Cubs Have a Kevin Alcántara Problem

[Nolo]

I remember he was touted as a 30-homerun upside prospect. He's athletic, has the star/Tatis look, and has the physical capability at 6'6 (could definitely bulk up) and he's 24 years old. What's the future of him on the Cubs? A permanent bench player, trade bait, fourth OF, platoon guy, or a 2027 starting corner OF?

A lot of fans are penciling in Matt Shaw in the OF at this point, but what about Alcantara? I know he's struggled with chasing pitches and some discipline, but you know who else had that problem - PCA. They're about the same age too. What if PCA took Kevin under his wing?

Edited yesterday at 02:22 PM by Nolo

[Bertz]

I certainly wish Kevin had one more minor league option but I don't know if I'd say they have something that rises to the level of a problem.

I would be open to hearing what caliber of pitcher Kevin could be exchanged for, but generally I think you throw him on the bench and see what happens.  We know Alcantara plays good defense, we suspect he will be a positive offensive contributor against LHP, and it's not crazy to think he'll get there against RHP in time.  I think you platoon him with Michael Conforto or his 2027 equivalent and hope that the Jaguar can claw (pun intended) for some more playing time.  If he doesn't oh well a RHH 4th outfielder is one of the more reliably available things at the trade deadline.

The outfield and DH is likely going to be in flux early next year.  I think you add one everyday starter and one Conforto type, compliment them with Shaw and Alcantara (and if they fail Ramirez and Triantos) and re-evaluate at mid-season.  The reality is that PCA is so damn good that even pairing him with a cast of replacement players is likely to result in an above average outfield. 

[Jason Ross]

I wouldn't say they have a Kevin Alcantara problem, but I suspect for whatever reason the organization isn't super jazzed about him. They have balked multiple times when it came time to consider giving him an expanded roll in a similar fashion they have with players they have eventually moved off of for very little. 

As it stands, Bertz is probably right; the Cubs should give him a short-side platoon role and let him have it earnestly. My guess is that at the end of the lockout that I don't necessarily think he'll be in the organization any more but won't guess in what type of a trade or how.

[squally1313]

Yeah I'm generally fine with the outfield being Happ/Shaw in left, PCA in center, Conforto/Alcantara in right, presuming that arrangement comes with a much improved rotation. Don't throw money at the bullpen, they just don't pitch enough, if Zombro and Hottovy can't develop more arms, that's on them.

Generally very open to the idea of swapping Shaw and/or Ramirez for someone with similar value/contract but not a middle infielder. But as long as they don't fall into a 400+ PA starter job next year, it's fine. 

[Rcal10]

14 minutes ago, squally1313 said:

Yeah I'm generally fine with the outfield being Happ/Shaw in left, PCA in center, Conforto/Alcantara in right, presuming that arrangement comes with a much improved rotation. Don't throw money at the bullpen, they just don't pitch enough, if Zombro and Hottovy can't develop more arms, that's on them.

Generally very open to the idea of swapping Shaw and/or Ramirez for someone with similar value/contract but not a middle infielder. But as long as they don't fall into a 400+ PA starter job next year, it's fine. 

I’m actually ok with the outfield as you suggested and not even trading Shaw or Ramirez. The issue is what does it cost for Conforto and Happ? If they have $85 to $90M to work with, do those two guys cost them $24M  of it? I also agree they don’t throw money at the pen. So that would mean $61-$66M could be used for one more bat, maybe a back up catcher (or just go with Ayers) and 3 starters. Go cheap with the 13 offense player on team and then have $57-$60M on 3 rotation pieces. Of course, this is provided they have $85M to $90M they are willing to spend. 

[Nolo]

14 minutes ago, Rcal10 said:

I’m actually ok with the outfield as you suggested and not even trading Shaw or Ramirez. The issue is what does it cost for Conforto and Happ? If they have $85 to $90M to work with, do those two guys cost them $24M  of it? I also agree they don’t throw money at the pen. So that would mean $61-$66M could be used for one more bat, maybe a back up catcher (or just go with Ayers) and 3 starters. Go cheap with the 13 offense player on team and then have $57-$60M on 3 rotation pieces. Of course, this is provided they have $85M to $90M they are willing to spend. 

$24M is a good estimate for those two AAV. And I agree I’d take that outfield if they add two high end starting pitchers and a #3 high upside type anchor guy. Then slot Steele/Cabrera #4 and #5 with Assad, Garrett, and Brown as spot starters. Brown to the pen for his main role. 

Sounds like a pipe dream right now though. But I know it’s doable.

Edited 22 hours ago by Nolo

[Rcal10]

26 minutes ago, Nolo said:

$24M is a good estimate for those two AAV. And I agree I’d take that outfield if they add two high end starting pitchers and a #3 high upside type anchor guy. Then slot Steele/Cabrera #4 and #5 with Assad, Garrett, and Brown as spot starters. Brown to the pen for his main role. 

Sounds like a pipe dream right now though. But I know it’s doable.

Honestly, if we knew Steele was actually healthy and if Cabrera pitches like he was supposed to, the third added pitcher could actually be a 5th starter type (Peterson). I think we will know soon enough if the Cubs are counting on Steele. 

[Nolo]

Speaking of the man, he’s hitting bombs in the Dominican Republic right now. 

 

[mk49]

Supposedly, he hit 3 HR's in 8 games.  1.300 OPS and only 5 K's. 

Edited 19 hours ago by mk49