Chicago Cubs put Kyle Tucker roadblock ahead of top outfield prospects

The Chicago Cubs pulled the trigger on the trade this past December that brought Houston Astros star right fielder Kyle Tucker to the team.

It was a pricey deal that cost the Cubs a legit every day third baseman in Isaac Paredes, a right-handed pitcher with big potential in Hayden Wesneski, and a top third base prospect, Cam Smith. But, seriously, who could blame the Cubs front office for snapping up a true multi-tool star like Tucker, even if he turns out to be just a one-year asset?

The Cost Of Trading For Kyle Tucker

However, another price of the trade was an indirect, more subtle one. The big-time swap cost them a major league look at two of the farm system’s top outfield rising stars– the Cubs’ no. 2 prospect Owen Caissie and their no. 6 prospect Kevin Alcantara.

Cassie is projected to have possible plus-plus power and a strong throwing arm, definitely working out of a corner outfield spot.

Per Baseball America:

“Caissie’s power is his standout skill. He features some of the best exit velocity data in the minor leagues.”

Per SI.com:

“Caissie is one of MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects entering this season. With the Tennessee Smokies he batted .289 with 22 home runs and 84 RBI. He was named the Cubs’ Hitting Prospect of the Year and played with Canada in the World Baseball Classic.

Per ESPN, scouts love two things about Caissie — his power and his good decisions at the plate.”

Alcantara, meanwhile, can play all three outfield positions, but thrived as a right fielder playing alongside Pete Crow-Armstrong in the minors. He’s praised for his tools and for the kind of polished athleticism that often translates into major league success.

Per MLB.com.

“Few players as tall as Alcantara move as well as he does. He has twitchy athleticism, solid speed and good instincts on the bases and in the outfield. “

No Rush To Bring Them Up, But…

Caissie and Alcantara are just 22 years of age, so there is no dire need to bring either up to the majors right now. But both are projected to be major league starting talent and neither is all that far away from being ready for their shot. As a matter of fact, the two prospects are projected to be major league-ready in 2025. Alcantara already saw some major league duty last season.

However, neither is likely to see all that much big league duty next year, unless some sort of injury at the major league level necessitates a call-up.

Kyle Tucker is locked into right field, of course. Pete Crow-Armstrong is at center. Ian Happ will be the Cubs’ every day left fielder. Seiya Suzuki, meanwhile, will be looking for outfield innings wherever he can while serving as the team’s designated hitter.

The Cubs DO need a quality fourth/fifth outfielder, but it would be a great disservice to both Caissie and Alcantara to plant them on the bench to serve in that capacity. That’s why both young talents will play at Triple-A until further notice.

If Not Now, When?

And when, exactly, will there be space for either (or both) men at Wrigley?

Next season, maybe.

Tucker could be gone via free agency. Happ has a no-trade clause in his contract and can’t be moved. The 22-year-old Crow-Armstrong, meanwhile, is the Cubs’ long-term project as an answer to the center field equation.

It wouldn’t be crazy to think that either Caissie or Alcantara could be traded at some point, especially if Tucker is extended well into the future and Crow-Armstrong doesn’t collapse under major league pressure.

In the meantime, both top outfield prospects will wait.

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