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Cubs’ hottest prospect might already be on the trade block

Why Pedro Ramirez’s rise might make him trade bait for Cubs
ByJordan Campbell|
The Smokies’ Pedro Ramirez (2) walks across home plate after hitting a home run during a game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Birmingham Barons, at Covenant Health Park in downtown Knoxville’s Old City, June 24, 2025.
The Smokies’ Pedro Ramirez (2) walks across home plate after hitting a home run during a game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Birmingham Barons, at Covenant Health Park in downtown Knoxville’s Old City, June 24, 2025. | Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

MLB Pipeline is set to update their prospect rankings this week, but they offered a tease before then, listing a prospect for each team who has been on the rise this season. In other words, for the Chicago Cubs, the prospect they listed wasn't going to be Owen Caissie, considering he entered the season as their top prospect.

The prospect that gets the mention for the Cubs is Double-A infielder Pedro Ramirez. Ramirez is currently the seventh-ranked prospect in the Cubs' system, but chances are that will change this week.

"Ramirez trained with Moisés Ballesteros when they were amateurs in Venezuela. They both signed as part of the Cubs' '21 international class and have become two of the best pure hitters in the system. Signed for just $75,000, Ramirez finished no worse than tied for ninth in his league's batting race his first four years as a pro and currently stands tied for 11th in the Double-A Southern League at .275/.349/.387 with seven homers and 26 steals in 101 games."

Pedro Ramirez’s breakout might land him in Cubs trade talks

The Cubs' front office has developed an interesting trend when it comes to their recent international class signings--they often are being used as trade chips. Beyond that, the Cubs' front office is often trading them too soon, as was the case when they dealt outfield prospect Alfonsin Rosario to the Cleveland Guardians for Eli Morgan.

Splitting his time between second base and third base with the Smokies this season, it doesn't seem that Ramirez has the clearest of paths to the Major League level with the Cubs. Matt Shaw is quickly silencing the doubt of him being the long-term third baseman for the Cubs, and Nico Hoerner is entrenched as the team's starting second baseman. Of course, Hoerner is a free agent after the 2026 season, so that could play a factor in Ramirez's trajectory.

For now, however, it seems that Ramirez will be a trade chip for the Cubs this offseason, considering they likely will look to the trade market to address their need in the starting rotation.

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