Kevin Alcántara may be finding a new way to matter for the Cubs.
For most of 2026, the former top prospect looked like a player living on the edge of the roster. He bounced through multiple stretches as an extra outfielder, never really able to lock down a lasting spot, and even after Chicago kept him at the trade deadline, he still seemed like a prime offseason trade candidate.
That might still be the most likely ending this winter. But as Alcántara wraps up the year with Triple-A Iowa, the Cubs have given him something new to try: first base. Since September 6, he has made four starts in the infield for the I-Cubs.
The shift is sudden, but it does not mean a full-time move. Alcántara is a plus defender in the outfield, so this is not the start of a permanent change. Still, the ability to handle first base could open a much cleaner route to the Cubs’ Opening Day roster in 2027.
That matters because Alcántara is out of minor-league options after this season, which puts Chicago at a decision point. If he is not traded over the winter, he could suddenly fill a role the Cubs have not been able to cover this year.
Tyler Austin was supposed to be part of that conversation last winter. The signing barely registered once knee surgery in spring training wiped out what was meant to be his return to the majors. The one-year deal had at least hinted at a possible first-base backup if Craig Counsell wanted to keep Michael Busch away from certain left-handed pitchers.
That never really came into play. With two weeks left in the regular season, Busch has had only two days off, and he has played 148 games this season - every one of them at first base.
The Cubs clearly trust Busch, even with his power dropping off this season. But it is hard to imagine the 2027 plan involving him grinding through 160 of 162 games again.
That is where Alcántara’s new wrinkle could help. He is a right-handed bat, and his ability to cover first base could give Chicago a useful bench piece. That becomes even more relevant with Michael Conforto and Tyrone Taylor also set to hit free agency after this season.
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It is still a lengthy comeback process, and Martin was ruled out for the rest of the 2026 season, but the fact he is progressing without surgery changes the conversation around his future. Before the injury, he had flashed enough in his eight big league appearances to make the Cubs pay attention, and now the organization can at least start seeing how his arm responds in game action again. [Read more 🡒]