Cubs expected to promote No. 7 prospect James Triantos

James Triantos. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Cubs expected to promote No. 7 prospect James Triantos

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Jul 23, 2026 3:26 PM ET

In a bit of a surprise move from the Chicago Cubs, a top 10 organizational prospect will likely be making his MLB debut during a three-game weekend series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

James Triantos is being promoted

As first reported by Geoff Pontes of Baseball America, Chicago is expected to be promoting its No. 7 prospect, infielder James Triantos, to the major leagues prior to Friday's game.

Triantos, a second-round pick in 2021, has been outstanding in the minor leagues, especially this season. Through 350 at-bats this season, Triantos has slashed .306/.344/.440, good for a .784 OPS with seven home runs, 24 doubles and 52 RBI.

James Triantos has matched his career high for home runs in a season! pic.twitter.com/2Us3oCZSYo
— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) July 12, 2026

What is the corresponding roster move?

The timing of Triantos' promotion is a bit suspicious, as there is no clear roster move that the Cubs would make. There is a possibility that utilityman Pedro Ramirez injured himself in Monday's game, but he was available both Tuesday and Wednesday.

If it is not Ramirez that is down with an injury, there is really no path for playing time at the major league level, as Chicago manager Craig Counsell won't be sitting any of the regulars in the heat of a NL Central race with the Milwaukee Brewers.

The most likely path for Triantos to appear over the weekend will be as a pinch hitter against one of the Pirates left-handed relievers in Mason Montgomery or Gregory Soto.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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