Chicago Cubs: Evaluating the Chris Archer-Eloy Jimenez rumors

Slugger on a mission in the Cubs’ system

Still just in his age-20 season, the future of Eloy Jimenez remains unclear. On one hand, he may go on to be the latest position player fixture in the Cubs’ big-league lineup. On the other, he may fizzle out and wind up being a bust – even though those are rare under this front office regime.

There is no disputing his tools, though. During this week’s Home Run Derby, the outfielder blasted a ball off the light tower in left-center field, setting the Internet ablaze with wonder.

On the year, he owns a .278/.381/.546 slash-line with Myrtle Beach. His .927 OPS, spread over the course of an entire season, would represent a career-best for the youngster. Entering this year as baseball’s #14 prospect according to Baseball America, he remains one of the team’s last top-tier prospects.

There’s no telling what Jimenez will become. But it’s hard to rationalize dealing a prospect of his caliber for a guy who’s largely been a middle-of-the-road contributor on an up-and-down team in his career.

Cubs’ fans want to win worse than ever before. They’ve gotten a taste of winning and they aren’t satisfied – not even close. But now is not the time to pillage the system for an acceptable piece – it’s the time to win a deal and get the right one.