Cubs Prospect Notes: So Many Shortstops (Again), Triantos on the Rise, Davis is HOT, What to do with Abbott? More

[adinserter block=”38″]

At the height of the rebuild, I heard one question more than most: What are the Cubs going to do with all these shortstops?

They had Starlin Castro, Javy Baez, Addison Russell, and Gleyber Torres at the top, plus a number of other fine shortstop prospects scattered throughout the system. But the answer to this question is always the same: You can never have too many shortstop prospects.

Whether they (1) outgrow the position as they move up, (2) fall out of favor as prospects/players altogether, or (3) are used as currency in trade, shortstop prospects are like blue jeans … they never go out of style. And one way or another, the glut will either work itself out or turn into a boon for your organization.

Speaking of Shortstops …

And while I’ll stop short of anointing the current group of prospects the next whoever, there is certainly a glut of young, high-upside shortstops prospects in the Cubs system.

Cubs Top-30 MLB Pipeline Rankings: 

#3: Christian Hernandez, 17 years old
#7 Ed Howard, 19 years old
#8 Reggie Preciado, 18 years old
#11 James Triantos, 18 years old*
#17 Kevin Made, 19 years old

Also: Yeison Santana (20), Luis Vasquez (21)

*Triantos may be more of a third or second baseman, but he’s listed as a shortstop for now. More on him in the next section.

And look at the different ways they were all acquired: Hernadez and Made were international free agent signings, Howard and Triantos were taken at the top of their respective drafts, Preciado and Santana were acquired in the Yu Darvish trade, and Vazquez was a late-round draft pick. And there’s even some nice variety too, with a mix of big offensive upside and legitimate defensive ability. It’s just a really nice position group.

Now, they just have to do the hard part and put it all together as they face tougher competition. But the way Gordon Wittenmyer tells it at NBC Sports Chicago, there’s no shortage of confidence from these players, especially not from Kevin Made, who had a message for Jed Hoyer as he approaches free agency: “I’m ready to be in the majors,” Made said in Spanish, breaking into a big smile. “Don’t [sign] any shortstops. You have a lot.” God, I love that.

You’ll definitely want to scoot over to NBC Sports Chicago to read the rest of Wittenmyer’s piece. It has some more quotes from the shortstops, themselves, as well as the Cubs farm director Matt Dorey, who dropped an old classic on us: “It’s a really good problem to have.”

Good stuff.

James Triantos Is Awesome

The more I did into Triantos, the more I think the Cubs may have gotten themselves a second-round steal this year … and that’s said knowing that his selection was considered by some to be a reach at the time. In 25 games at the complex league, Triantos is slashing .327/.376/.594 (143 wRC+) with 6 homers and a 16.5% strikeout rate.

Yesterday, he went 1-3 with a homer, a walk, and a stolen base while playing second. Just take a look at this explosive swing (and then remember he’s an 18-year-old middle infielder):

Triantos will probably open next season at Low-A, but he could be a fast-riser if the bat carries him as well as we think it might. Like I said above, it doesn’t sound like shortstop is his long-term spot, but he definitely projects to have enough bat for second and could do the same for third if things go his way. He’s one of my favorite prospects to track right now.

Prospects on the Rise

Baseball America identified one player from each organization who “really improved their stock” this season, and I don’t think the Cubs selection should surprise anyone:

D.J. Herz, LHP

In a year to forget for Cubs pitching prospects, Herz has had a marvelous season. He’s led the system in strikeouts, and his 14.44 strikeouts per nine innings was the third-best figure among pitchers who threw 80 or more innings.

We’ve been talking about Herz a lot this season because he’s earned it. The 2o-year-old left-hander was promoted to High-A late this season and has struck out 26(!) batters in his first 16.0 innings. That’s a 40.6% strikeout rate. And in case you think it’s a small sample problem, I’ll remind you that he had a … 40.4% strikeout rate in 17 starts at A-ball earlier this year. The walk rate is a bit high, but he reeled it in a bit at High-A and is definitely an “on-the-radar” guy going into 2022.

What to do with Cory Abbott?

I’m not sure exactly what to do with Cory Abbott. On the one hand, he was a second-round pick not too long ago, and even though he’s already 26 years old, losing a season to the pandemic is a pretty good excuse. But on the other hand, he struggled to get batters out in his cup of coffee this year (8.03 ERA with a walk rate higher than his strikeout rate), and his numbers at Triple-A don’t look great on the surface.

But as Tommy Birch points out, things may be looking up here lately.

I think, ultimately, Abbott’s future with the Cubs could be as a very useful depth starter next season. He may have to fall in behind 2 or more pitchers in the Alec Mills, Adbert Alzolay, Keegan Thompson, Justin Steele group, but he has multiple minor league options remaining, so there’s not too much concern in the near term. Definitely worth keeping and seeing what you’ve got.

Hottest Prospects

If you’re reading this post *and* you’ve made it this far down, I’m guessing you’re well aware of Brennen Davis’s immediate dominance upon his promotion to Triple-A Iowa, including ANOTHER homer last night, but just in case you’re not up to date, here’s the slash line over his first seven games: .444/.516/.927 (273 wRC+); 12.9 BB%, 16.1 K%.

He’s been flying up prospect rankings all season and was just named the 2nd hottest prospect in MLB of the last week for Baseball America, not that he let that get to him:

Ethan Roberts

Ethan Roberts is another prospect who got the bump up to Triple-A this season after dominating at Double-A (1.97 ERA, 2.53 FIP over 32.0 IP). And while his results with Iowa aren’t quite there yet overall (4.50 ERA), the peripherals tell a different story: 27.8% strikeout rate, 8.2 BB%, an unsustainably low 58.7% strand rate, and an elevated .317 BABIP.

