Checking in on Cubs players who were shipped out at trade deadline

The additions the Chicago Cubs made at the trade deadline should be considered a work in progress. Clay Holmes certainly has looked the part, but the Cubs are still waiting to see the best versions of Kevin Gausman and Ryan Zeferjahn. Tyrone Taylor has proved to be a valuable addition to the bench, and the focus for Braxton Garrett isn't on this season.

Now, if the Cubs make it past the NLDS, chances are the urgency with which Jed Hoyer operated at the deadline will continue to be applauded. That said, there's always going to be an eye on some of the players the Cubs gave up, considering the status they once had with the organization.

How Cubs trade deadline departures are doing with their new teams

Most of the players the Cubs parted with are still in the minors, but Moises Ballesteros is in the middle of an extended runway with the Los Angeles Angels and Brett Bateman is getting regular looks in the Toronto Blue Jays' outfield. It's time for a little check in, and before we get started, just note that not every player the Cubs moved at the deadline will get a mention.

Moises Ballesteros

The Angels have split Ballesteros' playing time between catcher and designated hitter. Since the trade, he's had five starts as the Halos' catcher. With a focus beyond this season, the Angels can afford to have Ballesteros developing as a catcher at the major league level. Offensively, he still appears to be in the offensive funk he was in when Cubs fans last saw him. He has six hits through 55 plate appearances with the Angels, good for a slash line of .120/.200/.120 with a wRC+ of -8 wRC+.

Brett Bateman

Bateman made his major league debut shortly after being traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in the Kevin Gausman deal. He's slashing .271/.314/.313 with a wRC+ of 79 through his first 51 plate appearances. His defense is believed to be ahead of his bat, mostly the reason why the Blue Jays were eager to bring him up as soon as they did.

Jefferson Rojas

Jefferson Rojas was the highest-graded prospect the Cubs parted with at the trade deadline, and he instantly became one of the New York Mets' top prospects. Playing with their Double-A affiliate, Rojas has a wRC+ of 114 through his first 59 plate appearances.

Jonathon Long

Jonathon Long has been tearing the cover off the ball with the Miami Marlins' Triple-A affiliate, and chances are he gets a look in the majors before the end of the season. He's posting a wRC+ of 172 and Miami should be the next stop.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow