moises Ballesteros as the team's designated hitter.

Dylan Carlson may have already landed a spot on the Chicago Cubs' Opening Day roster.

Carlson may have already won the job. At the start of spring training, Carlson being a switch-hitter figured to work in his favor, but his numbers through the first three weeks of spring training have only cemented his chances of making the Opening Day roster.

Carlson has 8 hits through his first 23 plate appearances with a 238 wRC+. It's early, so the usual caveats apply, but the important thing about the former Cardinals top prospect's success is that he's striking out only 13% of the time, and his walk rate is over 21%. No, he's not going to get on base that often during the regular season, but it's numbers like that the Cubs likely zero in on when making the decisions for the final spots on the roster.

By comparison, McCormick is carrying a wRC+ of 46 through his 23 plate appearances this spring, and striking out nearly 35% of the time.

We're still a long way from the Cubs being able to do what the Cardinals weren't, but Carlson figures to be spending most of his summer in Chicago.