Cubs have 2 former top prospects who could be gone before 2027 MLB lockout

The Chicago Cubs have multiple openings in the starting rotation that will need to be addressed this offseason, and the need to also replace Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki. The Cubs should be active in free agency, and the trade market, but it would seem likely that they will rely on some internal options to have expanded roles in 2027.

In the outfield, the early indication is that Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramirez will have expanded roles. As for the rotation, the Cubs will have the return of Justin Steele as a starting point for the bottom of the rotation, and Edward Cabrera will likely be given a chance to reclaim a spot.

Cubs have two former top prospects on borrowed time with MLB lockout looming

As the Cubs have mapped out potential roles for the players they have under control for the 2027 season, there's two former top prospects who seemingly are being overlooked, if not, ignored. Both of these prospects are on the Cubs' 40-man roster, and while they have multiple open spots on the roster, things could get crowded in a hurry before the expected lockout on December 2.

With that in mind, it would seem that the Cubs would be wise to make a decision on each of these players before the offseason comes to an abrupt pause in December.

Kevin Alcantara

The Cubs finally have an opening for Kevin Alcantara in the outfield. The problem is there's been no indication that the Cubs are ready to hand Alcantara a role of consequence. He's been relegated to fourth outfielder duty when he has been up with the Cubs over the last two years, but he only has 34 games played across that span.

Working against Alcantara is also the reality that he's out of minor-league options. If there's not enough time in the offseason to round out the bench, perhaps Alcantara backs into an Opening Day roster spot. But, right now, it feels like he's closer to being a former Cub than having a role with the team next season.

Jordan Wicks

Similar to Alcantara in the outfield, the Cubs once again have a clear runway for Jordan Wicks, a former first-round pick, to claim a spot in the rotation, but it's felt like he's moved to the very bottom fo the team's pitching depth chart. He's been relegated to being an up-and-down pitcher for the big-league club. He's only made 12 appearances with the Cubs over the last two seasons, and in 2026, he had an ERA of 10.45.

Even with the need the Cubs have on their pitching staff, expecting Wicks to be a part of the mix in 2027 feels like a reach. He has the impression of being the final piece added to a trade the Cubs make this offseason.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow