TRADE: Cubs Acquiring Infielder Michael Busch, Reliever Yency Almonte from Dodgers

The Cubs are set to acquire right-handed reliever Yency Almonte from the Dodgers. First on the news was Juan Toribio, a veteran Dodgers writer.

Hearing #Dodgers are working on a trade that will send Yency Almonte to the Cubs.

— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) January 11, 2024

Almonte, 30, is out of options, so this is a bet by the Cubs on their ability to make (and keep) him a solidly MLB-caliber reliever. He's had flashes of brilliance, especially since coming to LA in mid-2022, but control is a major hurdle for him, so pencil him into the middle (but certainly not the top) of the bullpen mix. 

The Dodgers and Almonte agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.9 million, earlier this offseason. 

UPDATE: Well, this is a whole different thing now.

#Dodgers and Cubs are making a bigger deal, per source. Former first round pick Michael Busch is also headed to Chicago. https://t.co/YESXv3Od0g

— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) January 11, 2024

Busch, though blocked to some extent in Los Angeles, is a very promising infielder. He turned 26 in November, and still only has 81 plate appearances in the majors, but that's because (after being a first-round pick in 2019) he had his first full professional season wiped out, then had to navigate the overcrowded Dodgers roster.

A hitter with plate discipline and power, Busch had an OPS north of 1.000 in Triple A last year, though that success didn't translate to the big leagues. He's capable of hammering mistakes, though he doesn't cover the outer edge of the plate very well.

He's also not going to swing and miss much, at least within the strike zone.

Defensively, Busch's best position is the one at which the Cubs had the most lingering uncertainty for 2024 and beyond: third base. He's fringe-average with the glove there, but as a platoon partner for either Patrick Wisdom or Nick Madrigal, he could be incredibly productive, and a great fit.

Ken Rosenthal offers an early sketch on the return the Cubs will give to get these two.

Deal is pending medical review, source says. Dodgers freeing up 40-man space. Expected to receive two young prospects who will improve their minor-league depth and do not yet need to protected on 40-man list. Names not yet known. https://t.co/WRqHR7L4pD

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 11, 2024

And here are the specifics, including Jackson Ferris's inclusion.

SOURCE: The #Cubs are sending Zyhir Hope and Jackson Ferris to the #Dodgers.

— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) January 11, 2024

That's not unexpected, given the value Busch and Almonte can deliver, but it sure does underscore the stakes of this move. Ferris is a tremendous prospect, but far from the big leagues, and the Cubs will get considerable value from Busch in both the short and the long term.

This comes far short of being a finishing move for the Cubs' offseason, but it pushes it forward in a big and important way. Busch's left-handed bat balances and deepens the batting order, and Almonte's upside as a strikeout guy in middle relief does the same for the bullpen. To get both without giving up a player who would help any time even in the next two seasons is a coup, even if the upside of Hope and Ferris is huge.

Let's crank up the conversation. How do you feel about this move? What would your Opening Day lineup look like from here, and which move do you expect next?