It is already a lot of pressure to be a Top 10 prospect in an organization like the Cubs.

But to be acquired by such a team in exchange for a legend only adds to the expectations.

Minor league outfielder Kevin Alcantara was traded from the Yankees, alongside right-handed pitcher Alexander Vizcaino, in exchange for Cubs first basemen Anthony Rizzo at the trade deadline last summer. And while Alcantara wasn’t prepared to leave the Yankees, it didn’t stop his drive to play for his new organization.

“There were rumors, but I wasn’t prepared for that – to be traded,” Alcantara said in a recent interview with Myrtle Beach Pelicans Productions. “I was in shock and then, ‘OK, let’s do it!”

In his first season with the Class-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Alcantara holds a batting average of .275 with an OPS of .860, while leading the team in home runs and RBIs with 10 and 47, respectively. While his numbers may not be quite as eye popping as other Cubs prospects like Pete Crow-Armstrong, the ceiling is through the roof with Alcantara, as he doesn’t turn 20 until July 12th.

A native of the Dominican Republic, Alcantara has gained a lot of competitive experience while playing in the DR, which motivates him to push his teammates to compete at the highest level they can.

“I’m an explosive player. A player who always wants his teammates to show what they have,” Alcantara said.

His explosiveness comes both emotionally and physically, as he is known for his speed on the diamond. His athleticism and quickness from his 6-foot-6, 188-pound frame, helped garner his nickname, “The Jaguar.” And according to Pelicans third baseman James Triantos, Alcantara’s nickname is very evident in his game.

“The way he moves is just so smooth. You can tell he glides across the outfield or around the bases,” Triantos said. “I think it’s the perfect nickname for him.”

Alcantara originally signed with the Yankees for $1 million when he was 16 years old. His career hasn’t been as consistent as expected due to the pandemic in 2020 that canceled the minor league season. But his journey has already molded him into a fascinating player, while still wanting more for himself.

“I think Kevin’s really learned how to go about his work on a daily basis. Not just maybe when he wants to, but when he needs to,” said Steven Pollakov, the hitting coach for the Pelicans.

Alcantara is currently the No. 3  prospect in the Cubs farm system, according to Lance Brozdowski’s rankings for Marquee Sports Network. He was named to the MLB prospect team of the week of June 13th, when he slashed .417/.482/.958 that included a game where he went 4-for-6 with 2 home runs and 8 RBI. 

With all the experience under his belt at just 19, it will serve him well as he attempts to develop into a player that can help the Cubs at “The Friendly Confines.”

Check out the entire profile on Alcantara in the video above from MB Pelicans Productions.