Although it seemed in recent weeks that the Chicago Cubs had lost interest, the 23-year-old outfielder is now back on the team.
Since the conclusion of the 2024 season, he has had an odd run with the Cubs. He had to make his debut during the last week of the 2024 season due to injuries, although every attempt was made to give him playing time. In a similar vein, he only appeared in ten Cubs games in 2025.
Alcantara only made 10 plate appearances this season, but the Cubs used his recall as a tactic when they were in an offensive slump. He was primarily employed as a pinch runner, which caused him to make mistakes on the base paths. Since then, Justin Dean has assumed that role, and he has done well. Considering that it doesn’t come with much playing time, it’s all you can ask for.
For this reason, it was strange that Dean pinch-hit for Matt Shaw on Sunday during a significant plate appearance. Shaw’s wrist pain led to the Cubs’ roster change today, as Craig Counsell stated following the game.
It also reveals what the Cubs believe to be Moises Ballesteros’ best plan of action at this time. The Cubs have decided to keep their Opening Day DH with the Iowa Cubs, giving him regular playing time as the team’s catcher, rather than bringing him back. Ballesteros will probably return to the Cubs at some time this season, but not until they have more runway to give him plate appearances.
Matt Shaw injury could dramatically alter the Cubs’ trade deadline approach
The timing of Shaw’s injury isn’t ideal for the Cubs. Shaw seemed to be a semi-regular in the starting lineup since coming back from a back ailment. Shaw has a wRC+ of 143 and is slashing.257/.395/.457 in his last 43 plate appearances. Although players like Alex Bregman and Dansby Swanson (when he’s not facing Mets pitching) have struggled, it was hoped that Shaw would play a significant role in the lineup going forward.
Jed Hoyer may find it more difficult to make judgments before the dealt deadline as a result of the injury. Pedro Ramirez’s presence on the team probably made the Cubs comfortable with the idea of trading him, even if they had no intention of trading their former first-round pick. Now, that might not be the case.
