The Chicago Cubs were busy on Tuesday, November 18. News surrounding Shota Imanaga accepting the qualifying offer stole the headlines, but the organization also added three prospects to their 40-man roster, thus protecting them from December’s Rule 5 draft. ‘
Chicago Cubs add three prospects to the 40-man roster
New members of the Cubs 40-man roster include their eighth ranked prospect Pedro Ramirez, 10th ranked James Triantos, and unranked Riley Martin. Ramirez is an infielder, who is coming off 2025 MiLB Gold Glove honors as a third baseman, Triantos is capable of playing both the infield and outfield, and Martin is a 27 year old left-handed pitcher.
In 2025, Ramirez spent the entire season in Double-A, slashing .280/.346/.386 with 28 stolen bases along the way. Defense became his calling card a season ago, but as a switch hitter he has good contact skills at the plate, which pairs well with his speed.
Triantos, who entered the 2025 season as a top 100 prospect, endured tough times a season ago, posting just a .684 OPS in Triple-A. He took is a contact hitter who possesses good speed, but he hasn’t fully tapped into his full power potential yet. The former second round pick from the 2021 MLB Draft has a real shot at being an impact player on the Cubs roster in 2026.
Lastly, there is Martin. The 6’1″ southpaw was incredible in 2025, throwing 63.2 innings, striking out 80, and posting a 2.69 ERA. Walks have hurt him in the past, but with a mid 90s fastball and a devastating curveball, carving out a bullpen role in 2026 is not out of the question, especially given the expected turnover among the relief corps.
These three players can now move into the next phase of the offseason with the assurance that they won’t be drafted by another organizationon.
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