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Signaling Owen Ayers' rise, he was among the Chicago Cubs prospects named by Jeff Passan as a potential trade chip before the deadline. Since Ayers remains in the organization, and Moises Ballesteros is now with the Los Angeles Angels, it's clear that the former is now an important piece to the puzzle moving forward.
With Carson Kelly a free agent this summer, it would seem that Ayers is in a position to potentially make the Cubs' Opening Day roster in 2027. If Craig Counsell looks for additional ways to give Kelly and Miguel Amaya additional rest before October, it's even possible that Ayers makes a cameo with the Cubs before the end of this season.
That's not to say the Cubs won't look for veteran insurance this offseason. The reality of the situation is that Kelly is probably going to be priced out of the Cubs' interest level, considering the other needs they will have. And while it has potential, a catching tandem of Amaya and Ayers in 2027 would not be without risk.
It'd be foolish to say that Ayers' breakout performance in the Cubs' system makes is certain that he's going to be a star, but it's also reached the point that his success can't be ignored. He's starting to figure things out offensively in Triple-A Iowa, with his slash line now up to .303/.410/.409.
Owen Ayers has cemented his spot in the Cubs' long-term outlook
Ayers recently spoke with the Des Moines Register's Tommy Birch, and credit a change in bat and cleat size as part of the reason why he found success this season. Each of those have allowed the 25-year-old to repeat his swing mechanics more regularly, leading to the impressive offensive campaign he's had this season.
Ayers was also asked about the trade deadline, and made it clear there was only one place he wanted to be.
“I’m super grateful I’m still here,” Ayers told Birch. “I love this organization. This is where I want to play. And I want to play at Wrigley Field, so I’m very happy to still be here.”
MLB Pipeline now has Ayers as the No. 2 prospect in the Cubs' system. It wouldn't be a complete surprise to see him crack MLB Pipeline's Top 100 by the end of the season, and that speaks to just how meteoric his rise has been.
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