While winter lingers, spring has unofficially begun for the Cubs in Arizona.
The team’s pitchers and catchers arrived in Mesa for Spring Training on Sunday, making them the first Major League club to report—two days ahead of the rest. Meanwhile, the White Sox will start their training in Glendale, Arizona, on Wednesday.
Although their arrival didn’t overshadow Super Bowl Sunday, the Cubs still got back to business with an official workout session.
Following major offseason acquisitions of Kyle Tucker and Ryan Pressly, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer remained tight-lipped about potential interest in free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, another former Houston Astro.
“We’re focused on the players in camp right now,” Hoyer said. “Off-seasons have been shifting later, whether it’s waiver claims, trades, or free agent signings. But as of February 9, our priority is the guys here. We believe we’re in a competitive window and improving each year, putting us in a position to be really good.”
This early start to Spring Training is due to the Cubs’ upcoming trip to Japan, where they will open the season in just five weeks.
“We put in some extra work before arriving, and now it’s about staying on schedule and making sure everyone is ready to pitch,” said Cubs Manager Craig Counsell.
One player certain to receive a warm welcome in Japan is Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga. The Japanese star will return to his home country as the Cubs face the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers in Tokyo on March 18 and 19.
The Cubs’ first full-squad workout is set for Friday, Valentine’s Day—a fitting occasion for the return of baseball.
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