Chicago Cubs’ next reported MLB call up will crowd the outfield even more

If Chicago does elect to call up Alcantara, who appeared in three MLB games a season ago, he will provide a significant boost against left-handed pitchers, but otherwise will be on the outside looking in of the current outfield group.  This year, Alcantara has a 1.002 OPS against southpaws in the minor leagues.

On the season, Alcantara is slashing .266/.349/.470 with 17 home runs, 69 RBI, and 26 doubles of 102 games in Iowa. He still boasts a strikeout rate of 30%, which is concerning, but when he puts the ball in play he tends to do damage.

Should Alcantara indeed be called up, he could offer a real spark but would likely find himself on the fringes of an already crowded big league outfield. With limited at-bats to go around and several established options ahead of him, his role would likely be situational at best. Still, his power potential and ability to punish lefties give the Cubs another intriguing weapon, adding even more depth to an already competitive outfield mix.