Cubs prospect James Triantos is heating up at Myrtle Beach

Wednesday night’s Myrtle Beach Pelicans doubleheader gave Chicago Cubs fans an optimistic glimpse at the future. Cubs prospect James Triantos had himself a day, racking up five hits, a walk and three RBI. Triantos, 19, is currently listed as the organization’s #3 prospect as he and #6 prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong (who recorded four hits in the twin-bill) continue to rise in the organization’s rankings. Triantos was drafted by the Cubs out of James Madison HS in the second round last year.

Listed at 6-1 and 195 pounds, the right-handed hitting infielder has shown impressive abilities at the plate. The ball explodes off his bat, and has displayed the ability to hit for average and power. In 19 varsity games in 2020-2021, Triantos hit .700/.800/1.576 with 11 home runs, 10 doubles, 27 RBI and only two strikeouts. That batting average results from 37 hits in 52 ABs.

Last year after being drafted, he started in Cubs Rookie ball and hit .327/.376/.594 with six home runs and .970 OPS in 25 games. He made his way to Myrtle Beach for 2022 and got off to a slow start, hitting just .087 (two hits) in his first six games. From April 16 through April 27 he slashed .405/.450/.487 with three doubles and three walks. This includes the five hits he recorded in Wednesday’s double header. Over that span, he had himself six multi-hit games.

Triantos can play pretty much all over the infield, but he has spent his time in Myrtle Beach at third. While he had originally started his time in the Cubs organization playing in the middle infield, him playing at third in Myrtle Beach has allowed #11 prospect Reggie Preciado to play at short and Yeison Santana to play at second. Triantos could be the third baseman of the future if he primarily plays at that position.

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Between Triantos, Preciado, Cristian Hernandez, Ed Howard and Kevin Made, the Cubs’ top 15 prospect group has plenty of intriguing infielders. These guys are a ways away from the Majors but they could rise up through the system over the next two-three years if all goes well.