This Chicago Cubs prospect likely will start the season in Triple-A

With veteran outfielder Mike Tauchman being told by manager Craig Counsell at the start of Spring Training that he would be included in the Chicago Cubs Opening Day roster, that lessened the chance of outfield prospect Alexander Canario starting the 2024 season at the Major League level.

In a world where the Cubs did not bring back Cody Bellinger, Canario likely is a part of the Cubs' Opening Day roster and among the rotation of players being used as the team's designated hitter. Throughout Spring Training, Canario has also played in center field, a sign that the team may have viewed him in that spot given the preference to have Pete Crow-Armstrong start the season in Triple-A.

Bellinger is back with the Cubs and coupling that with Michael Busch serving as the team's first baseman, there was not a path to consistent plate appearances for Canario--especially with Garett Cooper and Patrick Wisdom on the roster.

Alexander Canario beginning the season in Triple-A Iowa is the right call for the Chicago Cubs.

While the call to have Canario open the 2024 season with Triple-A Iowa is the right decision for the Cubs, there is no question this circles back to the mistake that was his playing time at the end of the 2023 season.

Canario was a September call-up for the Cubs last season but former manager David Ross only viewed the prospect as an emergency spot on the roster in the event of an injury. Despite Canario flashing power with a 146 wRC+ and .353 isolated power rating, Ross refused to play 23-year-old regularly. In a world where Canario was used in the starting lineup regularly at the end of last season, the Cubs likely have more data and reasoning to place him on the Major League roster to open this season.

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