Number 7
James Triantos 2B/3B
Age: 20
2023 Level(s): Rookie Ball, High-A South Bend, AA Tennessee
Joined the organization via: 2nd Round Pick in 2021 MLB Draft
2023 Stats: 363 PA, .287/.364/.391, 4 HR, 22 XBH, 16/20 SB, 48 RBI, 45 R
At the midpoint of the 2023 season we had this to say about Triantos:
"Triantos had an incredible rookie season. He hit for average, he hit for power and he looked like a solid defender, making the Cubs look brilliant for signing him to a massive overslot deal in the 2021 draft. Last season in full-season ball the average dipped, but the power tanked as he only hit one more home run (7) in nearly 400 more plate appearances. This season the power has remained elusive but the guy just doesn’t strike out."Cubbies Crib
What was true at the midpoint continued to be true as the season progressed. The major difference between Triantos and someone like Brett Bateman who didn’t rank as highly on this list is that Triantos produced these numbers, at least partially, at AA Tennessee and he did it from an infield position rather than the outfield.
We’d love to see more plate appearances this season but his ability to put the bat on the ball and get on base is a skill that the Cubs have obviously put a premium on considering their current double-play tandem of Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson. He walked (35) nearly as often as he struck out (39) so he should put up good at-bats and his utility to be used at various positions in the infield should help him make the Major League roster sooner rather than later, especially if he can find some of the power that has eluded his bat the last two seasons.