Meghan Montemurro

Chicago Cubs prospect Jefferson Rojas is showing off elite bat in impressive camp performance One of the most encouraging parts of Chicago Cubs prospect Jefferson Rojas’ journey is the damage he’s doing offensively, predominantly against pitchers older than him.

Jefferson Rojas’ performance this spring has made him a standout in camp. An advanced hitter who reached Double A for the first time last year, being part of big-league camp and rising through the farm system has an arrival to the majors in the shortstop’s path.

Cactus League report: Cubs’ Alex Bregman slugs 1st spring HR — and Chase Meidroth back in action for White Sox As Chicago Cubs camp experiences 8 players leaving for the World Baseball Classic, Alex Bregman went out with a bang in his last Cactus League game.

Cactus League report from @mmontemurro.bsky.social and @lamondpope.bsky.social:

- Cubs' Alex Bregman slugs 1st spring home run ahead of WBC departure
- White Sox's Chase Meidroth back in the swing after productive offseason
- Week ahead for both teams
- What we're reading this morning

yes, if anything he's probably a little ahead of schedule at the moment. Had the surgery in mid April

They brought in a lot of relievers in the offseason, including NRIs

What do you mean?

Justin Steele is full go after a final check up with Dr. Meister on his left elbow. He will start throwing his curveball in bullpens. Next step will be live batting practice.

Steele is still not expected to be back in Cubs rotation until May/June.

If y’all aren’t following (the award winning!) @juliapoe.bsky.social and @mandophotos.bsky.social you should be.

Dansby Swanson's first home run of the spring -- 2-run shot off Guardians' Logan Allen -- was notably over the right field fence. Going to the opposite field more is something Swanson wants to see more of this year.

Cubs' Edward Cabrera flashed good stuff in an efficient outing, his first of the spring. He tossed two perfect innings, striking out three Guardians.

Kevin Alcántara will play in first Cactus League game Saturday as DH.

He's going to get game action regularly, but Cubs are going to be a little cautious with Alcántara after offseason hernia surgery & recovery. They don't want any setbacks.

Counsell: "We've got plenty of time. He's ready to go."

Chicago Cubs camp notes: Matt Shaw learning on the fly in right field — and Jonathon Long withdraws from WBC The best gauge for Matt Shaw’s readiness in the Chicago Cubs outfield is simply time.

What @mmontemurro.bsky.social heard at Cubs camp:

- Matt Shaw learning on the fly in right field
- Jonathon Long (left elbow sprain) withdraws from the WBC
- Matthew Boyd makes last spring start ahead of WBC

Christian Bethancourt’s visa issue is resolved and he’s in Cubs camp today. He will play in Saturday’s Cactus League game then depart to join Team Panama for the World Baseball Classic.

He’d been working out & playing with his Panama teammates while the visa stuff got worked out so he’s game ready.

‘It leaves you hungry’: Michael Conforto motivated to make the Chicago Cubs — and get back to World Series As he entered free agency for a fourth time, Michael Conforto wanted to be part of a winning team after getting a taste of it in Los Angeles.

Michael Conforto’s 1st WS title evoked mixed feelings. Eager for another, he's betting on himself with Cubs.

“To achieve that dream but also not be on the roster through the playoffs — super bittersweet, super conflicting feeling. ...But it leaves you hungry." www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/26/c...

‘It leaves you hungry’: Michael Conforto motivated to make the Chicago Cubs — and get back to World Series As he entered free agency for a fourth time, Michael Conforto wanted to be part of a winning team after getting a taste of it in Los Angeles.

‘It leaves you hungry’: Michael Conforto motivated to make the Chicago Cubs, get back to the World Series

Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga participates in media day during spring training at Sloan Park, Feb. 17, 2026, in Mesa, Ariz. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Cubs centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong participates in media day during spring training at Sloan Park, Feb. 17, 2026, in Mesa, Ariz. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman participates in media day during spring training at Sloan Park, Feb. 17, 2026, in Mesa, Ariz. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Cubs pitcher Edward Cabrera participates in media day at spring training at Sloan Park, Feb. 17, 2026, in Mesa, Ariz. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Portraits of Cubs players on photo day at spring training.

