(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs executed a trade on Thursday.
The Cubs are getting one of the most exciting hitters in the minor leagues in recent seasons, Michael Busch, plus reliever Yency Almonte.
The Dodgers are getting left-hander Jackson Ferris and outfielder Zyhir Hope.
Essentially, the Dodgers traded an MLB-ready hitter and a solid middle reliever for some upside for the low minors.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan provided an analysis of the transaction, which he called “fascinating”.
This trade between the Cubs and Dodgers, which my man @juanctoribio was on top of, is fascinating.
Michael Busch has been excellent the last three years in the upper minor leagues and has a big left-handed power stroke. The hope is that at 26 he can be a Max Muncy type: hit…
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 11, 2024
He said Busch “has been excellent the last three years in the upper minor leagues and has a big left-handed power stroke. The hope is that at 26 he can be a Max Muncy type: hit home runs, draw walks, play reasonable defense at third. He should slot right into their Opening Day lineup.”
The part in which Busch plays reasonable defense at third might be wishful thinking, but the man can rake.
Even though he hasn’t succeeded in the majors yet, he posted a 1.049 OPS and 27 home runs in Triple-A last year.
He has a tendency to strike out, but he can flat out hit.
As for the Dodgers, they are getting two nice prospects in return.
Passan said Ferris “is a big get for Los Angeles, and it pained the Cubs to move him.”
He has the physical profile to succeed: tall, with a mid-90s fastball and two secondary offerings.
Hope is a toolsy outfielder who is still far from the majors but could eventually reach the majors.
Almonte will also reinforce the Cubs’ relief corps with his 4.51 career ERA.
It could be a win-win deal for both parties if all goes well, but the Cubs attacked immediate needs while the Dodgers are focusing on the future with this deal.
The post Insider Details Intriguing Cubs-Dodgers Trade appeared first on The Cold Wire.