In the week before his first game in centre field, Cubs prospect James Triantos could feel his nerves starting to frazzle. Not only was it his first game as an outfielder for the High-A South Bend Cubs in early August, but it was also his first game ever.
After receiving five days’ notice, he responded, “All right, sounds good. I’ll manage to solve problem. As that fateful Saturday drew nearer and Triantos’s fly-ball practice total increased, he focused on one straightforward idea.
He recalled saying to the Sun-Times this offseason, “The ball has to go in my glove.” “I will toss the ball well. I won’t worry as long as the ball lands in my glove.
Twenty-year-old Triantos is among a group of prospects that the Cubs hope can have an effect as they begin a new championship window. Naturally, some will be moved away for big-league talent, but Jed Hoyer, president of baseball operations, also thinks highly of young players because they provide energy and reduce payroll costs.
As the new year draws near, Cubs supporters are naturally impatient as the team has not made any major-league additions. However, judging the Cubs’ offseason at this point would be premature given the slow pace of the winter and the availability of big-name free agents and trade candidates.
At least, player development, the alternative strategy for team building, is gaining traction.
General manager Carter Hawkins stated this month at the MLB Winter Meetings, “You get into trouble when you just rely on free agents, and you get into trouble when you rely just on your farm system.” “The players coming up in the farm system are knocking on the door, but they’re not quite hammering on it just yet. We’re in a unique spot.”
Lefty Jordan Wicks and outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong are two players in the Cubs prospect rankings who have previously experienced life in the major leagues. The team is ranked No. 4 by MLB Pipeline. This year, more of their contributions are anticipated. Guys like Kevin Alcantara and Triantos, who were named Arizona Fall League All-Stars this offseason, or “Fall Stars,” are right behind them and have the potential to make an impact throughout the season.
Triantos declared, “I want to be knocking on the doors of the big leagues next year.” “I think I would be prepared.”
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