The Chicago Cubs are starting to shape the edges of their 2026 roster, and one area getting particular attention is the fourth outfield spot. That job won’t be handed out-it’s going to be earned.
The club has brought in two intriguing names to battle for the role: veteran Chas McCormick and former Cardinals first-rounder Dylan Carlson. Both bring experience, versatility, and something to prove.
And with top prospect Kevin Alcántara expected to open the season in Triple-A to get regular at-bats, the door is wide open for either McCormick or Carlson to seize the opportunity.
Carlson, 27, has already arrived at the Cubs’ spring training facility in Arizona and is getting to work early-shagging fly balls, meeting his new teammates, and apparently, giving fans a sneak peek at some new gear. Photos surfaced of Carlson wearing what appears to be the Cubs’ 2026 spring training cap, and it’s got fans buzzing.
The cap in question features the classic Cubs logo on the front, but it’s the side details that stand out. One side sports a blooming cactus, a nod to the Cactus League, while the other shows another cactus alongside the number “26” and the MLB logo. It’s a fresh take on the spring training look, and while it’s not officially confirmed, it certainly fits the mold of what we’ve seen in recent years-sky blue tones and desert-themed accents that have become a staple for the Cubs' spring gear.
Spring training caps have become a bit of a collector's item over the years. They’re not just a cash grab-they offer fans a chance to rep something a little different from the regular season look, with designs that reflect the unique vibe of spring ball in Arizona or Florida. For the Cubs, that means embracing the desert aesthetic of the Cactus League.
It’s also worth noting that fans hoping to catch a lot of spring training action on TV this year might be in for a lighter slate. Unlike previous years, when Marquee Sports Network gave viewers a solid dose of early Cubs baseball, this spring is expected to see only a handful of games broadcast. That means moments like Carlson’s early arrival-and his possibly leaked cap-are going to be the kind of glimpses fans will be relying on until Opening Day.
As for the Grapefruit League teams, expect a similar cap design but with a citrus twist-literally. Where the Cubs have a cactus, teams training in Florida will likely swap in a grapefruit to reflect their locale.
But back to the field, where the real story is brewing. Carlson and McCormick will be duking it out for that fourth outfielder spot, and while the new hat is cool, the real focus is on who can make the most of this opportunity.
Carlson’s early arrival shows he’s not wasting any time. The question now is whether that head start-and maybe a little spring flair-can help him edge out the competition.