The Chicago Cubs continue searching for every possible edge as the season progresses, and much of that effort has centered on strengthening their pitching depth while evaluating which prospects could contribute in Chicago or become valuable trade assets before the MLB Trade Deadline.
President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer and the front office have been aggressive in adding arms throughout the year, making several low-risk acquisitions in hopes of uncovering hidden gems. While the trade for starting pitcher David Peterson remains the organization’s biggest move so far, the Cubs have also targeted pitchers with premium velocity, a skill set the club has historically lacked throughout its farm system.
Antoine Kelly Emerging as a Bullpen Option
One of the most intriguing additions is left-handed reliever Antoine Kelly, who joined the organization last month after the Cubs acquired him from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for cash considerations.
Originally selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the second round of the 2019 MLB Draft, Kelly has yet to make his major league debut, but his recent performances at Triple-A Iowa have quickly placed him on Chicago’s radar.
Kelly has been nearly unhittable since arriving in the Cubs organization. Across nearly 13 innings, he has posted an outstanding 0.71 ERA while consistently overpowering hitters with a fastball that reaches the upper 90s and approaches triple digits. His swing-and-miss ability has also stood out, as he has struck out more than 27 percent of the batters he has faced.
With Chicago’s bullpen undergoing frequent changes over the past several weeks, Kelly appears to be one of the strongest candidates for a promotion. Even if the Cubs add another reliever before the trade deadline, his impressive form has positioned him as a legitimate option to contribute at the major league level in the near future.
Jonathon Long Could Become Valuable Trade Capital
Another prospect drawing attention is infielder Jonathon Long, whose future with the organization appears increasingly uncertain.
Selected in the 2023 MLB Draft, Long initially looked like a player capable of developing into a versatile utility option. At one point, it even seemed possible he could earn a major league opportunity if injuries created an opening on the Cubs’ roster.
However, the organizational landscape has changed.
Highly regarded infield prospects Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramirez now appear ahead of Long on the depth chart, significantly narrowing his path to Chicago. Unless one of those players is moved or unexpected roster changes occur, Long may find it difficult to secure a long-term role with the Cubs.
His offensive production has also cooled this season at Triple-A Iowa. Long is batting .266 with a .346 on-base percentage and a .419 slugging percentage, producing a 95 wRC+, his lowest mark since entering the Cubs’ system. While those numbers remain respectable, they have reduced some of the momentum he built during previous seasons.
Because of his versatility and proximity to the major leagues, Long could become an attractive trade chip for teams seeking MLB-ready talent. As the deadline approaches, there is growing speculation that Chicago could include him in a deal to address immediate roster needs.
Moisés Ballesteros Still Searching for His Swing
Meanwhile, one of the Cubs’ top offensive prospects, Moisés Ballesteros, continues working through an unusual slump after returning to Triple-A.
The organization hoped his demotion would help him quickly regain the offensive rhythm that has defined most of his minor league career. Instead, the talented young hitter has continued to struggle at the plate.
Since returning to Iowa, Ballesteros has posted a .229 batting average with a .355 on-base percentage and a .292 slugging percentage, resulting in a 69 wRC+ across his first 62 plate appearances in 14 games.
Despite the slow start, there is little indication that the Cubs are overly concerned. The sample size remains small, and Ballesteros has consistently demonstrated his hitting ability throughout his development. Nevertheless, his recent struggles likely delay any immediate return to Chicago, as the organization prefers to see him regain confidence and consistency before considering another major league promotion.
Cubs Continue Balancing Present and Future
As the trade deadline approaches, Chicago faces several important decisions regarding its farm system.
Players like Antoine Kelly could soon strengthen the major league bullpen, while prospects such as Jonathon Long may provide valuable trade currency if the Cubs pursue additional upgrades. At the same time, the organization remains committed to the long-term development of high-upside talents like Moisés Ballesteros, even if that means allowing them extra time in the minors.
With postseason ambitions still very much alive, the Cubs’ prospect pool could play a significant role both on the field and in shaping the club’s strategy over the coming weeks.
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