NEW DELHI:
Chicago Cubs
acquired promising infield prospect
Michael Busch
from the
Los Angeles Dodgers
in a trade finalized on Thursday. The Cubs also secured right-handed pitcher
Yency Almonte
to enhance their bullpen depth.
The Dodgers, in return, received minor league left-hander
Jackson Ferris
and outfielder
Zyhir Hope
as part of the trade. Michael Busch, 26, emerged as a standout prospect in the Dodgers' farm system, earning the title of the team's minor league player of the year in 2023.
Playing at Triple-A Oklahoma City, Busch showcased his offensive prowess by belting 27 home runs and driving in 90 runs over 98 games.
His remarkable performance earned him recognition as the Pacific Coast League MVP. Busch, rated as the Dodgers' No. 2 overall prospect by mlb.com, made his major league debut in 2023, contributing with a .167 batting average, two home runs, and seven RBIs in 27 games. While possessing infield and outfield versatility, he has predominantly played at second base in the minor leagues.
Yency Almonte, the right-handed pitcher joining the Cubs, adds experience and depth to their bullpen. The 29-year-old posted a 3-2 record with a 5.06 ERA in 49 relief appearances for the Dodgers last season.
Notably, Almonte had an impressive streak of 15 outings from June 15 to July 25 during which he did not concede a run. With six major league seasons split between the Colorado Rockies (2018-21) and the Dodgers, Almonte brings a 7-6 record and a 4.51 ERA in 196 relief appearances.
In return, the Dodgers acquired promising prospects from the Cubs. Jackson Ferris, a 19-year-old left-hander, was the Cubs' second-round draft pick in 2022. At Single-A Myrtle Beach in 2023, Ferris posted a 2-3 record with a 3.88 ERA in 18 starts, accumulating 77 strikeouts in 56 innings. Zyhir Hope, who turns 19 on January 19, was an 11th-round draft pick by the Cubs in the past summer. In 11 games for the Cubs' Arizona Complex League club in 2023, Hope displayed his hitting abilities with a .286 batting average, three home runs, and nine RBIs.
(Inputs from Reuters)
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