The Chicago Cubs enter the Winter Meetings in an intriguing spot. Fresh off a playoff series win, expectations are rising, but the front office still faces plenty of work with several key contributors now hitting free agency.
What the last few seasons have made clear is that Michael Busch has cemented himself as a legitimate first baseman, and Nico Hoerner continues to elevate his game at the plate, on the bases, and with Gold Glove caliber defense. Their emergence could make a pair of MLB-ready prospects more expendable, and the Winter Meetings present an ideal setting for those potential trade discussions to take shape.
2 MLB-ready prospects the Chicago Cubs could deal at Winter Meetings
1) Jonathon Long – 1B
The Cubs 2025 Minor League Player of the Year Jonathon Long is coming off a season where he slashed .305/.404/.479 with 20 home runs and 91 RBI. With Busch cemented at first base, it’s possible that Long could get a look at the big league level in 2026 as a platoon or designated hitter option. Another possibility is that Chicago trades him in order to improve other areas of their big league roster.
2) James Triantos – 2B/OF
James Triantos, a former second-round pick, has positional versatility on his side, but the contact-oriented hitter and speed threat is blocked by Hoerner at second base and several established options in the outfield. For the Cubs, moving him now could make sense: his value is high after strong minor-league performances, and packaging a near-MLB-ready talent like Triantos could help Chicago address more immediate roster needs.
Across the league, teams are becoming increasingly willing to move MLB-ready prospects to balance their rosters, address immediate needs, and/or capitalize on positional surpluses. The Cubs should use this to their advantage. As the Winter Meetings unfold and activity ramps up, Chicago could easily join the growing list of clubs turning prospect capital into impactful big-league help.
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