2026

Originally posted on Inside The Diamonds | By JC Giff | Last updated Mar 24, 2026 4:17 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs take on the New York Yankees in their spring training finale today. The team has announced two roster moves ahead of today’s game with New York. They are optioning Kevin Alcantara and Javier Assad to Iowa to start their seasons in Triple-A.

Purchase tickets via Ticketmaster

Kevin Alcantara

The Chicago Cubs have optioned Kevin to Triple-A Iowa to start his season. Alcantara had one home run, four RBI, seven doubles, and 14 strikeouts in 40 at-bats this spring. He had a slash line of 275/.326/.400. He spent ten games with the big league club last year with a slash line of .364/.417/.364 for the Cubs in 2025. With the Iowa Cubs last year, he had 26 doubles, 17 home runs, 69 RBI, and slashed .266/.349/.470 in 102 games. Seiya Suzuki is starting the year on the injured list. Alcantara hoped to make the opening day roster. For now, he will start with every day at-bats in Iowa.

Javier Assad

Today, the Chicago Cubs have optioned Javier Assad to Triple-A Iowa before their game with the Yankees. Assad pitched in three games for the Cubs this spring with one win, eight strikeouts, a 1.20 WHIP, and a 1.35 ERA. Assad has been used in various roles over the past few seasons. He has started games and found success, and has come into the bullpen. In eight games for the Chicago Cubs last season, he had a 4-1 record with a 3.65 ERA. Assad struggled with injuries last year. However, he managed to throw 37 innings. He recorded 23 strikeouts for Chicago in 2025.

This article first appeared on Inside The Diamonds and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: