The Chicago Cubs made a significant move on Thursday, acquiring infielder Michael Busch and right-handed reliever Yency Almonte from the Los Angeles Dodgers in a trade that also saw pitching prospect Jackson Ferris and outfield prospect Zyhir Hope head to Los Angeles.
Busch, ranked as the Dodgers’ No. 2 prospect, brings a powerful left-handed bat to the Cubs’ organization. The 26-year-old got his first taste of the Majors last year and is expected to compete for an Opening Day job in Spring Training. In 98 games for Triple-A Oklahoma City last season, Busch hit .323 with 27 homers, 26 doubles, and 90 RBIs, showcasing impressive offensive skills and strong plate discipline.
There are questions about where Busch best fits positionally, as he has spent most of his Minor League career at second base, shifted mostly to third in 2023, and also has experience at first base and left field.
In order to acquire Busch, the Cubs had to part ways with Jackson Ferris, a highly-regarded pitching prospect who ranked No. 8 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 list for the club. Ferris, a second-round pick in the 2022 Draft, had a solid pro debut with Single-A Myrtle Beach last year.
Outfield prospect Zyhir Hope, an 11th-round pick by the Cubs in last summer’s Draft, was also included in the trade. Hope, who played 11 games in the Arizona Complex League last year, showcased his abilities playing all three outfield spots while posting a .962 OPS.
In addition to Busch, the Cubs also acquired right-handed reliever Yency Almonte, who should provide depth to a bullpen that struggled down the stretch in 2023. The 29-year-old right-hander had a 5.06 ERA in 49 games last year, but his career ERA sits at 4.51 in the Majors. Almonte’s fastball sits around 95-96 mph, and his arsenal was led by a sweeper in 2023.
With this trade, the Cubs are aiming to balance fortifying their future with addressing immediate needs as they look to build a team capable of returning to the postseason.