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Cubs’ next breakout prospect earns Double-A jump amid trade buzz

This top Cubs prospect just took a big step as trade rumors heat up
ByJordan Campbell|
South Bend Cubs infielder Jefferson Rojas takes a drink after scoring a run to put his team up by one in the eighth inning of a minor league baseball game against the Lake County Captains at Four Winds Field on Friday, June 21, 2024, in South Bend.
South Bend Cubs infielder Jefferson Rojas takes a drink after scoring a run to put his team up by one in the eighth inning of a minor league baseball game against the Lake County Captains at Four Winds Field on Friday, June 21, 2024, in South Bend. | MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK

There's been an increased focus in recent weeks on the Chicago Cubs' prospects who could be on the move at the MLB trade deadline, and some have pointed toward Jefferson Rojas being a prospect the Cubs may move to address a current need on their Major League roster. Rojas has climbed to being the Cubs' No. 3 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, and is a part of their Top 100 list.

After posting a 138 wRC+ in Class-A South Bend this season, with 11 home runs, Rojas was recently promoted to Double-A Knoxville, and that has led to some questions about whether the Cubs would be willing to include him in a trade at the deadline. It was questioned that Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney answered during their reporting in The Athletic earlier this week.

"Rojas has primarily played shortstop in the minors, though his more likely defensive position in the future might be third base or second base. If trading him means acquiring a player who can help the Cubs compete for a World Series title in 2025 and beyond, then they will have to be open-minded."

Surging Cubs prospect jumps to Double-A while front office weighs deadline moves

It would seem that the Cubs' approach with potentially trading Rojas is similar to their approach with Owen Caissie. If the Cubs can land an impact talent who is under control beyond this season, then the team likely would be willing to include their top infield prospect.

This deadline will be an important milestone for Jed Hoyer's front office. The Cubs have been among the best teams in baseball since the season started in April, but the Milwaukee Brewers have eliminated any sense of comfort the North Siders once had. In a season designed for the Cubs to push their chips to the middle of the deadline, they will need to be aggressive at the deadline if they are going to keep up with the surging Brewers.

The good news for the Cubs is that having Caissie and Rojas in the farm system allows them to be in the mix for any target they desire at the deadline. As much as they want to hold onto Caissie and Rojas, the NL Central standings may not allow for that.

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