The Chicago Cubs aren’t waiting around for the MLB trade deadline to heat up, they’re making moves now. Though top prospect Owen Caissie is feeling the impact.
Coming off back-to-back losses to the Milwaukee Brewers, the Cubs are suddenly trailing in the NL Central and searching for answers. The front office, led by Jed Hoyer, knows time is short. And yet, instead of calling up their red-hot slugger Caissie from Triple-A Iowa, Chicago opted to promote catcher/DH Moisés Ballesteros to the big leagues on Wednesday.
That surprise move sent a clear message: Caissie is likely staying in Triple-A because he’s at the center of major trade talks.
Why the Cubs Didn’t Call Up Caissie
Make no mistake, Caissie is raking in Iowa with a scorching .938 OPS, and his name has been floated in just about every trade rumor involving a big-name pitcher. Promoting him to the majors now could hurt his value or, worse, risk an injury before a deal is done.
By keeping him in a familiar, controlled environment, the Cubs let his stock rise in peace. If no deal happens before the deadline, Caissie could still be a crucial piece in a postseason push. His left-handed bat and outfield versatility make him a perfect addition for August or September.
Read More: Cubs Prospect Demands Call-Up After Blasting Third Home Run in 5 Days
Trading Caissie Comes With Risk
There’s a bigger plan unfolding in Chicago. The Cubs want to convince Kyle Tucker, a recent high-profile acquisition, to stick around long term. The best way to do that? Win now. That likely means adding a controllable ace like Mitch Keller or Edward Cabrera, and Caissie may be the key to unlocking that kind of deal.
Still, giving up Caissie could haunt the franchise. If Tucker walks in free agency this winter, and Caissie is gone too, the Cubs could find themselves with a long-term hole in the outfield and no clear replacement.
In trying to go all-in, the Cubs are walking a tightrope. Wednesday’s move made one thing crystal clear: they’re willing to gamble big. But whether they cash in or crash out is anyone’s guess.
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