Kevin Alcántara Blasts Walk-Off HR in AFL Action

Photo of Evan Altman Evan AltmanOctober 17, 2023

So, uh, Kevin Alcántara is pretty good. Acquired by the Cubs at the 2021 trade deadline as part of the return for Anthony Rizzo, El Jaguar could end up making it look like a very lopsided deal. Already ranked the No. 71 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline and No. 46 by Just Baseball, Alcántara is still just the third-highest outfielder in the Cubs’ system. That could change if he keeps playing like he did Monday night.

Following a terrific catch to keep the game tied in the top of the 10th, the lanky slugger came up and blasted a walk-off homer to right-center to finish off an eight-run comeback for the Mesa Solar Sox. Believe it or not, it was the first walk-off dinger he’s ever hit professionally.

“I think opposite way and I hit a homer,” Alcántara said after the game. “My focus is, ‘Hit it [hard]’ and you see, I hit a homer. Thank you, God.”

Here’s a wider angle on the shot.

Alcántara’s big catch and homer were actually set up by fellow Cubs prospect James Triantos (No. 9 in org), who hit a game-tying single in the bottom of the 9th. Triantos is currently fourth in the AFL with a .455 average and second with a 1.359 OPS. Alcántara has just an .822 OPS right now, but he leads the league with three homers and has nearly limitless physical projection in that 6-foot-6 frame.

The Cubs are almost certain to deal from their prospect depth this winter, but Alcántara is approaching untouchable territory at this point. The flip side to his continued development is that it could make other moves that much easier to swallow. Should be a very interesting offseason.

Photo of Evan Altman Evan AltmanOctober 17, 2023
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