CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs made a significant move to strengthen their team by acquiring infielder Michael Busch and reliever Yency Almonte from the Los Angeles Dodgers. The trade, announced on Thursday, allowed the Cubs to address immediate needs while also securing promising talent for the future.
Busch, ranked 44th on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 list, brings an intriguing left-handed power bat to Chicago. The 26-year-old prospect made his Major League debut last year and has shown immense potential. Meanwhile, Almonte, a veteran of six MLB seasons, will bolster the Cubs’ bullpen, which is in need of reinforcements.
To complete the trade, the Cubs sent pitching prospect Jackson Ferris and outfield prospect Zyhir Hope to the Dodgers. The Cubs also designated catcher Brian Serven for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.
Busch, who was the Dodgers’ second-ranked prospect, has been described as one of the best offensive prospects in the 2019 Draft class. Although his position on the diamond has been a question mark, Busch has displayed versatility by playing multiple positions in the infield and even left field. With his offensive prowess, he is a strong contender for an Opening Day job in Spring Training.
In his impressive Triple-A performance last season, Busch boasted a .323 batting average with 27 home runs, 26 doubles, and 90 RBIs. His slugging percentage and OPS ranked among the top in the Minor Leagues. Additionally, his disciplined plate approach showcased an 18.8% strikeout rate and a 13.9% walk rate.
As for the Dodgers, they acquired promising pitching prospect Jackson Ferris and outfield prospect Zyhir Hope. Ferris, listed as the Cubs’ 8th-ranked prospect, had an impressive debut season in Single-A Myrtle Beach, posting a 3.38 ERA with 77 strikeouts in 56 innings. Hope, an 11th-round pick by the Cubs in last summer’s Draft, showcased his skills by manning all three outfield positions with a strong offensive performance in the Arizona Complex League.
Furthermore, Almonte’s acquisition provides immediate relief for the Cubs’ bullpen. With a career 4.51 ERA over 196 games in the Majors, the right-hander brings experience and a repertoire highlighted by a notable sinker. After an impressive 2022 season with a 1.02 ERA, Almonte faced some challenges in 2023 with a 5.06 ERA, but he remains a valuable asset for the Cubs.
In summary, the Cubs’ trade with the Dodgers has strengthened their team by adding talented players like Michael Busch and Yency Almonte. This move reflects the Cubs’ commitment to simultaneously fortifying their future and addressing their immediate needs.