'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.
2025 Promotions Schedule
MIDLAND, Texas (February 24, 2025) – For the first time since 2018, the RockHounds will start their season at home. Friday, April 4, kicks off the 53rd franchise season, coming off a franchise-best 84 regular season wins. The 2025 promotional calendar is packed with 14 fireworks shows, 15 giveaways, 13
RockHounds Announce 2025 Field Staff
Gregorio Petit is back for his second season as RockHounds manager. Also returning are (hitting coach) Juan Dilone, (athletic trainer) Eric Fasth and (sport performance coach) Jake Kistaitis. New to the club’s field staff are (pitching coach) Javy Guerra, (assistant hitting coach) Gunnar Buhner and (athletic trainer) Rachel Purcell. The
Sports Banquet & Memorabilia Auction Held February 4th
Inaugurated in 1991, the West Texas Sports Banquet & Memorabilia Auction is an event designed to benefit the community through a celebration of sports. The sports banquet has become a tradition and is the centerpiece of the franchise’s community commitment. In addition to keynote speakers, the event includes: - Silent
Cookies & Cocoa with Santa!
The Midland RockHounds, alongside Mission Agape and Family Life Radio bring you ‘Cookies & Cocoa with Santa’. Get ready for our FREE holiday event filled with fun, joy, and a chance to make a difference in our community! We’re excited to invite you out to Momentum Bank Ballpark on Saturday,
RockHounds release 2025 schedule
MIDLAND, Texas (October 9, 2024) – The Midland RockHounds, Double-A Affiliate of the Athletics are excited to reveal their 2025 season schedule, entering their 53rd franchise season. The RockHounds are coming off a historic season, winning an all-time franchise record of 84 games and being crowned the South Division Champions
The RockHounds are back in the Texas league playoffs!
MIDLAND, Texas (September 6, 2024) - With their 4-3 win over Amarillo in game two of Thursday night’s doubleheader, the ‘Hounds eliminated the Sod Poodles from playoff contention, to clinch their berth in the postseason. The RockHounds will meet the Frisco RoughRiders in the best-of-three South Division Championship Series, which
The RockHounds Hosted an Olympic Watch Party of the Century
On Saturday, August 10th, the Midland RockHounds partnered with the City of Midland to host an event of the century at Momentum Bank Ballpark: a watch party of the Olympic Men’s 800-meter Final. Competing in the final was Bryce Hoppel, a Midland native and son of Monty Hoppel, who was
RockHounds to Host Tracy Lawrence at Momentum Bank Ballpark
MIDLAND, Texas (June 3, 2024) – The Midland RockHounds are proud to host Tracy Lawrence live in concert on Saturday, September 28th at Momentum Bank Ballpark. Accompanying Tracy is country music artist Chris Cagle. The stage will be set up in centerfield at Momentum Bank Ballpark, with on-field VIP tables
RockHounds to Host Miranda Lambert as Part of “Music on the Diamond” Concert Series
MIDLAND, Texas (April 22, 2024) – America’s pastime is getting major league star treatment as the RockHounds proudly present three-time GRAMMY Award- winner Miranda Lambert live in concert at Momentum Bank Ballpark. Join us on June 29 as we transform the ballpark into a stage for the most-awarded artist in
Summer Baseball Camp Registration - SOLD OUT
The Midland RockHounds will conduct their 31st annual Baseball Camp from Tuesday, June 4th through Thursday, June 6th, 2024. Each session will focus on fundamentals and instruction of the skills required to be a successful baseball player. Midland RockHounds players and coaches will conduct the camp. Past camps have included
RockHounds Unveil Brand New Copa de la Diversión Identity
MIDLAND, Texas (March 9th, 2024) - The RockHounds today announced a new identity and image for the franchise’s participation in Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión program - - - the Midland Amigos. The new name and image will replace the Matamoscas de Midessa, the nickname used by the
RockHounds Announce Promotions Schedule for 2024
MIDLAND, Texas (February 20th, 2024) - Tuesday, April 9th, kicks off the Midland RockHounds' 52nd franchise season with a packed lineup of promotions coming to Momentum Bank Ballpark. The 69-game schedule features a plethora of theme nights, giveaways, and daily specials that cater to every kind of baseball fan. Fans
2024 Scholarship Application Open
