Owen Caissie has been the key prospect named in trade talks for the Chicago Cubs as they look to address needs on their Major League roster ahead of the trade deadline at the end of the month, and it comes during a time Caissie has been the hottest prospect in the minor leagues. Fresh off an appearance in the MLB All-Star Futures Game, Caissie has one insider suggesting the Cubs rethink their deadline strategy.
Jon Morosi of the MLB Network joined 670 The Score on earlier this week, and suggested that the Cubs be cautious with how they use Caissie in trade talks.
.@jonmorosi doesn't think the Cubs should trade Owen Caissie for one rental player in any scenario, but if they can address multiple needs in a bigger package or get a long-term controllable player, then he'd be willing to deal Caissie away. pic.twitter.com/RYt1g5Jmql
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) July 14, 2025
Trading Owen Cassie would be a huge mistake, per insider
The risk in trading Caissie is that the Cubs would be parting with their top prospect, and the No. 42 in baseball. Prospect hugging shouldn't be a thing for any team, let alone, a team that has the chance to become a World Series contender.
The issue, however, is the Cubs haven't broken ground on a possible contract extension with Kyle Tucker. At this point in the season, and given the Cubs' track record, the expectation should be that Tucker will leave the Cubs via free agency during the offseason. Tucker's departure would create a clear path to the Major League level for Caissie. A succession plan that a team like the Cubs usually needs to keep alive in order to extend their years of contention.
Again, signing Tucker to an extension would be the easiest solution to all of this, that way there wouldn't be the need to second-guess the idea of Caissie being moved at the deadline.
However, Tucker's trade set the precedent for why the Cubs need to include Caissie in a trade at the deadline if that is what it takes. The Cubs are all-in on the 2025 season, and Caissie is the biggest prospect piece they have to address their needs at the deadline.
That doesn't mean the Cubs will simply give Caissie away in the first deal they can make, but should have no reservations about having him be the centerpiece of a deal that moves them from being a division leader to a World Series threat.
