'Hungry' Alcántara hoping to pounce on big league prey in '25
MESA, Ariz. -- The thing about jaguars is, you don’t want to see one when it’s hungry. So when Cubs legend Sammy Sosa spoke to the organization’s No. 6 prospect per MLB Pipeline -- and the No. 89 prospect overall -- the former slugger gave him some apt advice. “His
MESA, Ariz. -- The thing about jaguars is, you don’t want to see one when it’s hungry.
So when Cubs legend Sammy Sosa spoke to the organization’s No. 6 prospect per MLB Pipeline -- and the No. 89 prospect overall -- the former slugger gave him some apt advice.
“His advice for me for hitting,” said Kevin Alcántara, a man they call The Jaguar, “was to stay hungry.”
And stay hungry he did in Saturday night’s 8-3 victory for the Cubs’ top prospects over their counterparts from the Angels in a Spring Breakout showdown at Sloan Park.
Alcántara, wearing a glove in center field that sported a jaguar print to go along with a jaguar-print belt and jaguar-themed headband beneath his cap, demonstrated why the Cubs are envisioning big things ahead for him when he homered in the first inning and then singled in the sixth.
The home run was a two-run shot over the left-center field wall off the Angels’ top pitching prospect, Caden Dana. Alcántara, who stands 6-foot-6, has a naturally long swing that produces high exit velocities. But on this pitch -- a fastball off the plate inside -- he brought his hands in and muscled the ball over the fence.
Therein lies one of the reasons he’s called “The Jaguar” -- the power. Combine that with his speed on the basepaths and intuition in center field, and there you have it.
While Alcántara has yet to truly tap into his power at the plate -- he’s never produced more than 15 home runs in a single Minor League season -- the 22-year-old knows it’s in there, and that’s it’s only a matter of time before it starts appearing more frequently.
“I know I have power,” Alcántara said. “It’s just that you have to control your moves in the box. Because I’m a tall guy. Sometimes it’s difficult for tall guys to hit the ball because sometimes the pitcher likes to throw the ball down. So you need to figure it out with that.
“But now I’m feeling I’m controlling my body. Sometimes you miss because it’s normal, but you want to [have] consistency every single day.”
If Alcántara begins to consistently do what he did on Saturday, there will be a lot of pitchers who experience the specter of a hungry jaguar ready to pounce from 60 feet, 6 inches away.
Kevin Alcántara makes a young fan's day by giving out his batting gloves 🥹 pic.twitter.com/wXvJNrUjqz
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 16, 2025
Alcántara said that the key to his homer was staying behind the ball, an element of the body control he mentioned. He said he’s in a good place at the plate, as evidenced by his .280 batting average and three doubles in Cactus League play.
“I continue working,” he said, “so I can have my chance to stay in the big leagues.”
Alcántara made his MLB debut for Chicago on Sept. 25 of last season, going 1-for-10 with a single. Now he’s striving for a callup from which he doesn't return.
To that end, another area in which he’s diligently working is defense in center field. Already a quality outfielder, thanks in part to his instincts when chasing his prey, Alcántara has tremendous potential defensively.
“I’m going to improve my first step,” he said. “I keep working because I know I can be an elite outfielder in the future.”
Beyond his hitting, running and defense, there’s the evident joy with which Alcántara plies his craft.
It’s not really even a craft, if you ask him.
“I enjoy the game with my guys,” he said. “The first thing is to stay happy every single game. Because it’s a game. It’s not a job. It’s a game.”
It’s a game, and games are supposed to be fun. Alcántara brings fun both with his play and with his style.
Once his drive left the ballpark on Saturday, Alcántara made his way around the bases and before reaching home plate, he flashed the “Jaguar claw.”
His nickname was born when Alcántara was with Single-A Myrtle Beach in 2022. At first, “The Panther” was on the table for consideration.
But that didn’t work.
“I was trying to find a nickname for me,” Alcántara said. “Sometimes you see a panther, but the Black Panther is the guy in the movie. I wanted an authentic nickname. I’m trying to make my mark.”
Alcántara certainly made his mark in Spring Breakout. And if his determination to turn his raw ability into stardom in the Majors is any indication, he could be making his mark for years to come.
Delmarva Shorebirds Announce 2025 Promotional Schedule!
