'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.
Second Annual Sounds Scramble Set for May 12
NASHVILLE – The Nashville Sounds are excited to announce that the 2nd annual Sounds Scramble Charity Golf Tournament will take place Monday, May 12 at Hermitage Golf Course. Participants will have the opportunity to play alongside Nashville Sounds players and coaches, and all the funds raised will support the Nashville
Cosmic Takeover Tour Announces Second Game in Nashville
NASHVILLE – The Tri-City Chili Peppers and Cosmic Baseball has announced that a second game of the inaugural Cosmic Takeover Tour will be coming to Nashville during the 2025 season. Due to overwhelming demand and fan support, the viral experience will now play back-to-back nights at First Horizon Park on
Single-Game Tickets and Promo Schedule Released
NASHVILLE – The Nashville Sounds are excited to announce that all single-game tickets for the 2025 season are now on sale. Celebrating 10 years at First Horizon Park, the full promotional schedule combines the rich history of baseball in Middle Tennessee and stays true to the Music City roots that
Nashville Sounds Announce 2025 Field Staff
NASHVILLE – The Nashville Sounds, in conjunction with the Milwaukee Brewers, are excited to announce the on-field staff for the 2025 season. Rick Sweet is at the helm of Nashville’s coaching staff for the fifth consecutive season (sixth season overall) and his 12th as a manager in the Brewers’ organization.
Sounds Foundation Scholarship Application Now Open
NASHVILLE – The Nashville Sounds Foundation has opened its scholarship application for the 2025 season. Since its inception in 2016, more than $90,000 in scholarships have been awarded to outstanding high school seniors from Middle Tennessee pursuing higher education at a four-year college or university. Applications must be submitted by
Sound Check Fan Fest Returns for 2025
NASHVILLE – Today, the Nashville Sounds are excited to announce that Sound Check Fan Fest will return on Saturday, February 1, from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Tailgate HQ. This free event will get fans excited for the 2025 season and features meet and greet opportunities with Sounds players,
Sounds Announce Group Outings for 2025 Season on Sale Today
NASHVILLE – The Nashville Sounds announced today its group and premium hospitality areas for the 2025 season are now on sale. The Sounds host the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, affiliate of the Miami Marlins, on Opening Day at First Horizon Park on Friday, March 28 at 6:35 p.m. Group areas at
Booster's Buddies, Silver Sounds Fan Clubs for 2025 on Sale Today
NASHVILLE – The Nashville Sounds Baseball Club announced the return of Booster’s Buddies presented by First Horizon and Silver Sounds presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee for the 2025 season. Children (ages 12 and under) can join Booster’s Buddies and seniors (ages 55 and over) can join the
Sounds Unveil Military Ticket Pack
NASHVILLE – The Nashville Sounds have announced the Military Ticket Pack, a five-game ticket package that is a 50% discount on day of game price available for active duty and veterans. Military members can purchase tickets to five 2025 game dates (March 28, May 25, July 3, August 31 and
Sounds Announce Holiday Bundle on Sale Now
NASHVILLE – The Nashville Sounds have announced the 2024 holiday bundle is on sale now. The bundle includes 10 ticket vouchers to a 2025 home game (Corner and Select section seats) and a ’47 Brand Vintage Navy Flagship Plate Logo MVP Hat. The two bundle options include 10 Corner Section
Sounds Announce Game Times for 2025 Season
NASHVILLE – In conjunction with Minor League Baseball, The Nashville Sounds have announced all game times for the 150-game 2025 season. The 47th season of Sounds baseball begins on Friday, March 28 when the Sounds host the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, affiliate of the Miami Marlins, at 6:35 p.m. The home
Nashville Sounds Honored with Minor League Baseball's Driving Diversity Award
Charlotte, N.C. – The Nashville Sounds Baseball Club has been presented the Driving Diversity Award by Minor League Baseball (MiLB). The announcement was made Tuesday at the Minor League Baseball Business Summit at The Westin Charlotte and was accepted by Sounds General Manager/COO Adam English. The award recognizes the Sounds
Chad Patrick Named International League Pitcher of the Year
NASHVILLE – Minor League Baseball announced today that Chad Patrick has been named International League Pitcher of the Year as part of the 2024 Triple-A All-Star Teams and League Awards. The individual award winners were determined in a vote by club managers. Patrick led all of Triple-A with a 2.90
From Hit City to the Big Stage: Former Sounds in the MLB Postseason
NASHVILLE - After eight Nashville Sounds made their MLB debuts this season, a host of former Sounds will battle for the World Series. See which players who got their start in Hit City get their shot on baseball's biggest stage this October.
