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3 most impressive Cubs spring training performances so far

By Jake Misener |
Mar 3, 2023; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs infielder David Bote runs to third in a Cactus League game.
Mar 3, 2023; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs infielder David Bote runs to third in a Cactus League game. / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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A little over a week of Cactus League action can hardly be used as a referendum on which players should make the Opening Day roster cut - but, on the other hand, you can't simply ignore strong showings, either.

When it comes to the Chicago Cubs, there have been quite a few guys who've gotten off to hot starts early on in spring training, with three standing above the rest. As we gear up for another week of game action and the WBC, let's look at the 3 most impressive Cubs spring training performances to this point.

3 most impressive Cubs spring training performances - #3: David Bote

The shine has wore off David Bote pretty quickly, especially once Theo Epstein departed and Jed Hoyer took over the show. Bote, who turns 30 next month, still has this year and next left on the extension he signed with the Cubs - and it has a pair of team options for 2025 and 2026, too.

After being outrighted off the 40-man this winter, Bote is now faced with the prospect of scratching and clawing his way back into an already crowded infield picture. I opined last week he could be a fit for a team like the Dodgers, who are searching for infield depth in the wake of Gavin Lux's season-ending knee injury but, for now, Bote remains a Cub.

And, to this point, he's making the most of every at-bat, going 7-for-11 with an 1.874 OPS, spraying the ball all over the diamond. After the Dansby Swanson signing that forced Nico Hoerner back to second, it's hard to see how Bote will make the cut. Even at third, the Cubs seem likely to platoon Patrick Wisdom and Edwin Rios, with Nick Madrigal also factoring in at all three positions. Still, the guy has been red-hot to start the spring - there's no doubt about that.

Mar 3, 2023; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs designated hitter Trey Mancini against the San Diego Padres.
Mar 3, 2023; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs designated hitter Trey Mancini against the San Diego Padres. / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

3 most impressive Cubs spring training performances - #2: Trey Mancini

I'd be a lot more stressed over the Seiya Suzuki injury if not for the fact the man poised to fill in for him early on looking insanely comfortable at the plate in Trey Mancini.

Inked this winter to a two-year, $14 million deal, Mancini will see time in right, at first and DH. With the way he's looked this spring, it doesn't much matter where he's playing because he's using the whole field and looking like he's ready to be a key cog in the machine this year.

In 10 at-bats, Mancini boasts a 1.045 OPS - and while there are guys who've hit the ball with more power, his ability to go to all fields consistently has really stood out to me. Like Rick Sutcliffe said in Saturday's Marquee broadcast, it's all about getting timing and bat control down early because these guys know the power will come.

If Mancini can use the whole field with power, the Cubs will have a tremendously valuable offensive presence - and that doesn't even touch on what he can mean to a clubhouse and fanbase as a person and leader.

Mar 4, 2023; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon (50) pitches against the Los Angeles Angels.
Mar 4, 2023; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon (50) pitches against the Los Angeles Angels. / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

3 most impressive Cubs spring training performances - #1: Jameson Taillon

Jameson Taillon's breaking stuff on Saturday against the Angels was absolutely filthy. We got our first glimpse at the sweeper the Cubs are working into his arsenal and the results spoke for themselves.

Before I delve deeper into Taillon, I also have to give a tip of the cap to Marcus Stroman, who really locked it in during his second start and looks to be in midseason form as he departs for the WBC this week. I'm stoked to see what he does in his second year with Chicago, especially given how he pitched down the stretch last summer.

But bringing in Taillon as reinforcements has the potential to go down as one of the most underrated and overlooked moves of the offseason. After pitching in the Bronx the last two years, the right-hander is back in the National League Central and ready to eat innings for the Cubs.

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That's something Chicago has lacked in recent years: a guy who goes out with the goal of working deep into ballgames and preserves the bullpen. I mean, how can you not be impressed with and excited about a guy who says, "I think innings are sexy"?

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