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Alcantara was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Monday, per MLB's transactions log.
Alcantara failed to secure a spot on the Cubs' Opening Day roster and will now report to Triple-A, where he'll open the 2026 campaign. He slashed .266/.348/.468 with 17 home runs, 69 RBI, eight stolen bases and 56 runs a year ago with Iowa and should be in the running for a promotion later in the year.
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Cubs' Kevin Alcantara: Off to slow spring start
Rotowire
Through three Cactus League appearances, Alcantara is just 1-for-10 with five strikeouts.
Alcantara is competing for a spot on Chicago's Opening Day roster in camp, but he hasn't done much to make a mark yet. The 23-year-old has appeared in only 13 games at the MLB level the last two years compared to 137 games for Triple-A Iowa, and he could once again be ticketed for a trip to the minors with an option still in hand. Alcantara remains a talented prospect, and he seems likely to push for a role with the Cubs at some point in 2026, even if it doesn't happen right out of the gates.
Cubs' Kevin Alcantara: Still has minor-league option
Rotowire
Alcantara (abdomen), who figures to compete for an Opening Day roster spot during spring training, will have another minor-league option this year, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.
It was previously reported that Alcantara would be out of options this year, but the Cubs now have a little more flexibility with the 23-year-old outfielder, who spent most of last season with Triple-A Iowa. Either way, Alcantara figures to compete for a reserve outfield spot in camp, and he could even push for a larger role now that Kyle Tucker is gone. Alcantara had core-muscle surgery back in October, though he's expected to be fully healthy for spring training. The youngster has plenty of upside heading into 2026 and could be a breakout candidate if the playing time is there.
Cubs' Kevin Alcantara: Set for core-muscle surgery
Rotowire
Alcantara will undergo core-muscle surgery Thursday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.
The expectation is that Alcantara will have a relatively normal offseason and report to spring training in full health. Alcantara has seen spot duty with the Cubs each of the last two seasons, going 5-for-21 at the dish. The 23-year-old slashed .266/.349/.470 with 17 home runs and 10 stolen bases over 102 contests in 2025 at Triple-A Iowa. Alcantara is out of minor-league options, so he's likely to make the Cubs' Opening Day roster in 2026, though it could be as a reserve outfielder.
The Cubs recalled Alcantara from Triple-A Iowa on Sunday.
The Cubs demoted Alcantara when Owen Caissie was recalled from Iowa a day earlier, but Alcantara will rejoin the big club for the series finale with Tampa Bay after Caissie sustained a concussion in Saturday's 5-4 loss. Even though Seiya Suzuki (illness) is day-to-day and Kyle Tucker (calf) remains on the injured list, Alcantara is still likely to be limited to a depth role in the Chicago outfield as the regular season winds down.
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Cubs' Kevin Alcantara: Sent to Triple-A
Rotowire
The Cubs optioned Alcantara to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday.
Alcantara appeared in just three games during his first stint in the majors, going 1-for-6 with a walk, a run scored and three strikeouts. The Cubs will send him down to Triple-A to allow the 23-year-old prospect to get more consistent at-bats, and Owen Caissie will come up from Iowa to replenish Chicago's outfield depth.
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