Cubs No. 1 prospect Josiah Hartshorn finally addressed alarming pre-trade deadline scratch

Heads were turned on Sunday afternoon when Josiah Hartshorn was removed from the High-A South Bend's game in the seventh inning. The timing of the move was curious, considering the trade deadline was a day away and Tarik Skubal had already been dealt, but that didn't end speculation about the Cubs' No. 1 prospect potentially being involved in a deal.

By most accounts, Hartshorn was believed to be the only prospect that was truly off limits in trade talks. The exception would have been a trade for Skubal (or Mason Miller), but neither of those moves appeared to be within the realm of possibility when Hartshorn was removed from Sunday's game.

While the Cubs did move some notable names from their farm system at the deadline, Hartshorn was not among those involved in trades. The 19-year-old prospect has also provided some clarity from why he was removed from Sunday's game.

Josiah Hartshorn's pre-trade deadline scratch was a coaching point for the Cubs' top prospect

As it turns out, it was a learning moment for the young outfielder. Talking with the South Bend Tribune, Hartshorn confirmed he was removed from the game due a lack of effort.

"I didn't run hard; we had an expectation that was set beforehand, and I didn't follow it, and [Manager Daniel Wasinger] made the right decision to take me out of the game. It scared some people, but at the end of the day, it was my bad and it was performance based. I wouldn't say I'm a guy who gives anything less than their best, and I gave less than my best on that play, and I can't do that. For this group of guys and the commitment we've all made together, that's unacceptable."

If nothing else, it's a reminder that Hartshorn is still young and in need of development as he goes about his professional development. That said, it seems like he took the moment in stride, understanding why the decision was made to pull him from the game.

It would seem the next step for Hartshorn would be a promotion to Double-A Knoxville before the end of the season. He seems to have mastered the High-A level, posting an OPS of .930 with 12 home runs in 55 games. Barring an offseason trade, it would seem that Hartshorn could be a part of the outfield conversation fort he Cubs by the end of the 2027 season. If nothing else, the Cubs holding onto him at this year's deadline is a sign of the belief they have in him for the long-term.

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