MLB: Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles Dodgers Feb 20, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Kevin Alcantara against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs option top outfield prospect to Iowa

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zack Pearson | Last updated Mar 24, 2026 9:01 AM ET

MLB’s Opening Day is this week and on Monday, the Chicago Cubs made a flurry of moves to cut their roster down ahead of the start of the season. While the injury news to Seiya Suzuki and Ben Brown making the roster stole the headlines, one move went under the radar.

The MLB transactions page shows that the Cubs have officially optioned outfielder Kevin Alcantara to Triple-A Iowa . He joins Javier Assad who was also optioned down to Iowa earlier in the day.

Why the Chicago Cubs optioned Kevin Alcantara

The 23-year-old Alcantara had a solid shot at making the Opening Day roster but the concern was lack of playing time. Michael Conforto made the team and with the report of the Cubs looking to add another infielder, it left Alcantara as the odd man out.

The good news? Down in Iowa he can start every day and get key playing time this season. From there, he can join the big league club with a call up at some point.

Last season Alcantara hit .266/.349/.470 in Iowa, disappointing numbers. However, he did play better as the season went on and entered Spring Training as a guy who could breakout for the Cubs. Maybe more time down in the minors can help him get his confidence back moving forward.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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