Dodgers Make Massive Trade With Chicago Cubs, Clearing 40-Man Roster Spots: Reports

Both prospects won't be needed on the 40-man roster right now, freeing up space for the team. Both players have tremendous upside and will be key pieces for years to come. 

Ferris was the Cubs 8th ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline. He was a second-round pick in 2022, posting a 3.38 ERA with a 32.5% strikeout rate, while opponents hit .177 average against him.

Hope was drafted in the 11th round of the 2023 MLB Draft and gives the Dodgers more depth in their outfield farm system. He has good speed and showed some power by hitting three home runs in his first 11 games at the rookie ball level.

Busch was always a candidate to be moved this offseason, as the Dodgers simply didn't have enough space for him on the roster. He is a talented player, who should do very well with the Cubs on a more regular basis.

He appeared in 27 games for the Dodgers last season, hitting .167 with two home runs and seven runs batted in. Busch couldn't stay consistent in his brief time with the team but has the skill set to be a solid player in the big leagues.

He was dominant during his time in Triple-A, slashing .323/.431/.618 and taking home the Pacific Coast League MVP award.

The trade of Almonte coming on the deadline for teams and arbitration-eligible players to come to terms on a 2024 contract. Almonte had signed a 1-year, $1.9 million deal with Los Angeles back in November.

This deal was likely made with their recent signing of outfielder Teoscar Hernandez in mind. The two sides came to an agreement last weekend, but the deal has yet to be announced.

The Dodgers had to clear a spot on their 40-man roster before announcing the signing. This will free them up to announce the Hernandez deal. 

Almonte went 3-2 last season with the team, posting an ERA of 5.06 in 49 appearances out of the bullpen. He was thought to be a decent option for them this coming season but was always a candidate to be moved to clear roster spots.