It's going to be another long, bitterly cold winter in Chicago.
The Chicago White Sox may be the worst Major League Baseball team of all time, but their crosstown rivals have problems of their own. For a fourth straight year, the Chicago Cubs will miss out on the postseason despite high expectations heading into 2024.
Why the Cubs continue to disappoint has no perfect answer. One could point to the starting pitching, bullpen, or lack of star power in the lineup as explanations for the team underachieving so far in the 2020s.
On Thursday, the Cubs made a surprise roster addition, calling up 22-year-old outfield prospect Kevin Alcántara. The Cubs' number-six prospect and MLB's No. 69 overall prospect according to MLB.com, Alcántara has only three games to make an impression before the season ends.
One explanation for Alcántara's call-up was posited by MLB.com prospect evaluator Jim Callis, who said the Cubs may be looking to deal from their outfield surplus in search of roster upgrades elsewhere.
"Alcántara has an intriguing combination of size, athleticism & tools," Callis said on X. "With the (Cubs') abundance of present & future outfield options, I wonder if he winds up being a headliner in a trade package."
In 2024, Alcántara slashed .278/.353/.428 between Double-A and Triple-A with 14 home runs and 14 stolen bases. He has an .803 career OPS in 400 minor-league games.
In the article Callis linked to in his original tweet, he also emphasized that this call-up for Alcántara could equally be a showcase for other clubs as it is a chance for the Cubs themselves to see what the young outfielder can do.
"With their postseason drought now at four years, the Cubs will be looking to make moves this offseason," Callis said. "How Alcántara performs in the final five days of this season will show them -- as well as potential trade partners -- what he might become."
The Cubs' needs are obvious. Whether Alcántara can help them achieve their future goals--in Chicago or elsewhere--remains to be seen.
More MLB: Cubs 'planning' to add marquee starting pitcher this winter, per insider
