\n<\/p>\n
MESA, Ariz. \u2014 The Cubs already have one player who used the World Baseball Classic to take a leap forward in his development.<\/p>\n
Right-hander Javier Assad<\/b> was coming off his debut MLB season, with only nine games under his belt, entering the 2023 WBC. He left Cubs camp to pitch for Mexico and proved what a difference-maker he could be in a multi-inning relief role. He allowed only two hits in 5\u2154 scoreless innings in the course of the tournament.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018Big moments against great teams,\u2019\u2019 Mexico manager Benji Gil<\/b> said of Assad\u2019s outings against the United States in pool play and Puerto Rico in the quarterfinals. \u2018\u2018There\u2019s a handful of guys in the world that have faced the lineups he just faced and dominated.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
Much of the talk about the WBC centers on the honor the players feel to represent their countries and on the challenges the schedule presents as teams gear up for the regular season. For many players, however, the big-game atmosphere has its developmental advantages, as well.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018If you can get to the final rounds, those games are just so much fun that you get to re-create feelings that you have in October games,\u2019\u2019 Cubs manager Craig Counsell<\/b> said. \u2018\u2018And those are invaluable experiences.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
The WBC has more MLB star power this year than ever \u2014 quite literally. A record 78 MLB All-Stars, including 36 who got the nod last season, were featured on rosters as of Feb. 5. Thirteen players from the Cubs\u2019 organization are set to participate.<\/p>\n
Assad is one of them, and he\u2019s expected to play an even larger role for Mexico in this tournament.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018Last time, it was a really great experience, really happy with it,\u2019\u2019 Assad said through an interpreter. \u2018\u2018And I\u2019ll go on to this one looking for new goals in the tournament.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
Said Gil: \u2018\u2018I\u2019m just really looking forward to him pitching for us and then afterwards going and establishing himself as one of the better pitchers in the National League.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
The Cubs\u2019 position-player group is largely set, but the competition for bench roles \u2014 and particularly a potential spot for a fourth outfielder \u2014 will be something to watch.<\/p>\n
Matt Shaw<\/b> has been taking fly balls in the outfield in preparation for a super-utility role and certainly will factor into the equation. Outside of the Cubs\u2019 three regular starters \u2014 left fielder Ian Happ<\/b>, center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong<\/b> and right fielder Seiya Suzuki<\/b> \u2014 the Cubs have five other outfielders in camp.<\/p>\n
Kevin Alcantara<\/b> and Justin Dean<\/b>, whom the Cubs claimed off waivers this offseason, are on the 40-man roster. Brett Bateman<\/b>, Dylan Carlson<\/b> and Chas McCormick<\/b> are non-roster invitees.<\/p>\n
Tyler Austin<\/b> has played outfield in his career and likely will take fly balls as the Cubs make contingency plans, but Counsell said he sees Austin more as a first baseman.<\/p>\nLefty options<\/h3>\n
The Cubs\u2019 bullpen featured three left-handers for stretches of last season, giving Counsell more options against left-handed-heavy lineups. They have five left-handed relievers in camp this year, including returnee Caleb Thielbar<\/b> and offseason additions Hoby Milner<\/b> and Ryan Rolison<\/b>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n