Cubs Rumors: Jed Hoyer hints that a prospect shakeup is coming

Owen Caissie's status has been a popular debate among Chicago Cubs fans over the last month. Not only has Caissie, according to MLB Pipeline, ascended to being the top prospect in the Cubs' system, but his hot streak in July has led many to believe he could be the successor to Kyle Tucker in right field if Tucker leaves via free agency this offseason. With that, some believe the Cubs shouldn't trade Caissie at the deadline.

The Cubs trading Cam Smith as part of the Kyle Tucker trade last offseason made it seem that there was no untouchable within their minor-league system, and Jed Hoyer confirmed as much while speaking with reporters on Friday.

Trade deadline warning puts Cubs prospects in the spotlight

With regard to trading Caissie, there is some need for context. For a singular rental player, it doesn't seem like a worthwhile move for the Cubs to trade their best prospect. The fact that Caissie has a direct line to replacing Tucker is a non-zero percent factor in the team's deadline plans.

That doesn't mean Caissie won't be traded, but there's risk if he's included in a deal for just a player like Eugenio Suarez at the deadline. While winning the World Series would trump that risk, anything less than that would put the Cubs in a position where they could be with Suarez, Tucker, and Caissie at the start of next season.

There's been growing speculation, however, that the Cubs may look for a trade that could serve as one-stop shopping. For example, if the Cubs were able to pry BOTH Suarez and Merrill Kelly away from the Arizona Diamondbacks, chances are the front office would be willing to include Caissie in that type of deal.

Regardless, the way this season has set up for the final two months, the Cubs can't have any limitations at the deadline. Whether financially or prospect-wise, the Cubs shouldn't back away from a trade if it makes them a legitimate World Series threat this season. Considering Tucker's contract status, nothing is guaranteed beyond this season.

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