MESA, Ariz. -- The Cubs have had a very businesslike camp to this point in the spring as they build toward what the ballclub expects will be a season with another October run at the end. On Friday, Chicago will turn the page from just workouts to the first game

MESA, Ariz. -- Dustin Kelly was in the middle of making dinner for his three boys one evening over the winter when Dansby Swanson began texting the Cubs hitting coach. The shortstop had just wrapped up a productive hitting session and wanted to chat things over. “I said, ‘I’ll call

MESA, Ariz. -- Kevin Alcántara understands that there is not a starting role for him in the current outfield for the Cubs. Chicago has four-time Gold Glove Award winner Ian Happ in left, a rising star in Pete Crow-Armstrong in center and slugger Seiya Suzuki in right field. If Alcántara

MESA, Ariz. -- Before Ian Happ developed into a four-time Gold Glove Award winner in left field for the Cubs, he spent years moving around the diamond. He bounced between all three outfield positions in the Minor Leagues, while also getting a lot of time at second base in case

MESA, Ariz. -- Seiya Suzuki was excited to play a key role for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic three years ago, but an injury in late February that spring forced the Cubs' slugger to withdraw from the tournament. He then watched from afar as Japan won the Classic

MESA, Ariz. – Cubs manager Craig Counsell is not big on speeches. He believes there is more value in the conversations that happen throughout the spring and during the season, while players are working to improve or experiencing the ups and downs that each year inevitably presents. Ahead of the

MESA, Ariz. -- Something that Nico Hoerner said to Pete Crow-Armstrong resonated with the 23-year-old center fielder and stuck with him throughout the offseason. It was pointed out to Crow-Armstrong that he felt some disappointment after a season in which he piled up 30 homers, 30 doubles and 30 steals

MESA, Ariz. -- Not every signing is for the immediate picture. On Sunday, the Cubs signed veteran righty Shelby Miller with the hope that he could impact the pitching staff in 2027, following a comeback from elbow surgery. The Cubs inked Miller to a two-year contract that includes a club

This story was excerpted from Jordan Bastian's Cubs Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox. MESA, Ariz. -- Pete Crow-Armstrong let out a slight laugh earlier this week when asked about the quality of Team USA’s roster for the

MESA, Ariz. -- Alex Bregman made a point to stop in the coaches’ office on a recent spring morning to chat with the group about things they wanted to zero in on with the players during the spring. It was just another example of how the Cubs’ new star is

MESA, Ariz. -- Cubs Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins walked over to an entrance in the back of the team’s complex on Friday morning and called out to Rick Sutcliffe. “Hey, where’s your friend?” Jenkins said with a smile.

MESA, Ariz. -- Shota Imanaga would love nothing more than to return to the form that he displayed in his sensational rookie campaign two seasons ago. And while the Cubs pitcher does hope to produce at a similar level this year, he also knows chasing a previous version of himself

CHICAGO -- Among the many possible feats on a baseball diamond, there is something satisfying about a cycle. There are more impactful accomplishments, but there is also a bit of magic and wonder that exists when circumstances align to create a performance that cleanly checks four simple boxes. Single. Double.

MESA, Ariz. -- Jameson Taillon did his best to describe the feeling that has been permeating through the Cubs’ facility since players began arriving in Arizona. Excitement is often paired with high expectations in the early days of Spring Training, but the veteran pitcher senses a shift around Chicago’s complex.

MESA, Ariz. – Cubs manager Craig Counsell typically avoids assigning specific roles to his relievers, especially at the outset of Spring Training. It takes time for a bullpen to take shape and even the plans that look foolproof have a way of changing during a season. That made his response

MESA, Ariz. -- Miguel Amaya was among a group of Cubs players who headed to Field 1 on Tuesday morning for a casual round of batting practice. It had to be a welcome sight for the small gathering of fans watching from beyond the chain link fencing.

MESA, Ariz. -- The Cubs’ first official workout of the spring is not scheduled to take place until Wednesday, but the team’s complex is already a hive of activity. It looked like camp was in full swing on Monday morning, as a large number of players moved about the facilities

MESA, Ariz. -- The Cubs spent this offseason building up depth for their starting staff, creating a foundation that should allow pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins the ability to focus on development. The goal would be for Wiggins to force Chicago’s hand, rather than having the Cubs forced into a situation

CHICAGO – The Cubs have not claimed the National League Central crown in a full season since winning back-to-back division titles in the 2016 and ‘17 campaigns. The North Siders believe that this year’s cast has the potential to end that drought. With the signing of third baseman Alex Bregman,

This story was excerpted from Jordan Bastian's Cubs Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

CHICAGO – The Cubs were one of baseball’s busiest teams this offseason after falling one win shy of reaching the National League Championship Series in October. Getting into the playoffs was an important step last year, but Chicago hopes to experience a deeper run in the 2026 campaign. That process

CHICAGO -- There are plenty of players who will attract the spotlight during Spring Training for the Cubs. New additions like third baseman Alex Bregman and righty Edward Cabrera will garner ample attention, while center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong’s blossoming stardom will generate steady headlines in the buildup to Opening Day.

This story was excerpted from Jordan Bastian’s Cubs Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

CHICAGO -- The Cubs addressed their wish to add an impact bat earlier this month with the signing of star third baseman Alex Bregman. Chicago also found its impact rotation piece via trade in Edward Cabrera. The front office made a pile of signings this winter to fill the multiple

On Tuesday, MLB.com senior reporter Jordan Bastian held an “Ask Me Anything” on Reddit with Cubs fans at r/CHICubs. This mailbag features questions and answers from the AMA, the full version of which can be read here. Questions and responses have been lightly edited for clarity. Who is a breakout