Those are good numbers under the hood, and that’s why everything that’s happened lately is unsurprising:

If the Cubs are really turning into one of these organizations where they just pump out relievers year-in and year-out I will be so dang happy.

written by

Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

more cubs news

Justin Steele Injury Update: New Classification, MRI Tomorrow, IL Stint Coming? Steele and Counsell Speak

A significant update on Justin Steele came from Craig Counsell tonight after the Cubs extra innings loss in Texas. In short: Yes, a stint on the Injured List is likely for Justin Steele. But we still don't know how severe...

Enhanced Box Score: Rangers 4, Cubs 3 – March 28, 2024

It took exactly one day for the Cubs' ace to sustain what may be a significant injury, for their closer to blow a save, for the umpires to significantly impact the outcome of a critical play (this time in the...

OMG: Michael Busch Scored the 9th Inning, GO-AHEAD Run, Because He Just Never Stopped Running

That was absolutely incredible. To all the little kids out there, when your coach tells you to never stop running, this is why. Rookie Cubs 1B Michael Busch (the guy the Cubs got from the Dodgers this offseason to be...

Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Rangers – Lineups, Pitching Matchup, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

*SHORT COURTS: It's Time To Bring The Home Court, Home! Looking for a unique way to celebrate your athlete or team before you peruse the FIRST CHICAGO CUBS LINEUP of the Year? Don't miss out! For just one more week...

The Cubs Are Among the Most Returning-y Teams

I am still mostly incapacitated at the moment, so apologies for the short shrift on such an otherwise blessed day. In between pokes and prods, I wanted to share a chart I saw that was pretty interesting, even if unsurprising:...

Maybe the Cubs Are the Favorites in the NL Central, After All?

ESPN was the first to throw some love the Cubs way this week, with an overwhelming majority of their writers, analysts, and editors picking the Chicago Cubs to win the NL Central in 2024. But the love doesn't end there....

The Season Begins, Love for Morel, Counsell’s Value, and Other Cubs Bullets

You know where you want to spend your Opening Day morning? The hospital! Suffice to say, this is not how I imagined getting HYPED for the Cubs' opener. I guess I'll just have to think about all the possible lineup...

Cubs vs Rangers: The First Series of the Year!

Cubs vs Rangers — THE REGULAR SEASON IS HERE! Wake up and rejoice. Later tonight, the Cubs will begin their march toward October Baseball against the (reigning World Series champion) Texas Rangers in Arlington. Justin Steele is getting the nod...

The 2024 Chicago Cubs for Dummies

Boom. We made it. The offseason is over, and the Cubs regular season - and those elevated expectations - begins tomorrow. But in case you slept through the winter, I'm here to catch you up on everything you need to...

I’m Expecting More This Year, Cubs — It’s Time to Start Winning

There's no way around it: The Chicago Cubs did *not* have the offseason we hoped they might after making Craig Counsell the highest paid manager in MLB history. Not that they did poorly, mind you. Cody Bellinger, Shota Imanaga, and...

Latest News

Suns vs. Thunder Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder (50-22) are 2.5-point underdogs against Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns (43-30) Friday, March 29, 2024 at Paycom Center. The game starts at 8:00 PM ET on KSBI. The matchup's point total is...

Brewers vs. Mets Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

The New York Mets (0-0) host the Milwaukee Brewers (0-0) in an Opening Day contest at 1:40 PM ET on Friday.The Brewers will call on Freddy Peralta against the Mets and Jose Quintana.Brewers vs. Mets Pitcher Matchup and Game InfoWhen:...

Cavaliers vs. 76ers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

The Philadelphia 76ers (39-34) are 8-point underdogs against the Cleveland Cavaliers (44-29) at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Friday, March 29, 2024. The game starts at 7:30 PM ET on NBCS. The matchup's point total is set at 212.5.Our computer predictions...

Heat vs. Trail Blazers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

The Portland Trail Blazers (19-54) will attempt to end an eight-game losing streak when they visit the Miami Heat (39-33) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at FTX Arena as heavy, 14-point underdogs. The contest airs at 8:00 PM ET on...

Rockets vs. Jazz Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

The Utah Jazz (29-44) will try to end a seven-game losing streak when they host the Houston Rockets (37-35) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at Vivint Smart Home Arena as 7.5-point underdogs. The contest airs at 9:30 PM ET on...

Bulls vs. Nets Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

The Chicago Bulls (35-38) hit the court against the Brooklyn Nets (28-45) as 5.5-point favorites on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET on NBCS. The matchup has an over/under set at 214.5 points.Before you place an informed wager...

Suns vs. Thunder Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder (50-22) are 2.5-point underdogs against Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns (43-30) Friday, March 29, 2024 at Paycom Center. The matchup begins at 8:00 PM ET on KSBI. The point total is set...

Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

The Minnesota Timberwolves (50-22) are 6.5-point underdogs when they host the Denver Nuggets (51-22) in a battle between the top two teams in the Western at Ball Arena on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 9:00 PM ET on ALT. The...

Knicks vs. Spurs Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

The New York Knicks (44-28) will try to continue a three-game win streak when they visit the San Antonio Spurs (17-56) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at AT&T Center as big, 10-point favorites. The game airs at 8:00 PM ET...

Kings vs. Mavericks Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

The Dallas Mavericks (43-29) will look to Luka Doncic (first in the league scoring 33.9 points per game) when they try to beat De'Aaron Fox (eighth in the NBA with 26.5 PPG) and the Sacramento Kings (42-30) on Friday, March...

more cubs news