Chicago Cubs News: Update on team's top outfield prospects

The Chicago Cubs began the offseason with disappointing news surrounding two of their outfield prospects in Brennen Davis and Alexander Canario. Davis, after dealing with a back injury for a large portion of the 2022 season, suffered a stress reaction in his back during the Arizona Fall League season and was promptly shut down by the team. Meanwhile, Canario suffered a fractured ankle and shoulder injury during a freak collision at first base during a Dominican Winter League game.

Since those injuries occurred, there have been few updates provided by the team but that changed on Tuesday after Cubs' vice president of Jared Banner spoke with Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register. Beginning with Davis, the news is encouraging as Banner mentioned that Davis should be entering Spring Training with "no limitations".

Banner said he's fully recovered and has "no limitations at this time." “He’s doing well,” Banner said. “He’s feeling healthy. He’s been spending a lot of time at our complex this offseason with our staff. I think he’ll be in a great place physically when camp starts.”

Davis entering Spring Training with no setbacks would be the best possible outcome for the Cubs. Most prospect rankings this offseason have seen Davis fall to No. 2 within the Cubs' organization with Pete Crow-Armstrong taking over the spot. Still, assuming health, most talent evaluators are confident in Davis' ability to restore his value. It seems unlikely that Davis will have an opportunity at making the Major League level out of Spring Training but if he is able to find his footing with the Iowa Cubs during the first half, a second-half call-up for the Cubs' prospect could certainly be in the works.

The news on Canario is not as encouraging as Banner confirmed that the prospect acquired in the Kris Bryant trade with the San Francisco Giants during the 2021 season will not be ready for the start of the season.

“He’s doing pretty well—not anywhere near baseball activities yet, but recovering well,” Banner said. “The doctors are pleased with where he is. So, he’s going to have a little bit of a longer road back, but so far so good.”

Canario hit 37 home runs across the Cubs' minor league system last season and figured to be an important piece to the Cubs' offseason. Whether as a trade chip or early call-up in the 2023 season, Canario figured to be part of the Cubs' plan to improve their Major League roster. The injury certainly throws in wrench in those plans but the hope is Canario can return to action by the second half of the season.