Spring training is here, and the Chicago Cubs are already making headlines that will have fans buzzing all season. Veteran pitcher Shelby Miller is reportedly on the verge of a multi-year deal, even as he rehabs from offseason elbow surgery. Meanwhile, basketball legend Charles Barkley rolled into camp, Cubs hat on, green tracksuit blazing, zipping between fields with Rick Sutcliffe and Fergie Jenkins. Add in top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins taking his first big-league swings, and it’s clear: 2026 camp isn’t just practice—it’s a spectacle. The Cubs are building for 2027, and the excitement is electric.
Miller, 35, is expected to miss most or all of the 2026 season unless a rapid rehab miracle occurs. Despite injuries, he was a coveted trade target last year after posting a 1.98 ERA and a career-high 10 saves for the Diamondbacks. A forearm injury sidelined him before the trade deadline, and even after joining the Brewers for a playoff push, he landed on the injured list again with a damaged UCL. When healthy, Miller is a proven high-leverage weapon—one the Cubs hope can redefine their bullpen in 2027.
Barkley’s visit wasn’t just a casual stop. He spent 30 minutes with manager Craig Counsell, who described him as “wonderful” with a “huge heart.” Fans got a rare glimpse of an iconic NBA star interacting with Cubs legends and Baseball Hall of Famers, making spring training feel more like a celebrity spectacle than a typical preseason camp.
Friday also marked the biggest live batting practice of the spring so far. Seven pitchers, including top prospect Jaxon Wiggins, took the mound, giving young players the chance to learn from seasoned veterans. Counsell emphasized that camp is all about laying strong foundations for the season and the future, letting prospects observe and improve by watching experienced players in action.
Looking ahead, most Cubs players heading to the World Baseball Classic are scheduled to leave camp on Feb. 28. Thirteen players—including eight on the 40-man roster—will participate, with stars like Seiya Suzuki (Japan) and Jonathon Long (Chinese Taipei) departing slightly earlier for pool play.
Spring training is just getting started, but with Miller’s potential comeback, superstar visitors, and rising talent showing off, Cubs fans already have plenty to cheer about. The energy at camp is electric, and the Cubs are clearly setting the stage for an exciting 2026 season and beyond into 2027.