'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.
FredNats Announce 2025 Promotional Schedule and Single-Game Tickets
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - The Fredericksburg Nationals are thrilled to announce the jam-packed 2025 promotional schedule, bringing unique and special experiences each night at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. The top entertainment destination in the greater Fredericksburg area is getting even better with a record number of giveaways (19), firework shows (19)
FredNats Unveil New Frogs Alternate Identity In Special Announcement
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - The Fredericksburg Nationals, in partnership with the Fredericksburg Area Museum, Germanna Community College, and Dovetail Cultural Resource Group/Mead & Hunt – are proud to announce a new alternate uniform identity honoring the rich history of African American involvement in baseball in the Fredericksburg region.
Honoring Black Baseball History in Fredericksburg – FredNats and Partners to Reveal “Hoppy” New Uniforms on February 27th
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - The Fredericksburg Nationals in partnership with the Fredericksburg Area Museum, Germanna Community College, and Dovetail Cultural Resource Group/Mead & Hunt – are proud to announce an upcoming event honoring the rich history of African American involvement in baseball in the Fredericksburg region. It is an expansion of
Nationals Announce 2025 FredNats Coaching Staff
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - The Washington Nationals have announced the 2025 FredNat coaching staff, with Billy McMillon taking over as the third Manager in franchise history in Fredericksburg's fifth year of affiliation with Washington. Pitching Coach Justin Lord, Hitting Coach Mike Habas and Athletic Trainer Jacob Meyer all return from the
FredNats Holiday Bundles Are Available Now
Fredericksburg, VA- We have just the gift to kick off your holiday shopping: a FredNats holiday bundle! Give the gift of FredNats baseball with 10 ticket vouchers* and a FredNats hat!
UVA and Maryland Baseball Set to Clash at VACU Stadium
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - Former ACC rivals Virginia and Maryland have scheduled a non-conference matchup at Fredericksburg's Virginia Credit Union Stadium on Tuesday, March 11th at 5:35 p.m. This marks the first time VACU Stadium will host a collegiate baseball game.
FredNats Announce 2025 Home Game Times
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - Following the 2024 Carolina League championship season, the Fredericksburg Nationals announce 2025 home game times with several changes from previous seasons.
Book Your Group During the Month of November for the Opportunity to Win a Prize
Fredericksburg, VA- Introducing Fredsgiving! For the first time ever, the FredNats are offering a special month-long promotion during November for group outings. Any group that books an outing or hospitality area during the month will be entered to win a prize!
Taylor and Krick Earn MiLB Awards
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - Following the 2024 Carolina League Championship season on the field for the FredNats, members of the front office staff are being recognized as Major League Baseball announced its Groundskeeper and Clubhouse Manager of the Year awards for each Minor League circuit.
Renew Your Ticket Plan for 2025
Fredericksburg, VA- Claim your seats for 2025! Renew your ticket plan and be back at Virginia Credit Union Stadium to see the reigning Carolina League Champions all season long.
Fifth Annual Fall Fest Set For Friday, October 25th
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - Don't miss the fifth annual FredNats Fall Fest at Virginia Credit Union Stadium! Bring the whole family for an evening of fun on Friday, October 25th!
Sykora Named First Team All-MiLB Prospect for 2024
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - After leading the FredNats to their first Carolina League championship in Fredericksburg, Minor League Baseball and MLB Pipeline have named FredNat starting pitcher Travis Sykora to the First Team All-MiLB Prospect Team. Sykora adds to an impressive list of accolades in his first professional season, which included
FredNats have to play two to win first crown since move
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. -- The Nationals' Single-A affiliate has a new entry in its history book. Fredericksburg took home its first Carolina League title since relocating from Potomac in 2020. After rain postponed Game 2 on Tuesday, the FredNats hosted Kannapolis in a seven-inning doubleheader for the championship on Wednesday. After
FREDNATS WIN CAROLINA LEAGUE
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - After dropping game two of the series as part of a doubleheader, the Fredericksburg Nationals won game three to become Carolina League Champions in 2024. After a rainout, games two and three of the Championship Series were played as a doubleheader. Game two (game one of the
Sykora Wins Carolina League Pitcher of the Year
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - FredNat starting pitcher Travis Sykora has been named the Carolina League's Pitcher of the Year in 2024, Minor League Baseball announced today. Sykora and the FredNats aim to finish off the campaign with the first league championship in Fredericksburg franchise history tonight.
FredNats and Cannon Ballers Postponed in Game Two
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - Game two of tonight's Carolina League Championship Series between Fredericksburg and Kannapolis has been postponed due to weather. The two teams will play a potential doubleheader tomorrow with game one beginning at 5:05 p.m. Both games will be seven innings. If Fredericksburg wins the first game, they
FXBG Triumps in Game One over Kannapolis
KANNAPOLIS, NC - The FredNats secured a thrilling game one of the Carolina League Championship Series, taking down the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers 6-4. After both starters worked 1-2-3 in the first inning, the FredNats struck in the top of the second. Kevin Bazzell smacked a leadoff single, moved to second
FredNats Sweep Mudcats, Punch Ticket to Championship
ZEBULON, NC - The FredNats punched their ticket to the Carolina League Championship Series with a 5-2 win over the Carolina Mudcats. FXBG awaits the winner of the Kannapolis-Charleston series. Seaver King staked the Nats to an early lead, with his RBI groundout in the top of the first inning
Nats Score Four Unanswered to Secure Game One
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - The Nationals scored four unanswered runs to take down Carolina 7-6, in game one of the North divisional series. Fredericksburg is now one win away from the championship series. FXBG jumped on Carolina starter Daniel Corniel; Brenner Cox led off the first inning with a single, and
FredNats Close Regular Season in Winning Fashion
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - The FredNats wrapped up their 2024 regular season with a 7-2 win over the Lynchburg Hillcats. FXBG finishes the year 39-26 (74-57), and Lynchburg ends at 30-33 (67-62). The Nats manufactured a run in the home half of the third inning. Kelvin Diaz singled, stole second base,
Lynchburg Nabs Second Straight Win
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - Lynchburg picked up their second win of the week, handing the FredNats a 5-1 defeat. FXBG is now 38-26 (73-57), and Lynchburg is 30-32 (67-61). The Hillcats grabbed an early lead with a couple of RBI singles in the top of the second inning, but Nate Ochoa
Hillcats Take Down Nats
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - The Nats grabbed another early lead, but this one didn’t last as the Hillcats picked up their first win of the week, 9-5. FXBG is now 38-25 (73-56), and the ‘Cats are 29-32 (66-61). Kevin Bazzell and Sam Petersen each delivered RBI singles in the first inning
FredNats Win the North, Clinch Playoffs
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - The Nats retired the final twenty Lynchburg hitters of the game, to wrap up a 4-1 win. FXBG is 38-24 (73-55) while the Hillcats are 28-32 (65-61). The win, combined with a Salem loss, meant that Fredericksburg secured a second half playoff spot. Caleb Lomavita got the
Sykora Wins Carolina League August Pitcher of the Month
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - FredNat starting pitcher Travis Sykora has been named the Carolina League's Pitcher of the Month for August, Minor League Baseball announced today. Sykora is the second straight FredNat hurler to win Pitcher of the Month after Marc Davis won the honor for July.
Nats Inch Closer to Playoff Berth with 4-1 Win
FREDERICKSBURG, VA - Neither pitching staff allowed an earned run, but the Freddies came away with a 4-1 victory. FXBG is now 37-24 (72-55), and the Hillcats are 28-31 (65-60). The Nationals broke through with a run in the bottom of the third inning. Nate Ochoa and Cristhian Vaquero each