MESA, Ariz. — Alex Bregman, along with Cubs teammates Pete Crow-Armstrong and Matthew Boyd, have left the team’s spring training camp to represent Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. This opportunity allows these players to compete on the international stage while temporarily stepping away from their Cubs duties as they prepare for the 2024 MLB season.
Embracing the significance of this event, Crow-Armstrong expressed his enthusiasm despite the upcoming separation from his Cubs teammates.
This is obviously something new for me, and I just feel very lucky that I get to experience something like this. I’m ready to play some real meaningful baseball and just go wear those colors. I haven’t done it for some years, and getting to do it at the highest stage is going to be special.
Both Crow-Armstrong and Bregman contributed two hits each in a recent game against the Chicago White Sox, with Bregman planning to host some of his Team USA teammates at his home ahead of pool play’s start.
Bregman Reflects on the Unique Bond of Team USA
Alex Bregman has maintained a flawless record in international contests, having never lost while representing Team USA across four college-level appearances and in the 2017 Classic. He highlighted the immediate connection formed among players when joining the national team.
I don’t know what is about it, it’s probably the stars and stripes, to be honest,
Bregman said.
The coolest part about it is the bond that’s created right away when you step in that locker room when you know what you’re representing and playing for.
Despite being scattered across different training camps, Bregman noted the shared sense of camaraderie expected when Team USA convenes for official games. He also described the Cubs’ current atmosphere positively after three weeks of preparation.
I feel like our team’s in a really good place right now,
Bregman remarked.
Guys are focused and locked in, ready for the season, getting prepared every day. I think it’s a great group. And I’m very excited.
Team USA Begins World Baseball Classic Campaign in Houston
Team USA will launch its pool play schedule on Friday, facing off against Brazil in Houston. Several notable Cubs players are participating in the World Baseball Classic, including pitcher Jameson Taillon representing Canada, outfielder Seiya Suzuki competing for Japan, pitcher Javier Asaad for Mexico, catchers Miguel Amaya and Christian Bethancourt for Panama, and closer Daniel Palencia playing for Venezuela.
Increased Competition for Cubs Outfield Positions
The exits of Pete Crow-Armstrong and Seiya Suzuki from spring training create openings for players like Michael Conforto, Dylan Carlson, Chas McCormick, and Kevin Alcantara to vie for backup outfield roles. Manager Craig Counsell acknowledged both the benefits and drawbacks of these departures for the team’s depth.
That’s probably where we benefit from it,
Counsell said.
The other side of it is, you’d love to have your guys around.
Counsell also confirmed that Alcantara, recently returning from hernia surgery, will make his first start in the outfield on Monday, having played as designated hitter in his last outing.
Utility Player Matt Shaw Faces Reduced Playing Time
The abundance of options in the outfield could limit infield utility player Matt Shaw‘s opportunities this season. Counsell expressed realistic expectations regarding Shaw’s role as a utility player.
I’d love for him to have 50 games out there, but that’s not realistic,
Counsell said.
Eight-ish games? That’s where we’re at.
Roster Moves: Ben Cowles Returns to Cubs
Infielder Ben Cowles has rejoined the Cubs after being claimed off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. To open a spot on the 40-man roster for Cowles, pitcher Shelby Miller was moved to the 60-day injured list. This marks Cowles’ third stint with the Cubs, as he was waived earlier this month after Miller was signed in mid-February.
Spring Training Game Recap: White Sox Defeat Cubs 5-1
In an exhibition matchup, Cubs’ left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga struggled, surrendering three solo home runs over 2 2/3 innings. Encouragingly, his fastball velocity reached 95 mph, though sustaining that speed for longer appearances remains a concern. The White Sox’s top outfield prospect, Braden Montgomery, capitalized on an 82 mph slider from Imanaga for a solo homer in the second inning.
Manager Craig Counsell noted that, while fundamental errors had been an issue early in 2024, rigorous rundown drills in spring training have improved execution in exhibition games. Shortstop Dansby Swanson made a quick, effective throw at home to stop a base runner in a rundown sequence later tagged by Alex Bregman.
Additionally, Pete Crow-Armstrong showcased improvement against left-handed pitchers by pulling a slider from Anthony Kay into left field, despite a challenging .188 batting average last season against lefties.
The Cubs are set to continue spring competition on Monday with a game against the Cincinnati Reds in Goodyear, with Jameson Taillon scheduled to start against Brady Singer.
Implications and Outlook for Cubs and Team USA
The participation of Alex Bregman and other Cubs players in the World Baseball Classic reflects both individual and organizational commitments to representing their countries in high-stakes international baseball. Their absence from spring training creates immediate lineup adjustments but provides valuable experience that could boost performance during the MLB season.
For the Cubs, the opportunity for emerging players to compete for playing time adds intrigue to roster decisions, especially in the outfield and utility slots. Meanwhile, the World Baseball Classic offers a stage for players like Bregman, Crow-Armstrong, and Boyd to demonstrate their skills against global competition, potentially influencing their confidence and momentum as the regular season approaches.
