One of the rituals for Major League Baseball’s players every spring is to pose for team and media photographers. These shots get used in a variety of ways; you’re probably most used to seeing them on player pages on various websites, or in the pitcher previews I do here at BCB.
If you think this kind of work is easy, think again. The players had to report to Sloan Park before dawn Monday to begin the shoot at 7 a.m. As a result, some of the poses turn out to be quirky, fun or otherwise notable and those are the photos I’ve chosen to share with you above. If a player doesn’t appear here, it means his poses were… pretty ordinary.
Enjoy the selection below of a couple dozen photos from Monday’s shoot, taken by Chris Coduto of Getty Images and Rick Scuteri of Imagn Images. You’ll see a good cross-section of the spring roster here, including some guys you know well and others… you might not.
I’m pretty sure Alex Bregman is recognizable without the note.
A pensive Dansby Swanson.
Phil Maton shows off his grip.
Jameson Taillon concentrates on that baseball.
Now this guy, you’d probably need the ID for.
Carson Kelly is ready to throw a runner out.
Can you guess the name of this Cub with a big bat? It’s Justin Dean.
Do you recognize Daniel Palencia from his eyes only?
A tip o’ the cap from Caleb Thielbar.
Another cap tip from Seiya Suzuki.
Ian Happ says, “Write your own caption.”
You can see the Jaguar design on Kevin Alcántara’s bat.
“I’ll be back soon,” says Justin Steele.
Another pitcher grip view, from Shōta Imanaga.
Jordan Wicks flips a baseball.
Nico Hoerner shows off his bat.
Just what is PCA thinking right here?
A big grin from Michael Busch.
Matthew Boyd, as if he’s staring down a hitter. Also, in this photo you can see the jersey “vent” that’s been restored for 2026, as MLB goes back to the pre-2024 jersey style.
Cade Horton and his tattooed arm are ready for the season.
The Cubs’ newest starting pitcher, Edward Cabrera, and his glove honoring his Dominican Republic home.
A new addition who might be in the Cubs outfield this year: Dylan Carlson
New Cubs left-hander Hoby Milner smiles for the camera.
Miguel Amaya, ready to hit.
The skipper, looking a lot younger than his age (55).
