Here are a few updates on the injured Chicago Cubs prospects:
Cade Horton has been mostly shut down for the season after experiencing a setback in his recovery from a subscapular strain (a shoulder muscle injury). The reason for the shutdown is clear: he felt the pain again in the same area, making it a wise decision to end his season early.
As for what’s next, Cubs GM Carter Hawkins mentioned that an Arizona Fall League stint is under consideration, allowing Horton to make up some lost innings. However, Hawkins’ comments suggest that it’s unlikely to happen (The Athletic): “It would be a consideration. With all of those, you have to think about what the down ramp is, too. So you ramp guys up, then you got to ramp guys down, and you have to think about ramping back up for spring training. It’s not out of the question, but that’s part of the conversation.”
In other words, the Cubs have to decide whether to ramp Horton up in October, then down for December, and then back up for spring training, or if they should let him rest, fully recover, and gradually ramp up once for the new year. It seems likely they’ll choose the latter approach.
Speaking of prospects who have been shut down, Brennen Davis is also in that category due to a back fracture, and it’s unlikely he’ll return this season.
Cubs GM Carter Hawkins commented on Davis’ situation, saying, “Obviously it’s been a struggle for Brennen, a lot of ups and downs that when he’s played, he’s performed, just hasn’t been able to get on the field,” per the Tribune. “Until he is really able to get back on the field and playing baseball it’s going to be really hard to factor him into our plans moving forward, but the talent is definitely there and it’s not for lack of effort on his part.”
Given the challenges Davis has faced in recent years, it’s highly probable that he’ll be removed from the 40-man roster this offseason. The Cubs would likely try to retain him on a new minor league deal, hoping he can finally make a breakthrough in 2025.
Meanwhile, another 40-man outfielder at Iowa, Alexander Canario, is expected to return later this season after recovering from a hamstring injury (Tribune). Unlike Brennen Davis, Canario’s spot on the 40-man roster doesn’t seem to be in jeopardy this offseason. However, the Cubs may soon face a decision on whether to trade him, similar to how they handled Nelson Velazquez, to an organization where he might have a better opportunity to play regularly. This could also net the Cubs a player or prospect they can utilize more effectively.
Staying with Triple-A Iowa, Luis Vazquez has returned from the IL after missing over a month with an undisclosed injury. Vazquez’s strong 2023 season earned him a spot on the 40-man roster, and it’s unlikely he’ll lose that spot this offseason. He provides solid, optionable depth, particularly with his excellent defensive skills around the infield. However, it would’ve been encouraging to see more offensive production at Triple-A this year, where he’s been around league average. Perhaps he’ll finish the season with a strong offensive stretch.
Another 40-man player at Iowa, Matt Mervis, has been sidelined for a month due to a hand injury. Although I believe I saw that he’s been rehabbing in Arizona (though I can’t locate the exact source), if that’s the case, there’s hope he might return to Iowa before the season ends. However, Mervis’s situation might resemble Alexander Canario’s: if there’s no clear path to playing time in 2025, the Cubs could consider trading him this offseason to a team where he might have more opportunities.
Like Luis Vazquez, Mervis has had a somewhat disappointing offensive year at Iowa, performing at around a league-average level (.238/.325/.481/103 wRC+).
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