January 11, 2024
The Chicago Cubs have made a notable move in the trade market, acquiring infield prospect Michael Busch and relief pitcher Yency Almonte from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In exchange for Busch and Almonte, the Cubs sent pitching prospect Jackson Ferris and outfield prospect Zyhir Hope to the Dodgers. This trade aligns with the Cubs’ strategy to balance building for the future while addressing immediate needs.
Michael Busch, 26, was named the 2023 Pacific Coast League Most Valuable Player and a Baseball America Triple-A All-Star. He showcased his batting prowess with the Oklahoma City last season, hitting .323 with 26 doubles, four triples, 27 home runs, and 90 RBI in 98 games. Busch, who ranks No. 44 in MLB.com’s top-100 prospect list, made his major league debut with the Dodgers last season. Though he struggled initially in the majors, his minor league track record suggests high potential. Busch was selected by the Dodgers in the first round (31st overall) of the 2019 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Yency Almonte, 29, brings experience as a right-handed reliever, having a career record of 7-6 with 31 holds, two saves, and a 4.51 ERA in 196 games. In the 2022-23 season, he appeared in 49 games for the Dodgers, recording a 5.06 ERA.
For the Dodgers, this trade was a move to clear room on their 40-man roster, with outfielder Teoscar Hernández also joining their ranks. The acquisition of Ferris and Hope from the Cubs adds two high-upside prospects to their organization.
The Cubs, under their current management, are focusing on returning to the postseason. Acquiring Busch and Almonte is a significant step in fortifying their team, blending youthful talent with seasoned players to build a competitive roster for the upcoming seasons.
