Infielder has emerged as a valuable trade asset for the Chicago Cubs. The 24-year-old had limited playing time during the Cubs’ unsuccessful push for the 2024 postseason, but it was enough to highlight his exceptional defensive abilities. However, with the Cubs already boasting a lineup of Gold Glove infielders on multiyear deals, Vasquez could become a prime candidate for a trade.
A Recruit Out of High School
He, a talented prospect from Puerto Rico, was drafted by the Cubs in the 14th round of the 2017 MLB Draft straight out of high school. Since joining the organization in 2021, he has made a notable impact, particularly during his rookie season with the South Bend Cubs and the Double-A Tennessee Smokies. His breakout year came in 2023, where he split his time between Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa, delivering an impressive combined slash line of .271/.361/.456. Vasquez showcased his power with 20 home runs and 80 RBIs, along with 24 doubles, and scored 72 runs.
His strong performance earned him a spot on the Cubs minor league All-Star team, solidifying his status as a rising star in the organization.
Showing Some Maturity At the Major League Level
Heading into the 2024 season, Luis Vasquez was ranked 20th on the Cubs’ prospect pipeline. Throughout the year, he moved between Triple-A and the big league club, but injuries sidelined him for parts of June, July, and August. However, Vasquez was recalled for good on August 23 and quickly demonstrated his defensive abilities on the field. Although he struggled offensively, recording just one hit in 12 at-bats—a bunt single in the season finale—he made an impression with his fielding and arm strength, showcasing his defensive skills with a standout play from the infield grass.
Why Vasquez Should Be Added to the Trade Mix
The Cubs have an abundance of talented position players in their farm system, but as the season wore on, their lack of pitching depth became increasingly evident, despite a few standout individual performances. There’s speculation that promising young players like Luis Vasquez and outfielder Kevin Alcantara—ranked No. 6 in the Cubs’ prospect pipeline and No. 69 in MLB—could be used as trade assets to strengthen the team’s pitching staff for future success.
Kevin Alcantara, 22, saw limited action at the end of the season, managing just one hit in 10 at-bats over three games. While he has shown solid speed and is a reliable outfielder with a strong arm, his potential as a hitter remains untapped. Standing at 6’6″, there is optimism within the Cubs organization that Alcantara could develop into a power hitter, but so far, he has not fully displayed that capability at the major league level.
No Options Left for Vasquez
It’s likely that Luis Vasquez could depart from the Cubs given their infield depth. Shortstop Dansby Swanson is in the third year of a seven-year contract, providing strong defense with a .990 fielding percentage and only five errors, though his offensive production has been modest with a .242/.312/.390 slash line. Despite this, the Cubs have made a significant investment in Swanson’s overall contributions. Similarly, second baseman Nico Hoerner, with a solid .985 fielding percentage and nine errors, has been locked in by the Cubs for several more seasons. While Hoerner’s batting average dipped slightly in 2024 to .273/.335/.373, the organization remains committed to him, making it harder for a player like Vasquez to find a regular role.
The Cubs Are Invested in Their Future
Attracting a top-tier free-agent starter this offseason could require a significant investment for the Cubs, who are coming off another 83-win season and missing the playoffs. While the front office is thinking big about the future, it’s unclear if ownership shares the same ambition. Starting pitching is just one piece of the puzzle, as the Cubs also need to address Cody Bellinger’s future, add another power bat, and resolve their catching situation. This may involve trading from their deep farm system, and Luis Vasquez stands out as a valuable trade asset likely to be part of these offseason discussions.
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