In the hubbub of the first day of full-squad workouts, the transition between outfield work and batting practice gave them a few minutes to just chat. “It’s been a lot of fun getting to know the guys more on a personal level and be around them every day now,

Cubs are eager to change that. And in an NL Central division that appears up for grabs, it’s about time that Chicago steps forward as a clear-cut contender, rather than merely a wait-and-see team. After a busy offseason that featured both a huge acquisition in Kyle Tucker and the failed pursuit of another star in Alex Bregman,

After adding some big names this winter, Chicago isn't shying away from expectations as spring training begins.