Several Top Prospects Could Be Moved if Cubs Get Aggressive at Trade Deadline
It’s officially mock trade season, one of the most fun and frustrating times of the year. In order to acquire elite talent, teams have to give up value in return, normally in the form of prospects. The Cubs have a strong farm system, although the graduations of players such as Matt Shaw and Cade Horton have dropped it several spots in comparison to other organizations.
It’s already become clear that Jed Hoyer is willing to be aggressive when it comes to trades, as he showed with the acquisition of Kyle Tucker. With the trade deadline approaching quickly, he’ll have to make more risky trades to upgrade a team that is hoping to make a deep playoff run.
Former general manager Jim Bowden said recently on Foul Territory that he thinks the Cubs are “all-in” when it comes to the trade deadline. If this is indeed the case, which would make sense, Chicago’s farm system will look very different when August rolls around.
When spring training started, Shaw and Horton were likely the only “untouchable” prospects for the Cubs. Now that they’re on the major league roster, it’s fair to say there are no safe prospects when it comes to trades.
Moisés Ballesteros continues to rake at Triple-A Iowa, but he struggled in his very brief stint with the major league team. Though his lack of positional versatility makes it tough for him to carve out a spot in Chicago, his bat could be of use later in the year if another injury occurs. That potential DH-only profile might hurt his trade value too, so this looks like a situation in which Hoyer will hold.
Other than Ballesteros, the Cubs should be open for business.
Owen Caissie has been garnering interest from several teams, including the Marlins, who showed interest in him last winter during the negotiations for Jesús Luzardo. Caissie has been on a tear as of late, putting up a .316 average and 1.040 OPS during June. If a team wants an offense-first left-handed hitter, Caissie is one of the best available on the trade market.
Sure, Owen Caissie’s K% has increased a few points this year. But if you take a look under the hood, he’s been better across the board compared to last year.
Still hitting the ball extremely hard while getting the ball in the air to the pull side and also cutting down on chase. pic.twitter.com/ov28isfLCV
— Greg Huss (@OutOfTheVines) June 28, 2025
An easy argument could be made that Kevin Alcántara has the highest upside of any prospect in the farm system, what with his 6-foot-6 frame and strong defense. He has a .803 OPS with nine home runs and nine stolen bases this season, and his speed gives him the potential to be a five-tool outfielder.
Kevin Alcantara in his last 10 games for @IowaCubs: .364 average, 5 2B, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 5 BB, .447 OBP, .697 SLG, 1.144 OPS. The Jaguar is rounding into form.
— Jason Kempf (@jkempradio) June 29, 2025
If Caissie has already been dealt, or a team wants someone with better defensive metrics, Alcántara may be right up their alley. He’s valuable to the Cubs in case Tucker doesn’t re-sign, but still expendable if he helps acquire a good starting pitcher.
Jonathon Long has been exceptional at Triple-A this year, posting a .864 OPS and 123 wRC+ with 10 homers. Long had a rough June, but his offense has otherwise been outstanding in this breakout season. Defensively, he’s worked on playing several different positions to help his value and ensure he has a path to the big leagues. With Michael Busch at first base and his profile booming, it’s quite likely that Long will be included in a trade this summer.
JONNY LONGGGGGGGGGG pic.twitter.com/UxaX87H1Je
— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) July 2, 2025
Jaxon Wiggins has pitched at High-A and Double-A this year, with a promotion to Triple-A probably not too far away. He’s dominated at both levels, with a 0.99 WHIP and 2.09 ERA. Wiggins has 74 strikeouts in just 60.1 innings of work, cementing himself as one of the best prospects in the system. As much as it might sting to part with someone who has a chance to be an incredible pitcher in the future, he can’t be off-limits if the return is super valuable.
Jaxon Wiggins spins 5 2/3 no-hit frames, leading the way in a Double-A @smokiesbaseball no-hitter ‼️
The @Cubs' No. 9 prospect ties his career high with nine punchouts, lowering his season ERA to 1.92 across 12 outings. pic.twitter.com/ckmPpuUsy5
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) June 15, 2025
The Cubs won’t deal strictly from among their top 10 prospects, as there will likely be players from the active roster and elsewhere in the system who will be dealt if Hoyer is as busy as some anticipate. However, winning bids for one or two starters, a high-leverage reliever, and a big bat means more than one the prospects mentioned above could be with other organizations by the end of the month.
