5 Cubs you've never heard of having good springs
You’ve probably heard Nico Hoerner got off to a hot start offensively this spring as he competes for the Cubs’ starting second base job.You’ve also probably heard outfielder Joc Pederson is impressing early in his Cubs tenure, with five home runs in his first 17 at-bats in the blue pinstripes.Hoerner and Pederson are expected to be key fixtures in the Cubs lineup this season. But as they make headlines for their impressive starts this spring, a collection of under-the-radar Cubs have also stood out through the club’s first week and a half of Cactus League action.Who are those Cubs? Glad you asked. Let’s take a look at those in camp who may be long shots to make the Opening Day roster, but have had some impressive performances early on, nonetheless.
Hermosillo has two hits in eight at-bats this spring and he made both count. The 26-year-old outfielder hit home runs on back-to-back days, March 3 vs. the Mariners and March 4 vs. the Dodgers.
Hermosillo, a non-roster invitee this spring, has an uphill climb to break camp with the Cubs. But he could serve as outfield depth at the club’s alternate site and Triple-A this season.
Earlier this month, Ross highlighted Hermosillo’s “raw athleticism.” The Ottawa, Ill. native once was a University of Illinois football commit.
Ortega is 5-for-16 so far this spring, and his best work to date has come in his past two games.
Tuesday, the 29-year-old hit a walk-off grand slam in a seven-inning game against Oakland. He followed that up with a 2-for-3 showing on Wednesday, adding an eighth RBI to his stat line.
Ortega, another non-roster invitee, has 143 games of big league experience under his belt with four teams. Like Hermosillo, he could offer the Cubs outfield depth in Triple-A this season.
Biagini joined the Cubs on a minor-league deal this past December, and the non-roster invitee has put together three shutout outings this spring.
The 30-year-old right-hander hasn't allowed a hit in three innings, walking two while striking out three.
Biagini has 221 career appearances under his belt, including 63 between Toronto and Houston in 2019. The Cubs have a long list of relief options for the Opening Day roster, but he could offer depth this season down in the minors.
Alright, maybe you've heard of this guy. Miller is another non-roster player in camp on a minor-league deal, and the former All-Star said recently he's 100-percent healthy after a few seasons shortened by injury.
Miller has impressed this spring, allowing two runs in five innings while making a start. Because of his roster status, it may be easier to have him begin the season in Triple-A. He could then stay stretched out and join the Cubs when they need a starter.
That said, Miller has relief experience, and Ross said last week he could be a swingman option for the big-league pitching staff. He's well in the mix for a spot on the Opening Day roster.
Megill originally joined the Cubs in the 2019 Rule 5 Draft. He's in camp as a non-roster player this spring and has made four scoreless appearances.
In four innings, the 6-foot-8 right-hander has allowed just one hit and a walk while striking out six.
Megill, 27, hasn't made his big-league debut but has a 3.38 ERA in 102 minor league appearances. Like Biagini, he could make his way to Wrigley Field at some point this season.
You may remember Brothers, 33, from his brief stint with the Cubs last season. He made three appearances, allowing three runs in 3 1/3 innings before being sent to the alternate site. The club recalled him for another short stint in September.
It might seem strange to call a veteran of eight major league seasons with 317 career appearances a long shot. But Brothers has only pitched in 31 games since 2017 (7.67 ERA) and has struggled with his command at times.
Two factors that are going to give Brothers, a non-roster player, a chance to beat the odds are he’s one of the rare lefties in camp, and the Cubs plan to carry nine relievers on the Opening Day roster.