Craig Yoho Named Brewers Minor League Pitcher of the Year
MILWAUKEE – Craig Yoho has been named a 2024 Milwaukee Brewers Robin Yount Performance Award recipient, given to the Brewers Minor League Players and Pitchers of the Year. The right-hander was announced as the Co-Pitcher of the Year, sharing the award with Double-A Biloxi hurler K.C. Hunt. In his first
Sounds Trounce Tides in Season Finale
Norfolk, Va. –The Nashville Sounds (78-68, 40-31) ended the season on a high-note and buried the Norfolk Tides (69-81, 33-42), 12-3, on Sunday afternoon at Harbor Park. The offense exploded for four home runs and 16 total hits. With both offenses quiet into the fourth inning, the Sounds were the
Sounds Best Tides, Patrick Picks Up 14th Win
Norfolk, Va. – Continuing where they left off last night, the Nashville Sounds (77-68, 39-31) won the penultimate game of the season, 6-1, over the Norfolk Tides (69-80, 33-41) on Saturday night at Harbor Park. Chad Patrick (14-1) needed a win to make a little history, and he once again
Sounds Get Back in Win Column, Take Down Tides
Norfolk, Va. – After dropping several heart-breaking losses to start the final series of the season, the Nashville Sounds (76-68, 38-31) held off the Norfolk Tides (69-79, 33-40), 5-3, on Friday night at Harbor Park. Though Norfolk struck first with a run in the first, a big third inning helped
Sounds Stumble Late in Loss to Tides
Norfolk, Va. – Despite another steady outing from Carlos Rodriguez, the Nashville Sounds (75-68, 37-31) lead dissipated in the late innings and fell to the Norfolk Tides (69-78, 33-39), 8-4, on Thursday afternoon at Harbor Park. Down 1-0 in the fourth inning, Christian Arroyo and Wes Clarke doubled to even
Sounds Swept by Tides in Doubleheader
NORFOLK, Va. – The Nashville Sounds started their final series of the season with a pair of heartbreaking defeats, getting walked off by the Norfolk Tides in both ends of a doubleheader on Wednesday night at Harbor Park. They dropped the first game, 2-1, and lost in extra innings, 8-7,
Sounds and Tides Postponed Due to Rain
Norfolk, Va. – The Nashville Sounds and Norfolk Tides’ scheduled series opener for Tuesday, September 17 at Harbor Park has been postponed due to rain. It will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Wednesday, September 18 beginning at 4:35 p.m. CDT (5:35 p.m. local time). Both games
First Horizon Park to Host Cosmic Takeover Tour in 2025
NASHVILLE – Cosmic Baseball, the viral sensation that captivated the sports world over the summer of 2024, is coming to First Horizon Park and Nashville during the 2025 season. Nashville serves as one of the stops on the inaugural Cosmic Takeover Tour that will be traveling to multiple cities across
Hicklen Delivers Walk-Off in Extras, Sounds Take Home Finale Over Memphis
NASHVILLE – After being named one of the two Nashville Sounds MVPs for this season before the game, Brewer Hicklen got it done with a walk-off single in the 10th inning to give the Nashville Sounds (75-65, 37-28) a 2-1 win over the Memphis Redbirds (70-72, 32-35) on Sunday night
Sounds Doubleheader with Memphis Canceled Due to Inclement Weather
NASHVILLE – The Nashville Sounds and Memphis Redbirds’ scheduled doubleheader for Saturday, September 14 has been canceled due to inclement weather. The games will not be made up. Fans with a ticket to Saturday’s games can exchange it for tomorrow’s 6:05 p.m. contest or any March-April 2025 Nashville Sounds game
Vihuelas Rally, Cap Off Triumph with Capra's Walk-Off Single
NASHVILLE – Vinny Capra came through in the clutch, knocking a walk-off, two-out single into center field that gave the Vihuelas de Nashville (74-65, 36-28) a 5-4 win over the Memphis Música (70-71, 32-34) on Friday night at First Horizon Park. After surrendering the lead in the eighth, Nashville needed