CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs have made a prospect-for-prospect trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, acquiring first baseman Michael Busch and right-handed pitcher Yency Almonte in exchange for left-handed pitcher Jackson Ferris and outfielder Zyhir Hope. This rare trade involving prospects addresses the Cubs’ need for a power-hitting first baseman and adds a hard-throwing reliever to their roster.
Busch, who has consistently ranked among the top 100 prospects in the offseason, is known for his advanced hitting skills and power. With 79 home runs over the past three seasons in Double-A and Triple-A, he is expected to provide a significant offensive boost to the Cubs. Although he primarily plays first base, Busch has experience at second and third base, adding versatility to the Cubs’ infield. His left-handed bat will also balance out a predominantly right-handed lineup.
The Cubs struggled to find production from their first basemen last season, ranking low in OBP and total batting runs from the position. Busch’s arrival is expected to improve those numbers and provide strong defense at first base. Additionally, he can serve as a backup for second baseman Nico Hoerner.
Almonte, a right-handed reliever, brings a potentially dominant slider to the Cubs’ bullpen. However, he has had difficulties with left-handed batters throughout his career, making it an area for improvement. Despite some inconsistent seasons, Almonte has shown promise in the past and adds depth to the Cubs’ bullpen.
On the Dodgers’ side, they acquire promising left-handed pitcher Ferris and outfielder Hope. Ferris, a second-round pick in 2022, has displayed his potential with a 3.38 ERA in Low A last year. With a repertoire of four pitches and a fastball reaching 95 mph, Ferris has the tools to become a mid-rotation starter. However, he needs to work on his command and delivery to reach his full potential.
Hope, an 11th-round pick in 2023, is a talented athlete known for his speed. While he impressed in a brief pro debut, concerns remain about his ability to face more advanced pitching. The Dodgers have a history of developing athletic players, and they will look to help Hope make the necessary adjustments.
Overall, the Cubs strengthen their roster with the addition of Busch and Almonte, addressing key areas of need. Meanwhile, the Dodgers acquire young talent in Ferris and Hope, benefiting from their potential and clearing 40-man roster spots. This prospect-for-prospect trade benefits both teams as they aim to build for the future.
(AP Photo/Charles LeClaire)