Mar 5, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Albert Almora (78) looks on during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Albert Almora entered camp with a lot of confidence. It is showing in his play, and he is showing the Chicago Cubs that he is about ready to cause some damage for the team.

Albert Almora entered camp this year with a lot of confidence. He felt as if he was just about ready to cause some damage for the Chicago Cubs soon.

His play so far is demonstrating just that.

He has been making highlight-reel catches on the field that are leaving his teammates in awe. He is showing some incredible instincts that make it seem like he knows where the ball is going before it is even hit.

Almora’s offense still has to come around, though he did get a double in Saturday’s 4-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds, and another one in Sunday’s 8-3 loss against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

It is hard to remember that Almora is still just 21 years old. He was Theo Epstein’s first Chicago Cubs draft pick in 2012. He has matured physically and in his mental approach to the game, and the difference in him from just a year ago is noticeable.

Catcher Miguel Montero spoke about Almora and his progression.

“He’s just a kid. Sometimes they have to mature, and right now, he looks a little bit more mature than last year.”

Almora will not be an offensive powerhouse, but he is will be no slouch. He has a career slash of .288/.324/.420 so far. He will be a good, not great hitter.

Almora’s claim to fame will be his glove. He is a defensive-minded player, and he prefers robbing a home run rather than hitting one.

I’d definitely rather rob a homer than hit one. That’s just the way I am. I take [defense] to heart. I want to help the team win and I know it’s hard offensively at times, but defensively, I feel like I should be perfect. I’m not happy if I don’t have a perfect season on defense, to be completely honest. I know it’s a crazy thing to say, but that’s just the way I am… I want to make pitchers happy. Next: Chicago Bears Free Agency: Top Players To Target

With the Cubs re-signing Dexter Fowler, Albert Almora’s presence in Chicago will be kept on hold for a little while longer. He will probably open the season in Triple-A Iowa. That should be fine for him. A little more seasoning, and when he comes up he will be ready to be a fixture in the Chicago Cubs’ future for a long time.