The Chicago Cubs possess a valuable trade asset in infielder Luis Vasquez. The 24-year-old had limited playing time as the Cubs struggled to make the postseason in 2024. However, his performance was sufficient to highlight his A-plus fielding skills. Due to the team’s depth of Gold Glove infielders with multiyear contracts, Vasquez may become a candidate for a trade.
Luis Vasquez: A Recruit Out of High School
Vasquez, a talented player from Puerto Rico, was selected by the Cubs in the fourteenth round of the 2017 MLB Draft directly from high school. After joining the Cubs organization in 2021, he made a notable impact during his freshman year with the South Bend Cubs and Double-A Tennessee Smokies. In 2023, he split his season between Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa, posting an impressive combined slash line of .271/.361/.456, with 20 home runs and 80 RBI.
He also demonstrated his offensive prowess with 24 doubles and scored 72 runs, earning a well-deserved spot on the Cubs minor league All-Star team.
Showing Some Maturity At the Major League Level
Entering the 2024 season, Vasquez was ranked number 20 among Cubs prospects. He fluctuated between Triple-A and the major leagues throughout the year, dealing with injuries that sidelined him for parts of June, July, and August. The Cubs recalled him permanently on August 23, and although he only had one hit in 12 at-bats, it was a bunt single in the final game of the season. He showcased his fielding and arm strength with impressive plays from the infield.
Why Vasquez Should Be Added to the Trade Mix
The Cubs have an abundance of talented position players in their system, but their lack of pitching depth became evident as the season progressed. It has been suggested that young prospects like Vasquez and outfielder Kevin Alcantara (ranked No. 6 in the Cubs Pipeline and No. 69 in MLB) could be traded to improve the team’s pitching staff.
Alcantara, 22 years old, had limited opportunities at the end of the season, achieving just one hit in 10 at-bats across three games. While he has shown decent speed and a strong throwing arm as an outfielder, he has yet to fully realize his hitting potential. Standing at 6’6″, there is hope within the Cubs organization that Alcantara can develop into a power hitter.
No Options Left for Vasquez
It seems likely that Vasquez will leave the Cubs due to their depth in the infield. Shortstop Dansby Swanson is in the third season of a seven-year contract. While Swanson is a good fielder with a .990 fielding percentage and only five errors, his hitting at .242/.312/.390 is not as strong. However, the Cubs have invested heavily in him both defensively and offensively. The same goes for second baseman Nico Hoerner, whose fielding percentage is .985 with nine errors. The Cubs have acquired Hoerner for the next several seasons, despite his slightly lower batting averages in 2024 at .273/.335/.373.
The Cubs Are Invested in Their Future
It may require a considerable investment to attract a top free-agent starter this offseason. But the Cubs, who finished another 83-win season on the outside looking in, are looking forward and talking big.
Whether or not Cubs owners are thinking big is another story. Starting pitching is only one part of the picture. The future of Cody Bellinger, adding another big bat, and figuring out the catching position are on the agenda this offseason, which may involve trading from the deep farm system the front office has built.
The Cubs have a valuable trade piece in Luis Vasquez. He is likely to be a part of the conversation.
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