MESA, Ariz. — Here are four takeaways from Cubs spring training Tuesday.

1. Kris Bryant expects to be with the Cubs on opening day.

Kris Bryant continued to rave about his meeting Sunday with Cubs President Theo Epstein to the point Bryant believes the trade speculation might subside somewhat.

Asked directly Tuesday whether he expects to wear a Cubs uniform on opening day March 26 against the Brewers at Miller Park, Bryant replied with a firm “yes.”

That’s no guarantee, of course, but Bryant said Epstein gave him some insight as to “what kind of happened in the offseason.”

After being asked if Epstein would grant his request to be kept in the loop about any developments, Bryant paused for six seconds before saying no, then waited another eight seconds before elaborating.

“The conversation I had is all that I needed for the questions that were asked in the press conference,” Bryant said. “We cleared up things about what I was feeling, what he was feeling about the offseason. It was good. I’m not telling you anymore.”

2. The Cubs are expanding Javier Baez’s defensive skills.

The Cubs practiced bunt coverage as part of their defensive work, and one wrinkle featured Javier Baez charging from shortstop and Kris Bryant holding at third base.

“That’s top secret,” Bryant deadpanned. “You guys aren’t scouts for the other team.”

This likely will be a new feature under manager David Ross, who also was tight-lipped about the coverage.

“I don’t know how often that play would be used this year,” said Bryant, whose 6-foot-5 frame provides a big target at third. “But we have the talent to do it.”

3. Jon Lester doesn’t want ball-strike calls during live batting practice.

The Cubs have been using umpires to bring intensity to batting practice, but Jon Lester asked not to have his pitches called. He believes removing the batting cage provides enough of a game-type atmosphere.

“Right now my main focus is having a good, solid tempo,” Lester said. “Feeling like you’re aggressive is a good way to describe it.”

Lester said his delivery already feels more athletic than mechanical.

4. Kris Bryant broke his favorite bat in batting practice.

Jon Lester faced a group of hitters that included Anthony Rizzo, Jason Kipnis and Kris Bryant, who didn’t fare well.

“I was in the bat room looking for bats and I picked that one up,” Bryant said of the first bat he used. “It felt really good, and when you do that, you usually break it.”

Sure enough, Lester threw a cutter up and in that jammed Bryant and broke his bat.

But all was not lost.

“I got my walk,” Bryant quipped.