3 Cubs prospects who stand to gain the most from Nico Hoerner's surprise surgery news

James Triantos could also be part of the infield solution in 2025

Often overlooked in discussions about a Cubs farm system that boasts eight top 100 prospects, James Triantos should play a role for the MLB team next season. Whether that's off the bench, replacing the dead-weight offensive production of guys like Nick Madrigal and Miles Mastrobuoni, or as a fill-in for Hoerner, we'll see him in Chicago in 2025.

Best suited as a second baseman on the infield, Triantos possesses elite bat-to-ball skills and he's shown that at every stop along the way. This year between Double- and Triple-A, the 21-year-old slashed .300/.346/.427 with only 52 strikeouts in nearly 500 plate appearances. He's not the defender Hoerner is (few are) but the bat could add some pop to the offense.

As I said, even if the Cubs go a different path here, whether it be Shaw or an external pick-up, Triantos needs to be a bench piece in 2025. He's hit everywhere and given the abysmal numbers Chicago has gotten from bench players in recent years, they have nothing to lose by giving him a chance.