The Chicago Cubs have a pretty deep roster in the starting rotation and throughout the lineup. This level of depth is good to have.
More News: Chicago Cubs: Former Counsell charge named as possible surprise roster addition
However, with bona fide big leaguers getting relegated to the minors, the Cubs should look to trade these players to get some value back.
Right-hander Javier Assad |
Despite Javier Assad doing well — a 1.35 ERA and eight strikeouts in 6.2 innings — the Cubs didn’t have a place on the 26-man roster for him. A swing-man (both a starter and reliever), the Cubs already have right-hander Colin Rea to fill that role.
Rea had a 3.10 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 20.1 innings. Right-hander Ben Brown will also make the Opening Day roster, offering Counsell another swing-man option.
Assad also had no place in the starting rotation. Left-handers Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga, and right-handers Cade Horton, Edward Cabrera, and Jameson Taillon will be the starting five to begin the season.
Assad will likely get work in the Iowa Cubs rotation to keep him ready to start in case of an injury.
Assad is now out of minor league options, and barring injury, won’t be up anytime soon. A bona fide big league arm, the Cubs could get value back in a trade for him.
Outfielder Kevin Alcantara |
Kevin Alcantara is the Cubs’ fourth-ranked prospect, but he also doesn’t have a spot on the big league roster. A primary centerfielder, Alcantara can play the corner outfield spots as well.
Rightfielder Seiya Suzuki’s knee injury created an opening to make the team, but veteran outfielder Michael Conforto secured the last spot. Alcantara did have a good spring, batting .275 with two doubles, a home run and four RBI in 13 games.
Alcantara’s future as the Cubs’ everyday centerfielder is out, with Pete Crow-Armstrong’s reported extension. Right field and leftfield could open up next year for Alcantara to play, with leftfielder Ian Happ and Suzuki entering their walk years.
A promising young outfielder, Alcantara could also bring back value in a trade to further deepen the Cubs’ roster.
Chicago Cubs: Pete Crow-Armstrong extension teaches inspiring “bet on yourself” lesson
Read MoreFor More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
