Cubs’ deadline move gives rising catcher clear path to 2027 opportunity
The Chicago Cubs completely revamped their pitching staff ahead of this year’s Aug. 3 trade deadline. While the additions of Kevin Gausman, Ryan Zeferjahn, Braxton Garrett, and Clay Holmes were much-needed reinforcements, the ripple effects of some of the players they moved may have also revealed their plans behind the plate for 2027.
The Cubs parted ways with several notable prospects last week, including outfielder Brett Bateman, shortstop Ty Southisene, catcher Moises Ballesteros, right-hander Mason McGwire, third baseman Jonathon Long, right-hander Jace Beck and shortstop Jefferson Rojas.
Among that group, Ballesteros entered the season with significant expectations after a strong rookie campaign. However, he had struggled to replicate that success this year, posting a .668 OPS and 91 OPS+ at the time of the trade.
With Ballesteros no longer part of Chicago’s long-term plans, the Cubs currently have Miguel Amaya and Carson Kelly as their catchers on the 40-man roster, with Kelly set to become a free agent after the season. That should create an opening behind the plate in 2027, and the Cubs may ultimately turn to rapidly rising catching prospect Owen Ayers, whose name was heavily involved in trade rumors thanks to his breakout season.
Owen Ayers has a golden opportunity to be a part of the Chicago Cubs long term plans at catcher
Ayers, a former 19th round draft pick in 2024, has ascended to being the Cubs No.2 prospect per MLB Pipeline. The switch hitting catcher has broken out with 23 home runs this year across three levels: High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A. His season slash line is currently sitting at an impressive .313/.424/.590 across 95 games.
Outside of Ayers, the Cubs’ next-highest-ranked catching prospect is Ariel Armas, who was selected 14 rounds ahead of Ayers in the 2024 MLB Draft. However, Armas, currently ranked as the organization’s No. 16 prospect, remains in Double-A and does not appear to be on the verge of becoming a 40-man roster addition this offseason.
With Ballesteros now out of the picture and Kelly potentially departing in free agency, the Cubs will be in need of an option alongside Amaya remains in 2027. That is where Ayers could have a golden opportunity. His breakout season has put him on the radar and should give him a chance to compete for a major league role sooner next season.
The trade deadline may have been about adding pitching reinforcements, but Chicago also quietly held onto a catcher who may be a part of their long term plans, starting as soon as next season.
The post Cubs’ deadline move gives rising catcher clear path to 2027 opportunity appeared first on ChiCitySports.
Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-owen-ayers-could-factor-into-2027-catcher-plans/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
| Visits: | 1,828,303,075 |
| Stories: | 8,685,798 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
