The Chicago Cubs have a valuable trade piece in infielder Luis Vasquez. The 24-year-old saw limited action as the Cubs tried in vain to reach the postseason in 2024. The sample size was big enough to showcase his A-plus fielding skills. However, on a team stacked with Gold Glove infielders on multiyear contracts, he might find himself the subject of a trade.
Luis Vasquez: A Recruit Out of High School
Vasquez, a promising talent from Puerto Rico, was drafted by the Cubs in the fourteenth round of the 2017 MLB Draft straight out of high school. After joining the Cubs organization in 2021, he made a significant impact in his freshman season, showcasing his skills for the South Bend Cubs and Double-A Tennessee Smokies. His exceptional performance in 2023 saw him splitting the season between Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa. Throughout the season, Vasquez boasted an impressive combined slash line of .271/.361/.456, demonstrating his power with 20 home runs and a remarkable 80 RBI.
Additionally, he displayed his finesse with 24 doubles and contributed significantly by scoring 72 runs. Vasquez’s outstanding performance rightfully earned him 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 on the Cubs prospect pipeline. He bounced back and forth from Triple-A to the big league club this year. Plagued somewhat by injuries, he spent parts of June, July and August on the injured list.
The Cubs recalled him for good on August 23 and he showed his ability to fit in on the field immediately. His only hit in 12 AB came on a bunt single in the final game of the season. But he showed his fielding and arm strength, flashing the leather on a fine play from the infield grass.
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Why Vasquez Should Be Added to the Trade Mix
The Cubs have a surplus of talented position players in their farm system, but their lack of pitching depth became apparent as the season progressed, despite some strong individual pitching performances. It’s been suggested that young prospects like Vasquez and outfielder Kevin Alcantara (ranked No. 6 in the Cubs Pipeline and No. 69 in MLB) could potentially be used as trade assets to bolster the team’s pitching staff.
Alcantara, 22, had limited playing time at the end of the season and got just one hit in 10 at-bats over three games. Although he has displayed decent speed and is a capable outfielder with a strong throwing arm, he has yet to fully demonstrate his potential as a hitter. Standing at 6’6″, there’s optimism within the Cubs organization that Alcantara could develop into a power hitter, but he has not yet showcased this ability.
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.
Main Photo: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
