Cubs are sabotaging one of their top prospects before the trade deadline

Imagn Images

Cubs are sabotaging one of their top prospects before the trade deadline

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated May 26, 2026 9:24 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs are in the midst of a nine-game losing streak and are looking for any type of spark as they continue to slide in the NL Central standings, and over the weekend, they recalled outfielder Kevin Alcantara with the hope that he could jumpstart their offense.

Or so we thought.

Since being promoted from Triple-A on May 23, Alcantara has logged just one plate appearance, which came on that first Saturday. The Cubs have not sent him to the dish since, so what exactly was the point of bringing him back to the big leagues?

Alcantara made his MLB debut in 2024, going 1-for-10 over three games. He then appeared in 10 contests last year, managing four hits over 11 at-bats. He was tearing it up in Triple-A this season, slashing .242/.339/.567 with 15 home runs and 32 RBI, so recalling him made sense for a struggling Chicago offense.

Except the Cubs are actually sabotaging him rather than utilizing him.

Chicago Cubs are undermining Kevin Alcantara before the trade deadline

Feb 28, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs designated hitter Kevin Alcantara (13) prepared for his at bat in the first inning of a spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images

We really don’t know what the future holds for Alcantara in Chicago. He turns 24 years old in July, so at some point, the Cubs will need to make a decision on the slugger. Will they keep him as part of their long-term core? Or will they move him at the trade deadline?

Considering outfielders Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki are both slated to hit free agency after the 2026 campaign, you would think Chicago would view Alcantara as a critical piece moving forward, but it certainly isn’t treating him like one.

And if the Cubs do plan on floating Alcantara around in trade packages between now and Aug. 3, they aren’t exactly doing a great job showcasing him by not playing him.

Chicago is in win-now mode, so it’s entirely possible that Jed Hoyer will entertain the possibility of jettisoning Alcantara over the next couple of months. The Cubs are in dire need of starting pitching, and they may need another big bat, as well.

In that event, you can bet just about every team Chicago contacts will be asking about Alcantara, who owns a lifetime .814 OPS over seven minor-league seasons. Not only that, but the 6-foot-6 prospect also possesses terrific defensive capabilities.

So what exactly is Craig Counsell doing by allowing him to rot on the bench?

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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