7 Cubs prospects who are expendable, 2 they should keep for 2025

A pair of top 50 talents the Cubs should be willing to listen on in talks

Moises Ballesteros has been talked about more this summer than ever before given the ongoing struggles of Miguel Amaya. The Cubs entered the year ready to pass the torch to Amaya, but his early-season woes at the plate derailed those plans. It seemed he'd figured something out at the plate, with an OPS in the .900 neighborhood in July and August, but he's fallen flat in September, batting just .192.

No one is questioning Ballesteros' bat. That's all he's done this year, slashing .289/.354/.471 between Double and Triple-A. The questions arise when it comes to his physical makeup and ability to stick behind the plate. Consistently graded out as a below-average glove, it would be tough to expect him to handle an MLB pitching staff from day one next season.

I'm not saying the Cubs need to move off Ballesteros. I'd like to see him get a full season at Iowa and, hopefully, continue to improve defensively. What they can't do is head into 2025 expecting Amaya and Ballesteros to shore up a position that cratered for the team this season. That's just not a serious solution to the problem.

James Triantos might be a perfect replacement for Miles Mastrobuoni on the Cubs bench. Capable of playing multiple infield positions and the outfield, his hit tool is the most valuable thing he brings to the table, something we certainly cannot say when it comes to Mastrobuoni and his 34 OPS+ this year.

The proud owner of a .300 average between Double and Triple-A this year, Triantos deserves a look in camp next spring. Trading him would hurt given his defensive versatility and bat-to-ball skills, but given the situation facing the Cubs, they have to be willing to listen on just about anybody.