Chicago Cubs: Talking ‘Cubs Way’ with prospect Trent Giambrone

Chicago Cubs: Making a name for himself, one step at a time

In just two-plus years in the Cubs organization, the 24-year-old has learned a lot about the Cubs Way. And, if you ask him, he swears it’s much more than just a tagline kicked around by guys like Theo Epstein and Joe Maddon. It’s a way of conducting yourself and holding yourself accountable – both on and off the diamond.

"“The best way I can explain it would be – everything done at the top level is preached throughout every single level,” Giambrone said. “The Cubs Way is preached in every single meeting you have. You see it on the walls. You see the Respect 90. These things go on every single day … Everyone is bought into it. Everyone tries to be Cub. You take a lot of pride in hearing, ‘Hey man, that’s Cub.'”"

According to MLB.com, Giambrone wraps up the 2018 campaign as the organization’s 29th-ranked prospect. And with good reason, too. The young infielder continues to improve at the plate and shows the same defensive versatility we’ve come to expect from Chicago prospects in recent years.

He earned a Cubs’ Organizational All-Star nod recently – and torched Arizona Fall League pitching alongside middle infield teammate Nico Hoerner, the team’s first-round draft pick in 2018. Giambrone turned heads in AFL action with a .327/.400/.490 line in 12 games, swiping two bags and hitting two home runs.

Heading into 2019, Trent Giambrone knows he has a ways to go before he hears his name over the PA at Wrigley Field. But he’s taking it all in stride, learning from both the highs and the lows the grind of a minor league season offers – and focusing turning it all into something he can build on.

"The biggest thing I want to focus on is being in the moment, not getting caught up on outside things. We all want to be great. We want to be in the big leagues, but most importantly, I want to focus on being myself every single night and being a professional every single night."