Get ready for Shorebirds baseball season this year as the Shorebirds Promotional Schedule & Individual Game Tickets for the 2025 season are NOW AVAILABLE! Don't miss out on the chance to witness all the excitement, thrill, and unforgettable moments as the Shorebirds battle it out at Perdue Stadium this season.
Spring Breakout: The Future of The Game on Display
Spring training is well underway and baseball is finally here. While spring training is a chance to see new roster additions, possible starting lineups, and our favorite familiar stars, Major League Baseball (MLB) is bringing back year two of its new Sping Breakout! In 2024, the MLB launched a new
Shorebirds 2025 Hot Stove Raises over $13,500 for Fly Together Fund!
Even though the Shorebirds’ April 8 home opener against the Fayetteville Woodpeckers is about a month away, longtime season ticket holder Vicki Parks is already counting down the days. And her countdown began with the team’s annual Hot Stove Banquet on Jan. 30 at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center.
Delmarva Shorebirds Announce Renovations to Arthur W. Perdue Stadium
SALISBURY, Md. -- The Delmarva Shorebirds, in conjunction with the Maryland Stadium Authority and Wicomico County, are excited to announce renovations to Arthur W. Perdue Stadium ahead of the 2025 season of Shorebirds baseball. The project includes a new 9,000 sq ft indoor performance center, along with renovations to clubhouses,
Shorebirds Announce Wild Ponies Identity in tribute to Delmarva Attraction
Salisbury, Md. - The Delmarva Shorebirds will take the field on Saturday, May 17 as the Delmarva Wild Ponies in a special identity that pays tribute to the historic Wild Ponies that inhabit Assateague Island. As part of this special identity, the Wild Ponies brand will feature on-field jerseys and
Shorebirds Introduce New Sherman Logo for 2025 Season!
Salisbury, MD -- A staple of any Delmarva Shorebirds game is our beloved mascot, Sherman the Shorebird. From his orange fluffy fur, colorful hair, and that great, big yellow beak, Sherman is one of the backbones of the Delmarva Shorebirds and creating lifelong memories at Perdue Stadium each and every
Delmarva Sports Network to Broadcast Expanded Delmarva Shorebirds Schedule Live
Salisbury, Md. – The Delmarva Sports Network (DSN) and the Delmarva Shorebirds are excited to announce the continuation and growth of their groundbreaking partnership. In 2025, fans will have the opportunity to watch 25 thrilling Shorebirds games broadcast live on free over-the-air television—a significant expansion from last year’s schedule of
Delmarva Shorebirds Field Staff Announced for 2025 Season!
The Delmarva Shorebirds, in conjunction with the Baltimore Orioles, are thrilled to announce the coaching staff for the upcoming 2025 season of Shorebirds baseball. Returning to the Shorebirds in his second season as skipper is former Shorebirds infielder Collin Woody who is joined by Casey Day, Christian Poulsen, Luis Silverio,
Shorebirds 2024 Season Recap
The 2024 season was a year of development for the Delmarva Shorebirds featuring a young team, specifically on the position player side, that endured their struggles in the early season. The team fought through a tough April where they finished 3-18, but began to find their way in May. In
Baltimore Orioles Manager Brandon Hyde Highlights 2025 Shorebirds Hot Stove Banquet
SALISBURY, MD – Baltimore Orioles Manager Brandon Hyde will serve as the featured guest at the Delmarva Shorebirds’ 22nd annual Hot Stove Banquet presented by Carey Distributors, Delmarva Sports Network (DSN), Gilbane Building Company, Sharp Water Culligan, and TidalHealth Home Care. The event will be held at the Wicomico Youth
Sherman and the Shorebirds 2024 Christmas Parade Schedule
Get ready for some holiday magic, Delmarva! Our Shorebirds are gearing up to spread some joy at the upcoming Christmas parades, and guess who’s joining the festive fun? That’s right, our beloved mascot Sherman! Mark your calendars for these merry dates: - Dec. 2 – Pocomoke (Starts @ 7 PM)
Shorebirds & Preston Automotive Group Raise over $4,900 in Funds and Toys Through Flock for a Cure
