Cubs Outfielder Not Named Crow-Armstrong Viewed as Opening Day Candidate

The Chicago Cubs have an outfielder not named Pete Crow-Armstrong who could make the Opening Day roster.

The Chicago Cubs made the decision to re-sign Cody Bellinger to a three-year, $80 million deal on Sunday morning, potentially losing a spot for top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong.

Crow-Armstrong is still a strong candidate to make the Opening Day roster, but this makes it a bit tougher for him to burst onto the scene and earn a starting role.

Spring Training will have a heavy focus on the youngster as he's the Cubs' top prospect and someone they need to make a decision on.

However, there could be another outfielder that ends up in Chicago on Opening Day.

According to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com, Alexander Canario is viewed as an Opening Day candidate for the Cubs. 

Canario, just 23 years old, made his big league debut in 2023, slashing .294/.294/.941 with one home run in 17 at-bats. His strikeouts were a bit concerning at times, striking out eight times in those 17 at-bats.

While not considered the same level of prospect as Crow-Armstrong, Canario has put up impressive numbers throughout every step of his MiLB career. In 2023, he slashed .276/.342/.524 with eight home runs in 145 at-bats in Triple-A. 

Bastian writes that there's a scenario where Canario will have an opportunity to make the Opening Day roster as a backup outfielder. He adds that he could be used to face left-handed pitching.

Given the lack of offense in the Cubs' lineup, it wouldn't be surprising to see someone get an opportunity. Canario will get that chance to earn a spot in Spring Training as he already has four at-bats with a double in two games.