Chicago Cubs prospect named as ideal trade bait ahead of deadline

The Chicago Cubs are staring down a tough situation. They may have to trade away a good chunk of their young talent in a bid to add some much-needed pitching by the August 3 MLB trade deadline.

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The team needs at least one sturdy, steady starting pitcher—but ideally two—to make up for the injuries that have put Edward Cabrera, Ben Brown, Jameson Taillon, and Cade Horton on the shelf. They also need some reinforcement in the bullpen as closer Daniel Palencia remains on the IL, along with crucial setup men Hoby Milner and Hunter Harvey, among others.

The Cubs front office, if they’re serious about doing something in the postseason this year, may have no choice but to make some uncomfortable prospect trade decisions.

Pedro Ramirez, ideal trade bait?

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High on the list of Chicago’s most coveted prospects is infielder Pedro Ramirez. As a matter of fact, some feel that the 22-year-old switch-hitter is the top trade bait in their entire organization.

Jesse Rogers of ESPN mentions Ramirez as an ideal candidate to be dealt for pitching:

“Like seemingly every contender, an impact starter and reliever could make the difference for the Cubs. Infielder Pedro Ramirez is a natural fit for a trade as he’s blocked in the infield. Chicago has major league talent available to move.”

Ramirez is an attractive trade piece for several reasons. Many believe that he’s already major league-ready and could contribute to a big league squad immediately. His ability to play multiple positions—second base, third base, and now some corner outfield—gives him added value. He’s also regarded as a player with maturity beyond his years and a high baseball IQ.

Currently, he’s hitting .246 with one home run and seven RBIs in very limited play with the major league Cubs. At Triple-A Iowa, he hit .312 with 9 home runs and 40 RBIs in 43 games while dazzling with the glove.

Turning heads, but stuck behind veterans

The young talent turned heads with his performance in spring training, winning over veterans and impressing coaches. As a matter of fact, manager Craig Counsell flat-out said that he would’ve been just fine with Ramirez being brought up to the bigs right from Opening Day.

“I wouldn’t have hesitated out of spring training. We told him that,” Counsell said.

“He had a wonderful spring. He was the player that the other players talked about. There’s always that guy in spring training.”

“He’s a big-leaguer,” Counsell added. “He’s going to be a good big-leaguer. He’s got a really good head on his shoulders, really good baseball intelligence. It’s great to see him off to a good start and really taking another step.”

The problem is that the Cubs already have Nico Hoerner and Alex Bregman under long-term contracts at second and third. They also have 2023 no. 1 draft pick Matt Shaw playing the super sub role off the bench, essentially doing what Ramirez would be tasked with doing on this team.

So, it would certainly make sense to move Ramirez at the trade deadline, if they don’t end up moving Shaw.

Things should get interesting as August 3 approaches.

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-trade-bait-deadline-pedro-ramirez-matt-shaw/