Chicago Cubs: After deadline moves, prospects are again the focus

Chicago Cubs Prospects: Greg Deichmann

Greg Deichmann was one of the first prospects the Chicago Cubs ahead of the deadline, with the big outfielder coming over in the Andrew Chafin trade that sent the Sheriff to Oakland. Before the trade with Triple-A Las Vegas this year, Deichmann slashed .300/.433/.452 in 210 at-bats. He has experience at third, first and in the outfielder – which bodes well given the losses the Cubs just suffered at those positions.

Drafted in the second round of the 2017 draft, Deichmann came to professional baseball from Louisiana State and has learned to not swing for the fences, change his approach at the plate and bat more for contact and average as his numbers thus far have reflected. I would not be surprised to see Deichmann get a call-up to the majors this year as his versatility in the field makes him extremely valuable.

Chicago Cubs Prospects: Daniel Palencia

Daniel Palencia was the second prospect sent the Cubs’ way in the Chafin deal. After being signed by the Athletics in February 2020 before the minor league season was lost due to the pandemic, Palencia went on to Low-A in 2021 where he’s gone 0-2 with a 6.91 ERA in 14 1/3 innings pitched  with the Stockton Ports. Palencia is the type of player that has the high upside if he can put it all together. He has struggled with a 1.6 WHIP thus far but touches up to 99 MPH on his fastball.

Though likely a few years away, it will be interesting to see how Palencia develops over time moving forward. With a plus fastball and good breaking ball pitch, he has what it takes to at least be a reliever at the big league level. If he can get his mechanics under control and start getting through more innings, he will rise up the minor league ranks and hopefully to Chicago before long.