Download Application To qualify for the scholarship: - Applicants must be currently enrolled in a public or private school in Midland, Odessa, or the nearby vicinity and anticipated to receive their high school diploma by the end of the 2024 spring semester. - Applicants should be intending to enroll in
RockHounds Announce 2024 Field Staff
MIDLAND, Texas (February 13, 2024) - The Oakland A’s have announced their minor league field staff assignments for the 2024 season, with Gregorio Petit named as field manager for the RockHounds. Joining Petit on the staff are pitching coach Paul Abbott, hitting coach Juan Dilone, assistant hitting coach Darryl Kennedy,
"Fiesta en el Parque" Event Held March 9th at Momentum Bank Ballpark
The RockHounds have a big announcement to make on Saturday, March 9th, at Momentum Bank Ballpark! Join the team as they celebrate the local Hispanic/Latino community with "Fiesta en el Parque". There will be live music, performers, and vendors on site. Merchandise and free tickets will be raffled off and
RockHounds Announce Headliner for Christian Concert
The RockHounds are proud to announce the headliner for their annual Christian Concert, set for May 18th at Momentum Bank Ballpark. Nashville superstar Anne Wilson makes her way to Midland for a grand night of worship. Tickets go on sale Monday, February 12th. Sponsorships and tables are available now, and
Seasonal Job Fair Set For February 24th at Momentum Bank Ballpark
The RockHounds will be hosting a job fair for the upcoming 2024 season on Saturday, February 24 from 11 AM – 2 PM at Momentum Bank Ballpark. Applicants should enter through the main gate near the ticket windows and into the Diamond Club area to speak with hiring managers for
RockHounds & ConocoPhillips Announce Partnership
The RockHounds are pleased to announce that ConocoPhillips will become the team’s presenting sponsor. The partnership will incorporate ConocoPhillips into virtually all of the team’s branding, marketing and advertising, along with a greater presence in the fan entertainment experience at the ballpark. In becoming the team’s presenting sponsor, ConocoPhillips takes
Sports Banquet & Memorabilia Auction Held February 7th
The West Texas Sports Banquet & Memorabilia Auction was created as a way in which the franchise could give back to the community through a celebration of sports. The event, which started in 1991, has become both a tradition and the centerpiece of the franchise's community commitment. In addition to
Christmas at the Ballpark Event Held on December 16th
The RockHounds are diving into the spirit of Christmas on Saturday, December 16th, as they host their "Christmas at the Ballpark" event. The event runs from 10am-2pm at the Souvenir Store located at Momentum Bank Ballpark. Entry is free and furry four-legged family members are welcome (must be leashed). Create
Blake Glass Awarded Texas League Visiting Clubhouse Manager of the Year
Congratulations to Blake Glass, the incredible Midland RockHounds' Visiting Clubhouse Manager, on winning the prestigious 'Texas League Visiting Clubhouse Attendant' Award! Blake spent his first season with the Midland RockHounds in 2023 as the Visiting Clubhouse Manager. Before coming to the RockHounds, Blake worked five seasons for the Lancaster Barnstormers
Fall Ballpark Links tickets on sale now!
The RockHounds are excited to announce their next fall event: Fall Ballpark Links at Momentum Bank Ballpark. Join us at the ballpark on the evenings of October 27 & 28 for a golf experience unlike anywhere else in Midland. Tee off in one of your private hitting bays underneath the
RockHounds Host the San Antonio Missions September 5-10
The RockHounds have had a thrilling season at Momentum Bank Ballpark, filled with exciting gameplay on the field and memorable promotions and giveaways for the fans...but as the saying goes, all great things must come to an end. The second place 'Hounds host their final homestand of the season this
Scotty McCreery Concert on September 16th at Momentum Bank Ballpark
The annual RockHounds Country Concert series continues with American Idol star Scotty McCreery taking center stage. The concert date is quickly approaching, set for Saturday, September 16th with gates opening at 6:15PM for a 7:00PM start. The performance is made possible thanks to ConocoPhillips, Oxy, and Pioneer Natural Resources, and
RockHounds Announce 2024 Schedule
The RockHounds are excited to release their schedule for 2024, with the season beginning on April 5th and running through September 15th. The 'Hounds start and end on the road, with plenty of action-packed homestands scheduled between. Their first homestand will run from April 9th - 14th against their rivals,