Chicago Cubs Spring Breakout Lineup (3/15/24): PCA Leads Off, McGeary DH, Horton Starting

Photo of Evan Altman Evan AltmanMarch 15, 2024

Update: The game has been canceled due to rain.

Today’s game is part of a four-day event across both the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues that will showcase the sport’s most talented minor league players. While most spring training contests feature at least a little prospect flavor, this one will consist solely of those young stars. The Cubs are facing the White Sox this afternoon in a matchup that will give fans a look at the future of baseball in Chicago, which has to look a little brighter on the whole than it does right now given the mess on the South Side.

Pete Crow-Armstrong leads things off in center, followed by Matt Shaw at third and Owen Caissie in right. Kevin Alcántara is in left, Moises Ballesteros is behind the dish, and Haydn McGeary is the DH. B.J. Murray Jr. is at first, James Triantos is at second, and Jefferson Rojas is the shortstop.

Cade Horton was not invited to big league camp this spring because the Cubs want to be judicious with him as he continues to acclimate to a full-time starting role. His time at Oklahoma was shortened by elbow reconstruction, but he came on strong during the Sooners’ College World Series run and has since become one of the top-ranked pitching prospects in the game.

Spring Breakout will give many fans their first look at Horton’s repertoire, including a mid-90s fastball and 70-grade slider that has both depth and sweep. His changeup and curve are works in progress that, if cleaned up a bit, will elevate him to ace-level performance.

“It’s a cool opportunity,” Horton told reporters earlier in the week. “I’m just trying to get better each and every day to put myself in the best position to make it up there.”

In addition to the names listed here, many of whom you’ve already had the chance to see during Cactus League action this spring, the Cubs have several other youngsters on deck. Check out the full roster for more info and tune in to MLB.com, Marquee Sports Network, or ESPN+ at 4:05pm CT.

Photo of Evan Altman Evan AltmanMarch 15, 2024
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