Bleacher Bums Forum

If Hoerner is not ready to start the season, I hope that they bring up Triantos, assuming they think he is reasonably ready.  Any success at all at the MLB level would raise his trade value substantially. 

Tommy Birch has said that Matt Shaw is much better defensively at 3B than at 2B. So, perhaps Cubs future might be Triantos at 2B and Shaw at 3B——and Cam Smith in a corner OF spot.

In any case, here is BA on Shaw’s defense.

In the field, Shaw has seen time at multiple positions. Drafted as a shortstop, Shaw saw more time at third base in 2024, starting 63 games at the hot corner. Shaw is a fringe-average defender at third and, due to his lack of arm strength, is likely only a fill-in at shortstop. Though he showed above-average range at third, his actions can look awkward. He lacks the natural arm strength typical of third basemen, but his athleticism and quick release allow him to make many plays that less nimble infielders do not make.

I wonder if we don't sometimes underestimate the value of defensive experience, and the time it can take to master a new position? 

Shaw played SS in college and below.  This year he played only 24 games at 2B (64 games 3B, 24 at SS).  If he's played only 24 games at 2B, maybe that's why he didn't look as good there?  But maybe if he plays and practices and focuses there, he'll improve quickly? 

Heh heh, maybe I'm going to be a Cubbie Koolaid guy, and make Triantos my new model!  Maybe lots of guys can lock in and become decent defenders *if* they are ever allowed to lock into one position for a full year? 

Craig, it seems like it's hard to project what an extremely hard-working 21-year old athlete (as Triantos) might develop into as a hitter.

This is by no means a comparison to the GREAT Hall-of-Famer, Ryne Sandberg, but as a 21 y.o. in AAA, in 519 ABs Ryno hit 17 2B, 5 3B and 9 HRs. (he was called up to Phil. by end of year).

In 443 ABs this year, Triantos hit 23 2B, 6 3B and 7 HRs. (and stole 47 bags to Ryno's 32 in his 21 y.o. and last minor season).

As we all know, Ryno was taught by manager Jim Frey how to turn on pitches and pull the ball with more power. Can Triantos make some adjustment that will unlock 20+ HR power? Maybe. 21 y.o. is still awfully young for a pro hitter.

Ryno was taller (listed at 6'2, 180), whereas Triantos lists at 5'11, 195. (Alex Bregman is listed at 6'0, 180 and admits he's not 6' tall and, by the way, in A and A+ as a 21 y.o. in the minors, Bregman hit 4 HRs in 272 ABs...and a whole lot more since then)

Nico H. has similar dimensions to Triantos and hasn't yet unlocked more power. Maybe Triantos won't, but maybe he will make an adjustment that unlocks more power or add a few feet of carry as he grows into his fully-developed man muscles. 

I do hope Cubs don't let him go based on the assumption that he will never hit for power!  As he's becoming a plus fielder at 2B, Triantos sure looks like he has MAJOR upside to me.

... perhaps Cubs future might be Triantos at 2B and Shaw at 3B——and Cam Smith in a corner OF spot. ...

Yeah, that's an interesting one!  One of many!  I kinda prefer the idea of Smith being good enough for 3b, and sticking and locking in there.  (If his defense can allow).  So maybe one scenario would be Smith-Dansby-Triantos, with Shaw as utility. 

I admit I'd really love to have a utility flex guy who can hit.  Kinda hoping one or the other of Shaw/Triantos could end up in that role?  Given that Shaw has more SS experience, and more power, I'd kinda love it to be him.

100% agree.  Give Smith the full year at 3b-only and see how he progresses.  Absolutely. 

With Smith being a guy who was already hitting in AA by the season end, part of me wonders whether he might reach the majors before next season ends, or else during 2026. But I have to remind myself that only two years ago he'd never played even a college game yet. 

He's only two seasons out of high school.  Give him some time, maybe he'll improve and be good at 3B. 

Thanks for sharing those defensive analyses, reb.  I hadn't really heard anything on Cam since the draft, so reading the reports is really helpful. 

BA has Alcantara at #5 and notes his “all-star upside.”

Yeah, arguably, can make the case that Alcantara has the highest ceiling of all Cubs top prospects.

Defensively, BA says “Alcantara is a plus defender in center field with an above-average arm.”

Still, seems like he might be most likely prospect to be traded if Cubs make a big trade.

A plus CF defender with an above-average arm should be playing CF, not a corner. With rare exceptions, that’s what happens in baseball. With Cubs, Alcantara is a corner guy.

Yeah, it’s a very significant risk to trade Alcantara. If do that, better be part of a deal for a very significant player coming back.

Trading Zyhir Hope was a risk. Seems like Hope will be moving waaaaay up the top prospect lists during 2025 but Cubs got a significant guy back in that deal.

Tommy Birch has said that Matt Shaw is much better defensively at 3B than at 2B. So, perhaps Cubs future might be Triantos at 2B and Shaw at 3B——and Cam Smith in a corner OF spot.

In any case, here is BA on Shaw’s defense.

He lacks the natural arm strength typical of third basemen, but his athleticism and quick release allow him to make many plays that less nimble infielders do not make.

Sounds a little like Madrigal as far as defense is concerned.