📷 @mandophotos.bsky.social

trib.al/MxlDhnE

Shaw called this play part of the learning process in the outfield. Crow-Armstrong couldn't see the fly ball because of the sun and normally it would be his. Shaw said it was a helpful scenario in understanding to always be super aggressive in pursuing a ball in the gap until PCA calls him off.

Matt Shaw can't hold on to fly ball on the run in right-center field that falls & is ruled a double. Little bit of tough play for Shaw as ball was carrying from right to center. Ball hit off his mitt as he went to catch it, looked like he should have made the play

PCA & Shaw had brief chat after it

Mickey Moniak takes Jameson Taillon deep on the first pitch he throws. Baseball underway here in Mesa on a beautiful 83-degree day.

Edward Cabrera will make his first Cubs spring start Friday vs. the Guardians.

Cade Horton will pitch in his first Cactus League action of the spring today while Matthew Boyd gets the start vs. Rockies.

Also slated to pitch for the Cubs today: Phil Maton, Hunter Harvey, Caleb Thielbar, Luke Little and Jack Neely.

After an encouraging update yesterday on Long, he’s not progressed as well today, per Counsell, and will have to make a decision soon on whether he will play in the WBC.

Cubs injury news: IF Tyler Austin underwent surgery yesterday for right patellar tendon debridement and is out for months.

Counsell said Austin’s knee had been bothering him and wasn’t responding well.

LHP Jordan Wicks is dealing with forearm inflammation. No UCL concerns, down for days not weeks

Indiana Bears stadium bill passes House, nears end zone The Indiana bill that outlines a financial structure for a proposed Chicago Bears stadium in Hammond passed the House Tuesday. All that remains for it to become law is final approval by the Senate …

The Indiana bill that outlines a financial structure for a proposed Bears stadium in Hammond has passed the House, bringing it closer to the end zone.

All that remains for it to become law is final approval by the Senate and the signature of Gov. Mike Braun.

Cubs prospect Jonathon Long (left elbow sprain) is feeling better and took some swings today, Counsell said. Soreness is dissipating.

Long was supposed to leave today for Tokyo to join Chinese Taipei for the World Baseball Classic but will now depart Friday to make sure his elbow is close to 100%.

Michael Conforto’s minor-league NRI deal with the Cubs isn’t official yet, but he participated in workouts today. Craig Counsell anticipates him getting into a Cactus League game Saturday or Sunday.

Chicago Cubs getting acquainted with Automated Ball-Strike challenge system, which debuts in MLB this year MLB is implementing the ABS challenge system for the first time in the regular season after testing it during spring training games last year.

The Cubs getting acquainted with Automated Ball-Strike challenge system ahead of its debut in MLB this year.

A look at the ABS’ key rules surrounding challenges, the data behind it and which pitches could benefit from the calibrated strike zone: www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/20/c...

I'm pumped to have @mmontemurro.bsky.social as our first guest on the pod and I hope you'll follow along!

I also promise to be more active here, and here's a clip from the episode:

You can listen to the pod wherever you get your podcasts: linktr.ee/windycitybre...

A few photos from the Cubs spring training at Sloan Park Thursday in Mesa, Ariz.

The Cubs are hopeful Moisés Ballesteros (visa issues) will arrive to camp this weekend. They are expecting to get some clarity today on a specific date.

Less certainty on a time frame for Christian Bethancourt’s visa situation to be resolved.

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 19: (EDITOR'S NOTE: Image was captured using a remote camera positioned above the field of play.) Megan Keller #5 of Team United States scores the game winning goal in overtime against Claire Thompson #42 and Ann-Renee Desbiens #35 of Team Canada to win the gold medal during the Women's Gold Medal match between the United States and Canada on day 13 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 19, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

put it in the Louvre