This is a really interesting roster move.
James Triantos was the Cubs’ second-round pick in 2021 out of high school in Virginia. He had just turned 18, and went right to work in the Arizona Complex League, batting .327/.376/.594 in 25 games.
He rose through the system, hitting pretty well at every stop, but never really having a position. He played all three outfield positions as well as second base and third base. This year at Triple-A Iowa, Triantos is batting .306/.344/.440 (107-for-350) with 24
doubles, seven home runs and 18 stolen bases in 85 games.
The Cubs have called up Triantos, who is now 23, to join the 26-man active roster as the team opens a series in Pittsburgh. To make room on the 26-man active roster, outfielder/DH Kevin Alcántara was optioned to Iowa. This move has not yet been officially announced by the team, but Triantos posted on his Instagram story that he was being called up, and the Cubs transactions page shows that Alcántara was optioned on Thursday.
This move appears to acknowledge that Matt Shaw isn’t close to coming back, as Triantos plays basically the same positions Shaw does. This year Triantos has played mostly second base and third base and less outfield, while last year he played a fair amount of center field.
He’ll likely be a right-handed bat off the bench, occasional DH and fill in at various positions.
Welcome to the Show, James!
