Cubs prospect reportedly set for promotion with timing that could hint at September call-up

Rosters are set to expand this week, but one Chicago Cubs move may have already been spoiled. A report from The Bahamas Baseball Association suggests that infield prospect BJ Murray has been called up by the Cubs, and suggests that it will take place before Monday night's game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Calling Murray up one day before rosters expand would certainly be a choice by the Cubs. It's why it's possible that the report was premature, and Murray will be called up on Tuesday. It's also worth noting that Murray is not on the 40-man roster, so a corresponding roster move will still be needed if he were to be a September call-up. Short of their being an injury the Cubs have yet to reveal, the guess is that Murray's roster move will actually be announced on Tuesday.

BJ Murray could be auditioning for a future role with the Cubs

It's worth noting that Murray is eligible for the Rule 5 draft, as it currently stands, so adding him to the 40-man roster would also give him protection this offseason. A possible sign that the Cubs envision a larger role for Murray on the team next season, considering they would be dealing with the potential losses of Michael Conforto, Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, and Tyrone Taylor.

As for Murray's immediate fit with the Cubs for the rest of this season, he gives the team something they haven't had, a defined backup first baseman. Not to mention, as a switch-hitter, he offers more versatility for Craig Counsell on the bench at the end of the games.

Murray was once an ascending slugger in the Cubs' system, but a down 2024 campaign ultimately led to his demotion back to Double-A Knoxville. He rebounded last year with the Smokies, and this year, he's been flourishing with the Iowa Cubs. Through 516 plate appearances with the Iowa Cubs this season, Murray is slashing .294/.395/.500 with 16 home runs and a wRC+ of 128. Outside of first base, Murray has also played third base and left field with the I-Cubs this season.

For now, there's nothing to see here, assuming Murray is the first of two September call-ups the Cubs make this week. If he's getting called up specifically ahead of Monday's game against the Brewers, then there will be questions.

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