MESA, ARIZ. – The Cubs spring training facility was already a hub of activity Tuesday, the day before pitchers and catchers’ first official workout. Marcus Stroman came out early to play catch. Cody Bellinger stood in the batter’s box for Jameson Taillon’s bullpen. After pitchers cycled through their sessions, three waves of hitters took batting practice on the adjacent field.
This is the first normal spring training since 2019. The past three were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by last year’s MLB lockout. With plenty of offseason additions, the Cubs are getting an early start in Mesa this year.
And not just pitchers and catchers. The rest of the position players don’t have to report until next week, but they were well represented at the complex Tuesday, including appearances from Dansby Swanson, Bellinger, Seiya Suzuki, Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, Patrick Wisdom, Nick Madrigal, Miles Mastrobuoni and Zach McKinstry.
Here are storylines to watch as spring training officially begins Wednesday:
Rotation battle
The fifth rotation spot is shaping up to be the most compelling position battle in Cubs camp.
Marcus Stroman, Jameson Taillon, Justin Steele and Drew Smyly will likely begin the season in the other starting spots, not necessarily in that order. But with Kyle Hendricks still working up to throwing off a mound in the coming weeks, several other players could compete for a place in the opening day rotation.
Keegan Thompson has impressed as both a high-leverage multi-inning reliever and as a starter. Adrian Samson broke into the rotation last season as it was hit by injuries, but he only improved as the season progressed. Hayden Wesneski turned heads in six games last year, the first of his major-league career. Javier Assad proved he could be a stabilizing force.
Those who don’t make the rotation could move into the bullpen or provide depth in Triple-A. The Cubs also have three off days in the first three weeks of the regular season, so if they wanted, they could use those to push back the decision on a fifth starter.
Third base committee
Bench coach Andy Green joined Madrigal in Arizona for a week this offseason to work with him at third base. Madrigal, who estimates the last time he played third was as a teenager for an inning at a showcase, is expected to play multiple positions this year.
“I really appreciate him taking the time just to make sure I’m prepared with everything I need over there,” Madrigal said.
He’s almost exclusively played second base in his professional career. But Swanson’s signing this winter moved Hoerner from shortstop to second base, making versatility a priority for Madrigal this offseason.
“I haven’t bounced around too much in my life, but I feel like I’m fully capable of doing it,’ Madrigal said. “And we’re all here to win.”
He joins Wisdom, Christopher Morel and McKinstry as options at third base.
New team, new me
First baseman Eric Hosmer said at Cubs Convention last month that he doesn’t believe a “change of scenery” is always helpful.
“But for me, in this instance, I think it’s going to be good,” he said. “It’s a lot of good veterans that they signed, it’s a lot of good young guys that have good energy that come up.”
Hosmer is one of several new Cubs looking to bounce back from offensive dips in 2022, including Bellinger, Trey Mancini and Tucker Barnhart. There were multiple factors, like injuries or organization changes, that may have contributed to their individual slumps. But with a change of scenery also comes a fresh set of eyes on swing mechanics. This spring, they’ll test out any adjustments they’ve made during the offseason.
Similar recommendations will play out on the pitching side. Taillon, for example, is working on a more sweeping slider as the Cubs try to maximize his potential.
Rule changes
Before spring training, the Cubs outfitted their Mesa complex fields with digital pitch clocks behind home plate and attached to the batter’s eye.
At least initially, the pitch clock will likely have the most noticeable effect of the 2023 rule changes, which also include infield shift limits and larger bases.
“It’s just getting the reps,” Hottovy said of the pitch clock.
He plans on integrating live batting practice sessions into training earlier than usual. One advantage will be a more flexible and varied buildup, something the Cubs are confident they’ll be able to implement because of their consistent communication this offseason – as opposed to last year when coaches couldn’t talk to their players during the lockout.
“The other part of it is to get them into that game-type feel as quick as possible,” Hottovy said.
With the pitch clock comes a limit on pickoff attempts. Pitchers can disengage from the rubber twice. The third time, they’ll be charged with a balk unless they throw out the base runner. The count resets if the runner advances.
The key there, as Hottovy sees it, will be making sure pitchers know the intricacies of the rule and exactly what counts as a disengagement. He’s planning a rules meeting once camp begins.
