This week’s MLBTR Mailbag will dig into the Cubs’ long-term outfield look, the Rays’ crop of catching talent, the Yankees’ 2027 payroll and roster pursuits, and possible contracts for some notable names around the league. (Note: questions are lightly edited for clarity and brevity.)
Let’s get into it!
Colin asks:
What are the Cubs’ options for replacing Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ this offseason? Kevin Alcantara hasn’t looked convincing in his short stints in the big leagues, while some of their other top outfield prospects seem a bit far off. I suppose they could give Matt Shaw a run in the outfield to start next season, but they would still need a lefty bat and/or a bat to provide Suzuki’s power output. It feels like there are a couple of interesting options in free agency, but I am curious what names they could pursue whether via trade or signing.
I tend to agree on Alcantara. I’m not especially bullish on him. If you’ve followed my chats, mailbags, etc. at MLBTR over the years, you know I tend to be pretty lukewarm on players who strike out this often in the upper minors. Alcantara has posted above-average but not elite offense in three straight seasons of Triple-A work. He’s never had a single-season strikeout rate lower than 29.1% there. This year, in his third full look at the level, he’s fanning at a 30.4% clip — his worst of his three seasons in Triple-A. It just doesn’t bode well for his ability to hit major league pitching on a consistent basis.
Alcantara could still have a role in the majors moving forward, to be clear. He’s a good runner with plenty of raw power who can handle center field. He’s a right-handed hitter who’s been decent against lefties in a small minor league sample, but he’s actually punched out more often (on a rate basis) against lefties in the minors than he has against right-handers. Alcantara might have a future as a fourth outfielder who hits for some power but has low average and OBP marks, but I don’t think the Cubs would be wise to hand him a starting job in 2027.
So, where can they turn?
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