'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.
14 Trash Pandas, plus broadcaster Josh Caray preparing for Angels Spring Break out game against Cubs on Saturday
Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball announced on MLB Network the Los Angeles Angels roster for the 2nd annual Spring Breakout, with 14 Rocket City Trash Pandas named to the roster. The Angels’ top prospects will compete on Saturday, March 15 at 8:05 pm CT against the top prospects
Trash Pandas partner with Angels to launch "Trash Panda For a Day Program"
MADISON, Ala. — The Trash Panda For a Day program is launching this season in partnership with the LA Angels and with an exciting initiative to support youth in the community. Each month, one elementary or middle school student will have the opportunity to spend a day with the Trash
Harris to join Trash Pandas Broadcast Team for 2025
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are pleased to announce the addition of Southern League veteran Chris Harris to its broadcast booth. The two-time winner of the Southern League’s Broadcaster of the Year will partner with Director of Broadcasting Josh Caray for the 2025 season. “I am thrilled
Trash Pandas Announce 2025 Coaching Staff
MADISON, Alabama — In conjunction with the Los Angeles Angels, the Rocket City Trash Pandas today unveiled the 2025 on-field coaching staff, led by returning Manager Andy Schatzley. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to return to the Trash Pandas and be a part of best-run affiliate in Minor League
Tickets on sale now for the 2025 Meet the Team Dinner on April 1
MADISON, Ala. — Exciting news! You can now grab your chance to meet the 2025 Rocket City Trash Pandas before Opening Night. Tickets for the 2025 Meet the Team Dinner are officially on sale! The annual dinner will take place at Toyota Field on Tuesday, April 1, from 5:30-7:30 pm.
Adjusted Game Times, Dates Announced for Rocket City Softball Showcase
MADISON, Alabama — With temperatures plunging in North Alabama, Rocket City Softball Showcase event officials have announced additional changes to the event schedule. Mississippi and North Alabama will begin the three-day slate at Toyota Field beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 21st. The Auburn Tigers will make their Showcase
Trash Pandas Announce 2025 Weekly Promotions
MADISON, Ala. — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are over the moon to introduce new additions and bring back fan-favorite weekly promotions for the fifth season of baseball at Toyota Field. TUESDAYS – LADIES NIGHTS Each six-game series starts with Ladies Night on Tuesdays! Women in attendance can enter to
Schedule Change for UNA vs. Army College Baseball This Weekend at Toyota Field
Due to the projected weather forecast, the three-game series between the North Alabama Lions and the Army Black Knights has been adjusted from its original schedule. The schools will now play two nine-inning contests on Friday, February 14th, beginning at 2 p.m. The second game will start approximately 45 minutes
2025 Specialty Jersey Fundraisers, Supply Drives, & Community Initiatives
MADISON, Ala. — The Rocket City Trash Pandas will host seven specialty jersey fundraisers, four donation drives, and additional community outreach nights to benefit local non-profit organizations during the 2025 season at Toyota Field. “Specialty Jersey nights combine community outreach and in-game entertainment,” said Trash Pandas Executive Vice President Lindsey
Trash Pandas Celebrate Fifth Season with Bobbleheads, Giveaways, and Special Guests
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas promotional calendar features a record number of dates, including promotional giveaways at the Pepsi Gates and special meet-and-greet opportunities during games. “At Trash Pandas HQ, we know our fans are the real MVPs!” yelled Trash Pandas Director of Marketing and Promotions Ricky
Nine 2024 Trash Pandas earn non-roster invites to 2025 Angels Spring Training
MADISON, Alabama – On Tuesday evening, the Los Angeles Angels announced that 26 non-roster players, including nine 2024 Rocket City Trash Pandas, were invited to 2025 Spring Training in Tempe, AZ. Angels' top position player prospect Christian Moore headlines the group after hitting .322 with five home runs in his
Trash Pandas ignite Hometown Throwdown Series in 2025
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to announce a special series of nights dedicated to celebrating local communities around North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley in 2025. The Hometown Throwdown Series, presented by Redstone Federal Credit Union, is set to ignite community pride and support throughout
Trash Pandas to host National Anthem Auditions on Saturday, February 8
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas will host National Anthem Auditions at the Parkway Place Mall on Saturday, February 8, from 10 am to 12 pm. Individuals, ensemble groups, and choirs are invited to audition for the opportunity to sing the “Star Spangled Banner” before one of the
Toyota Field set to host 35 college and high school baseball and softball games this spring
MADISON, Alabama – Signs of spring are almost here in Rocket City, as baseball - and for the first time - softball is set to take place at Toyota Field in less than a month. Before the Trash Pandas hit the diamond on April 4 against Chattanooga, Toyota Field will
Trash Pandas Foundation Announces Return of Color the Can Contest
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas Foundation, in partnership with WHNT News 19, is excited to announce the return of the popular Color the Can contest. The contest and submission form details can be found online at TrashPandasFoundation.com. Kids ages 3 to 12 are invited to submit a
Inaugural Women in Sports Luncheon set for February 18
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas will host the Inaugural Rocket City Women in Sports Luncheon, presented by PNC Bank, at Toyota Field on Tuesday, February 18, from 11:30 am to 1 pm, in partnership with the Huntsville Madison County Chamber of Commerce, Huntsville Madison County Chamber of
Trash Pandas Launch Free Culinary Program 'Cooking Up Success'
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are excited to announce the launch of 'Cooking Up Success,' a free culinary training program designed to empower aspiring professionals in the sports and hospitality industry. This four—to six-week semi-intensive program, which begins on January 27, is open to individuals aged 16
Alabama baseball to host UNA at Toyota Field on March 25
MADISON, Alabama — The Alabama Crimson Tide baseball team will return to Toyota Field on Tuesday, March 25, at 6:05 pm to face off against the North Alabama Lions. Gates will open at 4:30 pm. Tickets start at just $8 and they can be purchased online at trashpandasbaseball.com/rolltide, in person
Trash Pandas single-game tickets on sale January 17
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to announce that single-game tickets for the 2025 season will be available for purchase beginning Friday, January 17, at 10 am. The fifth season in team history will begin and end at Toyota Field, with action beginning on Friday, April
Sprocket to Deliver Panda-Grams For Valentine's Day
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND PANDA-GRAM MADISON, Alabama — Valentine’s Day is approaching, and the Rocket City Trash Pandas are spreading the love across North Alabama with the help of the most romantic mascot in the cosmos, Sprocket! For the third consecutive year, the Trash Pandas are giving fans
Auburn baseball to host UT Martin at Toyota Field on March 11
MADISON, Alabama — The Auburn Tigers baseball team will return to Toyota Field on Tuesday, March 11, at 6:00 PM to face off against the UT Martin Skyhawks. Tickets start at just $8 and will be on sale to the general public beginning Friday, January 10, at 10 AM. They
2025 Rocket City Softball Showcase Announces PNC Bank as Presenting Partner
CLICK HERE FOR SCHEDULE & TICKETS MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to name PNC Bank as the presenting partner of the inaugural Rocket City Softball Showcase, a six-day event at Toyota Field featuring 13 NCAA programs and 12 local high school programs. Throughout the event,
Trash Pandas Hosting 2025 Job Fair on January 16 & 18
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are hiring! Ahead of the fifth season of baseball in 2025, the team will be hosting a gameday job fair on two separate dates at Toyota Field: Thursday, January 16, from 5-7 pm and Saturday, January 18, from 10 am to 12