SALISBURY, MD – On August 3rd, 2024, the Delmarva Shorebirds and Preston Automotive Group were proud to team up for Flock for a Cure night at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. The main mission of the night was to support and raise awareness for those affected by cancer. Shorebirds players wore
Shorebirds in the Spotlight: 2024 Silver Slugger Finalists Make Their Mark
As the 2024 MLB season has come to a close, the spotlight shines on some of the game's top offensive talents. With the announcement of the Silver Slugger Award finalists, this prestigious honor recognizes the best hitters at each position in both the American and National Leagues, celebrating players who
Delmarva Shorebirds Alum Highlighted as Gold Glove Finalists
Salisbury, MD: On October 15, 2024, Major League Baseball (MLB) announced the finalists for this year’s Rawling’s Gold Glove Award winners. Among the finalists were former Shorebirds and current Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle and Left Fielder Colton Cowser. In addition, former Shorebird and current Arizona Diamondbacks First Baseman
Delmarva Hits Three Home Runs in Regular Season Finale
Shorebirds Finish 2024 Season with Win Over Mudcats Delmarva Hits Three Home Runs in Regular Season Finale ZEBULON, NC: The Delmarva Shorebirds (53-78, 30-36) ended the 2024 regular season with a 9-3 victory over the Carolina Mudcats (78-51, 37-27). After a scoreless first two innings, the Shorebirds struck with a
Mudcats Use Big Innings to Run Away from Shorebirds
Carolina Handily Defeats Delmarva on Saturday Night Mudcats Use Big Innings to Run Away from Shorebirds ZEBULON, NC: The Delmarva Shorebirds (52-78, 29-36) were defeated by the Carolina Mudcats (78-50, 39-25) on Saturday by a final of 18-4. The Shorebirds faced a sizeable deficit early as the Mudcats scored six
Cravey, Cartaya, and Glassey Combine to Blank Mudcats
Shorebirds Even Series with Shutout Victory Cravey, Cartaya, and Glassey Combine to Blank Mudcats ZEBULON, NC: The Delmarva Shorebirds (52-77, 29-35) completed their ninth shutout victory of the season on Friday as they blanked the Carolina Mudcats (77-50, 36-26) by a final score of 3-0. After a scoreless first three
Rodriguez & Tuft Each Drive Home Three Runs to Pace Delmarva
Shorebirds Offense Explodes for 12 Runs in Victory Over the Mudcats Rodriguez & Tuft Each Drive Home Three Runs to Pace Delmarva ZEBULON, NC: The Delmarva Shorebirds (51-77, 28-35) secured their first win at Five County Stadium against the Carolina Mudcats (77-49, 36-25) on Thursday by a final of 12-6.
Carolina Wins First Two Games Against Delmarva
Shorebirds Blanked by Mudcats on Wednesday Night Carolina Wins First Two Games Against Delmarva ZEBULON, NC: The Delmarva Shorebirds (50-77, 27-35) suffered their second-straight loss to the Carolina Mudcats (77-48, 36-24) on Wednesday as they were defeated 4-0. The Mudcats grabbed a first-inning lead for the second night in a
Shorebirds Unable to Overcome Seven-First Inning by Mudcats
Carolina Top Delmarva in Series Opener Shorebirds Unable to Overcome Seven-First Inning by Mudcats ZEBULON, NC: The Delmarva Shorebirds (50-76, 27-34) were defeated by the Carolina Mudcats (76-48, 35-24) on Tuesday night by a final of 11-3. The Shorebirds faced a sizeable deficit early as the Mudcats scored seven runs
Delmarva Falls One Run Short in Home Finale
Red Sox Edge Shorebirds in Series Finale Delmarva Falls One Run Short in Home Finale SALISBURY, MD: The Delmarva Shorebirds (50-75, 27-33) fell to the Salem Red Sox (67-59, 33-27) on Sunday afternoon by a final of 6-5. The Red Sox grabbed an early lead in the first thanks to
Shorebirds Release Promotional Schedule & Single-Game Tickets for 2024 Season!
Get ready for the Shorebirds baseball season this year as the Shorebirds Promotional Schedule & Individual Game Tickets for the 2024 season are NOW AVAILABLE! Don't miss out on the chance to witness all the excitement, thrill, and unforgettable moments as the Shorebirds battle it out at Perdue Stadium this
Shorebirds Announce Daily Promotions for 2024 Season!
The Delmarva Shorebirds are excited to announce the Daily Promotions for the 2024 season of Shorebirds baseball! This season features the return of fan-favorites while having something for the whole family at each Shorebirds game! The Shorebirds 2024 Daily Promotion Lineup includes: - Tuesday: Valvoline Instant Oil Change Merchandise Book