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Latest Chicago Cubs signing provides awful flashback to 2024 Opening Day

ByJordan Campbell|
Mar 31, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Adbert Alzolay (73) pitches during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Chicago Cubs at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Mar 31, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Adbert Alzolay (73) pitches during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Chicago Cubs at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

After officially announcing the signing of Justin Turner,. the Chicago Cubs made a surprising roster move in designating outfield prospect Alexander Canario for assignment.

Canario had less than 50 plate appearances at the Major League level with the Cubs over the last two seasons but was already out of minor-league options. While the Cubs could certainly use Canario as a true backup to Pete Crow-Armstrong in center field, the fact the team was willing to give him reps at first base at the start of this year's Spring Training speaks to the lack of plan they had for the once highly-touted prospect.

With Canario no longer on the roster, the question of who will be the backup to Pete Crow-Armstrong has taken focus at Spring Training. Vidal Bruján could be the answer but the Cubs seem to be bringing in competition for one of baseball's former top prospects.

Cubs fans are all too familiar with Travis Jankowski

Travis Jankowski is the newest outfielder in the Cubs' organization. Jankowski, of course, is the former Texas Rangers' outfield who broke the hearts of Cubs fans on Opening Day 2024. Facing former Cubs' closer Adbert Alzolay in the bottom of the 9th inning, with a 3-2 deficit, Jankowski homered to tie the game. The Cubs would go to drop their Opening Day contest to the Rangers in extra innings.

Jankowski capped his 2024 campaign with a slash line of .200/.266/.242/48 OPS+. Of course, Jankowski's lone home run last season was the one hit off Alzolay on Opening Day. Known more for his defense and speed, it's likely that Jankowski is joining the Cubs on a minor-league deal.

Also on Friday, the Cubs added former New York Yankees' outfielder Greg Allen on a minor-league deal. While the Cubs need outfield depth, especially with the current injury to Owen Caissie, Allen, Jankowski, and Bruján will likely be battling for the final spot on the Cubs' Opening Day roster.

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