Chicago Cubs: Trent Giambrone having a memorable spring

It’s highly unlikely you’ll see the Chicago Cubs Trent Giambrone make the team this year. But he’s leaving his card all over Spring Training, so everyone knows where to find him in the near future.

The Chicago Cubs drafted Trent Giambrone in the 25th round of the 2016 draft. Standing only 5-foot-8, he doesn’t exactly stand out. But in just three years in the system, he’s moved to Double-A Tennessee and is expected to make it to Triple-A Iowa at some point this season. So how is he making his way up through the farm?

Giambrone might be small in stature, but he gets the most out of his frame. At Class-A+ Myrtle Beach, he hit 12 home runs in 128 games. Last season he moved up to Tennessee and led the team with 17 home runs in 116 games. But his power, while impressive, might not be his best trait.

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Giambrone is a second baseman by trade, logging a .976 fielding percentage in 89 games at the spot. But he’s added versatility to his game by adding both corner outfield spots, shortstop and third base. Joe Maddon might be in the final year of his contract, but this is the type of player he’d love to have on his club.

This spring, Giambrone has had the opportunity to get eyes on him, playing in seven games, so far. He’s hitting .467 (7-for-15) with two doubles, two home runs and three knocked in. He also swiped 26 bases last season while being caught nine times. He’s yet to try and steal this spring. But that’s been something the Cubs have focused on in Mesa in past years.

The Cubs appear to be on Addison Russell‘s side, as long as he sticks to the plan the team has set forth. Ben Zobrist is in the final year of his contract and seems unlikely to re-sign. But in a flash, Russell could be gone and Zobrist, as well. The Cubs would be heading into next season with Daniel Descalso the most likely–or experienced–second baseman. David Bote and Ian Happ could be in that mix, but neither will have seen much time at second at that point.

For years, the Cubs have had several of their prospects ‘blocked’ by others on the MLB roster. Many were used in trade for other pieces the team needed, so they’ve served a purpose. But the timing for Giambrone could work out perfectly. We had a chance to talk with Giambrone before spring ball started, so be sure to check that out!