Chicago Cubs: Who will replace Dexter Fowler in center?

Albert Almora

February 25, 2015; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Albert Almora (78) throws the baseball during a spring training workout at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The cheapest and most interesting option for the Cubs would be to give Albert Almora the job out of Spring Training.

Almora will be 22 in April, right between the ages of Addison Russell and Bryant when they were promoted to the big leagues. Even though he is the team’s best center field prospect, this move will most likely not happen – regardless the intrigue it draws.

First, the Cubs front office is generally patient with its prospects, wanting them to get time at Triple-A before promotion. Yes, players like Kyle Schwarber and Addison Russell are exemptions from this, as Schwarber skipped Triple-A and Russell only played 11 games there.

However, the team passed on promoting Bryant in 2014 and kept Baez in Iowa until September this season. Almora’s time in Chicago will come, but that time will most likely not be on Opening Day 2016.

Next: Decisions loom for Cubs' front office this winter