Overlooked Cubs prospect suddenly looks like a clear trade deadline chip after insane hot streak

James Triantos has largely been with the Iowa Cubs since the end of the 2024 season, and more often, was one of the top prospects in the Chicago Cubs' system. There's been times when Triantos seemed ready for the next level, but moving forward, it's hard to imagine scenario where he fits.

The Cubs starting infielder is under contract through, at least, the 2029 season. While Triantos has shown positional versatility with the Iowa Cubs, playing the middle infield and the outfield, Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramirez already have similar roles on the major league roster.

Triantos got off to a slow start with the I-Cubs this season, but has been on a heater since the start of June. Over his last 149 plate appearances, Triantos has an OPS of .918 with a wRC+ of 132. Triantos is already on the Cubs' 40-man roster, so in theory, he's an injury away from potentially making his debut with the Cubs.

That said, the Cubs haven't exactly shown any inclination toward giving Triantos runway. Again, as long as Ramirez and Shaw are with the team, it's hard to make a case for Triantos. Especially when Jonathon Long probably would be ahead of him in that case.

Falling behind in prospect rankings, James Triantos' future with the Cubs is obvious

As position players at the lower levels of the Cubs' system have made their way to the top of the team's farm system rankings, Triantos has fallen back. MLB Pipeline currently has Triantos as the No. 7 prospect in the Cubs' system. Jefferson Rojas, Josiah Hartshorn, Ethan Conrad, and Kane Kepley are all ahead of him. Owen Ayers is behind Triantos at No. 8, but he likely will pass the 23-year-old with the next update.

It would seem that Triantos falling down prospect rankings makes him a clear candidate to be traded before the MLB trade deadline on August 3. Triantos certainly still has value and for a team in need of controllable middle infielders, he could be an appealing piece in trade talks.

In particular, the Angels could be a team to watch. If interim general manager John Mozeliak gets the go-ahead, LA has a pair of appealing targers for the Cubs in Reid Detmers and Jose Soriano. Triantos wouldn't be viewed as the headliner in that type of move, but the Angels are seeking position player prospects in any deal they make. That could be an ideal pairing for the Cubs.

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