Kevin Alcántara is now completely healthy following offseason surgery to repair a sports hernia he sustained last February, allowing him to compete for a reserve outfielder role on the Chicago Cubs’ roster. He had been playing through discomfort during the previous season but prioritized staying available for the team despite the pain.
Although Alcántara’s performance at Triple-A Iowa last year was affected by the injury, he still produced solid statistics, batting .266 with a .349 on-base percentage and an .818 OPS. Over 102 games, he recorded 26 doubles, 17 home runs, and 69 RBIs.
After appearing in 10 games for the Cubs in 2025 and experiencing the postseason as part of the playoff roster, Alcántara recognizes that opportunities might be limited this season but remains focused on making the most of any chances that come his way.
“I need to be focused for whatever opportunity I have to do my job,”
Alcántara said.
“I was only thinking win. If I’m going to have my opportunity to help the team, I’ll help the team. That’s the only thing I think in this moment.
“I want to take advice from the old guys. What I need to do for me to have the opportunity over there, I take it.”
MLBPA Navigates Leadership Changes Amid Labor Uncertainty
Within the Major League Baseball Players Association, a swift leadership transition unfolded as Bruce Meyer was appointed interim executive director on Wednesday during the association’s spring training visits. Meyer and newly named interim deputy executive director Matt Nussbaum replaced long-standing union leader Tony Clark, who resigned unexpectedly the day before.
Meyer emphasized the union’s collective dedication to serving players’ interests during a period of labor uncertainty, particularly as the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) approaches expiration in December. The union remains vigilant about upcoming negotiation challenges, including the strong likelihood of a lockout.
“All of us on the staff are focused on what’s best for the union,”
Meyer said.
“At this point, we’ve all dedicated our careers to the union, to these players. … Whatever the players determine that’s in the best interest of the union, we are supportive internally. We are all rowing together and working as a team, and ultimately the players will make those decisions.”
Meyer warned that the owners’ strategy aims to pressure players by attempting to sow division among union members. Nevertheless, Meyer expressed confidence that such efforts will not succeed.
“A lockout is all but guaranteed at the end of the agreement,”
Meyer stated.
“The league has pretty much said that their strategy and bargaining has always been to put as much pressure on the players as they can to try and create divisions and cracks among our membership. It’s never worked. I don’t think it ever will work.”
The owners are anticipated to push for a salary cap in the upcoming CBA, a move the union vehemently opposes, arguing it is detrimental to players.
“This is something they’ve always wanted,”
Meyer explained.
“It’s not new. It appears they’re going to make a concerted push forward. Our union historically has been against it because we believe it’s quite simply not good for players. That position is not going to change.
“We see what they say, what they’ve said in the media. You’ve seen an uptick over the last year of owners coming out and talking about salary caps or the commissioner’s office. They don’t always use the words, but it’s very clear what they’re talking about.”
Cubs Prepare for Spring Training and World Baseball Classic Absences
The Chicago Cubs opened their Cactus League schedule with two of their starting pitchers set to pitch in the World Baseball Classic (WBC). Right-hander Jameson Taillon started Friday’s exhibition game against the White Sox at Sloan Park, followed by left-hander Matthew Boyd facing the Texas Rangers in Saturday’s game. Taillon represents Canada and Boyd the U.S., and both are among eight players on the Cubs’ 40-man roster leaving soon for WBC duty.
Manager Craig Counsell indicated some uncertainty about the starting lineup for positional players this weekend, although Seiya Suzuki is expected to play center field before departing for Tokyo on Monday to prepare for his role with Team Japan in the tournament.
“You’re more likely to see them than other people, other more veteran players that aren’t in the WBC, but individualizing that a little bit at the beginning,”
Counsell said.
“Some guys won’t start for a couple days because I don’t think they need to, but the WBC guys all definitely have more urgency to get started.”
Implications of Labor Tensions and Player Health on the Season
The combination of leadership changes within the MLBPA and the tense negotiation landscape surrounding the next collective bargaining agreement underscores an uncertain outlook for baseball in the near term. With a lockout deemed nearly inevitable and significant issues like the proposed salary cap at the forefront, players and owners are preparing for a potentially disruptive offseason.
Meanwhile, players like Kevin Alcántara, who have overcome injuries and are vying for roster spots, will be closely watched as teams navigate limited opportunities during spring training compounded by absences due to WBC participation.
These developments highlight how labor relations and player health are central factors shaping the start of the 2026 season for the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball at large.
