Chicago Cubs must make a hard decision on Kevin Alcantara

The Cubs were back on Sunday Night Baseball, and once again, the Cubs came up short, losing 2–1 in 10 innings.

Starter Jamison Taillon left the game in the 2nd inning when he suffered a left hamstring strain. He was placed on the IL following the game. Reliever Javier Assad, who was called up from AAA Iowa on Saturday, pitched brilliantly in emergency relief, throwing 6.1 scoreless innings and allowing just one hit.

But the Cubs offense was only 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position, a recurring theme that has become so predictable. They had chances, but they are unable to find ways to cash them in. That’s been the story every night.

But this night belonged to Kevin Alcántara, who may have played his last game with the Chicago Cubs because of his base-running gaffes.

With the game tied 1-1 in the bottom of the 8th inning, the Cubs managed to put runners on the corners with nobody out. Rookie Kevin Alcántara was at third when Alex Bregman came to the plate. He hit a liner that was caught by the Giants’ first baseman Rafael Devers, who threw it to third, doubling Alcántara, who was caught too far off. That mistake changed the entire game.

Alex Bregman comes up man on 1st and 3rd, 1-1 game with NO OUTS in the bottom of the 8th.

And he’s swinging first pitch on a ball way outside the zone for a weak line drive that doubles up Alcantara. 68 exit velocity on his hit. That is absolutely horrible #cubs pic.twitter.com/zckoY0MMhI

— Sam Holtz (@ceowildcard) June 8, 2026

Alcántara’s mistakes are too difficult to ignore

Alcántara also had another base-running gaffe against the Athletics last Tuesday. The Cubs in the 2nd inning had Ian Happ at third and Alcántara at first. He tried to intentionally draw himself into a rundown to buy enough time for Happ to score from third before a tag could be applied.

Instead, Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers’ throw took the second baseman right into the running lane. Alcántara failed to stop early enough in his tracks to prolong the rundown. He tagged out easily before Happ could cross home plate. The Cubs ended up losing 2-1.

It turns out the base-running gaffes by Alcántara are nothing new. According to reports during Spring Training, manager Craig Counsell went off during baserunning drills in the presence of media members. It was later revealed that Counsell was angry towards Alcántara.

Counsell has to be deeply disappointed that Alcántara has not made much progress as a player. Alcántara earned a call-up from AAA Iowa based on the power number he put up despite a high strikeout rate. But since his promotion, Counsell has heavily restricted his playing time, and primarily utilizes him as a late-game substitute.

But after tonight, he may have played his final game as a Cub. He looks like a player who is unprepared, unaware, and out of his depth. Fair or not, Alcántara can no longer be trusted in any capacity.

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