CUBS AND DODGERS MAKE A TRADE
The Chicago Cubs acquired infielder Michael Busch and pitcher Yency Almonte from the Los Angeles Dodgers for pitcher Jackson Ferris and outfielder Zyhir Hope.
What does it give the Chicago Cubs
In Busch, the Cubs add a promising power bat to their infield. The 26-year-old appears ready to make an impact in the majors after crushing minor-league pitching the past few seasons. He should make the Opening Day roster and could win the starting job at third base. Almonte, a right-handed reliever, has had an up-and-down career, but he will compete for a bullpen role with potential upside. The move improves the Cubs for 2024, and they part with two unproven but recently drafted prospects. Time will tell on this trade, but the Cubs are getting the safest bets.
What does it give the Los Angeles Dodgers
With a crowded infield of high-end talent, the Dodgers were willing to trade Busch, and add in Almonte, for prospects. Ferris, a second-round draft pick of the Cubs in 2022, is a tall left-handed starter and is the player to watch in this deal. He was the Cubs' eighth-ranked prospect per MLB.com. Hope is an outfield prospect drafted in 2023. Both will work their way up in the Dodgers organization in the years to come. This deal looks like advantage Chicago for the short term, but will it turn into a win for the Dodgers down the road?
Fantasy impact
Busch gets a boost in fantasy with his move to Chicago, where he will get a better chance to show his power in an everyday role. He is worth a look as soon as this season. The Dodgers' newly-acquired prospects are still in their late teens and have a long way to go, but Ferris especially could be worth monitoring for keeper-league managers. Hope is off the radar, for now.
