Top Cubs Prospect Kevin Alcantara Hopes to One Day Compete in MLB Home Run Derby
Promising, young outfield prospect Kevin Alcantara just completed his time playing in the Arizona Fall League.
Alcantara is the Chicago Cubs' no. 4 prospect and the no. 71 overall prospect in all of baseball, according to MLB Pipeline.
In 21 AFL games, Alcantara slashed .256/.330/.865 with five home runs and 23 RBI. Alcantara's 23 RBI were the second-highest total among all players in the Fall League. Alcantara's power earned him a spot in the Fall Stars Game and the AFL Home Run Derby.
Alcantara struggled to settle into a rhythm in the Home Run Derby, hitting a total of five homers across two rounds and placing eighth out of eight competitors. Alcantara enjoyed the experience, nonetheless.
Alcantara spent the bulk of 2023 playing at High-A South Bend. In 95 games in High-A, Alcantara slashed .286/.341/.807 with 12 home runs and 66 RBI.
At the age of 16, Alcantara signed with the New York Yankees. Three years later, the club traded him, along with pitching prospect Alexander Vizcaino, to the Cubs, in exchange for three-time All-Star Anthony Rizzo.
I recently sat down with Alcantara for a conversation about his time playing in the Arizona Fall League and participating in the Home Run Derby, his love for animals, what it was like being traded, how he has enjoyed being a part of the Cubs organization, his dreams of playing in an MLB Home Run Derby, and much, much more!
Jack: How did you learn English?
Kevin: The Cubs taught me a lot. I took a class. So many of my friends speak English, too. I’m learning so much.
Jack: What was learning English like? Was it hard?
Kevin: I think I’m learning faster, because I’m trying to talk to people. Sometimes the guys are scared. I’m talking with the people and I’m much better now.
Jack: How have you enjoyed coming over to the United States of America?
Kevin: Nice! Everything right here is good. I’ve got a lot of money right here (laughs). I feel protected in the United States because there are security guards, it’s much nicer.
Jack: It’s safe.
Kevin: It’s safe, yeah.
Jack: What is your favorite thing about America?
Kevin: The security. If you want to walk outside, you can. It’s much nicer here.
Jack: It’s not very safe back home?
Kevin: Not every place. Right here, 80% or so is safe.
Jack: Have you gotten to watch any American TV shows? Do you have a favorite show?
Kevin: Yeah, I like the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and National Geographic. I like animals so much.
Jack: So you’re a big animal lover?
Kevin: Yeah, I like animals. I like dogs. I like the animals they have in Africa. I like giraffes and elephants and hippopotamuses.
Jack: Have you been to the Phoenix Zoo here? It’s really cool.
Kevin: I need to go! I really want to!
Jack: Do you have any pets of your own?
Kevin: Oh yeah, I have a dog at home.
Jack: What’s his name?
Kevin: Tya.
Jack: Who was your favorite Major League Baseball player when you were a kid?
Kevin: I have three: Manny Ramirez, Alex Rodriguez and Vladimir Guerrero Sr.
Jack: What was the experience like for you participating in the Home Run Derby here at the Fall League?
Kevin: Yeah, it’s a little bit difficult (laughs), especially when you play eleven straight months and you’re a bit tired, but I liked it. It was special because I’d like to compete in a Home Run Derby in the future, in the big leagues. It was development. I’m proud of this time. I enjoyed that day. It was fun.
Jack: Maybe we’ll be seeing you play in a Major League Home Run Derby someday?
Kevin: Yeah! One day.
Jack: How did you enjoy playing in the Fall Stars Game?
Kevin: It was nice! I was talking a lot with the guys and I got to learn a lot with the guys. I was introduced to a bunch of talented players from other teams. It was fun.
Jack: Was there anything that you wanted to work on or improve upon, out here in the Fall League?
Kevin: Yeah, my strike zone. Every time, I’m thinking about my strike zone. I have developed more here in Arizona, because I’m facing good pitchers right here. I feel so great.
Jack: Were you surprised when you got traded to the Cubs?
Kevin: Yes! Yes, because I was hitting .370 in the Rookie League, with the Yankees. I was thinking, “Okay, I think I’m ready for the next level.” I go home. I received the call and I’m expecting them to tell me that I’m getting promoted to Low-A. And I’m told that I’ve been traded for Anthony Rizzo. I was surprised. They told me, “Enjoy, and thank you for everything.” And I’m like, “Okay, let’s do it.”
Jack: What was that experience like, being traded and switching from the Yankees organization to the Cubs organization?
Kevin: It was hard for me. It was the first time I had been to Arizona. The Yankees Rookie League is in Florida, and now I had to come over to the Cubs’ camp in Arizona. Here in Arizona, it’s so hot in March and July. I lost 20 pounds coming here, because I don’t know. The food here is a little bit spicy. I feel much better now, because I know what I need to do in the coming years.
Jack: How have you enjoyed being a Cub?
Kevin: It’s nice! I like how the Cubs and the team help you so much. They talk to you a lot and see if you need help with anything. Yeah, I feel very comfortable here.
Jack: What is your favorite thing about the Cubs organization?
Kevin: The help. The help. It’s so nice. The help. The team is always looking out for you.
