Cubs Prospect Focus: James Triantos

Cubs Prospect Focus: James Triantos


by - Senior Writer -

We are rapidly approaching the Cubs' top 10 prospect list, as these are the names most fans are excited about. However, when you look at the amount of talent sitting in this range, you have to wonder if Jed Hoyer will package some of these pieces in an effort to contend this season.

While a lot of the top prospects have been on a pitching side of things, there are some great offensive players, including James Triantos, who sits at No. 11. The 20-year-old 3B is a bit of an unknown at this point, but keep in mind he was drafted in 2021 and was the second round pick that summer.

One of the better Prep Prospects out of the state of Virginia, Triantos drew many Kris Bryant comparisons based on how he plays the game hence the high draft selection. Once the Cubs made the pick, they gave him a 2.1 million dollar contract which was enough to keep him from testing the NCAA waters.

Although this guy isn't expected to reach the majors for several seasons, Triantos can change his trajectory based on how he performs this season. In his first season in pro ball, the Cubs sent Triantos to Arizona, where he went on to hit .327 across 25 games with an impressive six homers and 19 RBIs.

Those numbers alone landed him in the top 20 prospect list after just one summer, and he took his crack in full-season ball with Myrtle Beach last season. From an average side of things, Triantos gave the Cubs everything they could have asked for and more, as he hit .272 across 113 games. He also showed good plate discipline for such a young hitter, as he had 39BB/81K.

Not only was the average good, but Triantos was near the team lead in hits with 124, doubles with 19, and triples with six. He also showed better-than-average speed as he finished the season with 20 stolen bases. The one area of his game that does need some work would be the overall power department, as he had just seven homers despite driving in 50.

That aspect of his game will come with more strength and experience, which could come as soon as this season with South Bend. Given what the Cubs saw from him at the high school level, there are no worries about his power potential as that will come.

While the Bryant comparisons were evident last season, you have also seen Alex Bregman and David Wright comparisons thrown out there. Should he become close to either of these guys, this is a home run pick for the Cubs and one the organization could build around for years.

Although the power numbers were not there last season, Triantos offers a compact swing and produces great swings because of it. That allows him to make tons of hard contact, as his feel for the barrel is impressive for such a young player. At 6-1 and 195 pounds, Triantos might not fill out much more than that, but his bat speed and overall strength should allow him to be a 20-25 homer hitter when all is said and done.

The one thing most people don't know about Triantos is that he was also an outstanding pitcher at the high school level that could touch 96 MPH. I don't see pitching being in his future any time soon, but you have that in his back pocket should something change in the future.

Although he was a 3B when he was drafted, Triantos has spent most of his pro career bouncing between SS and 2B. Second Base is his best fit, but with Nico Hoerner potentially the long-term option, you have to wonder where his future is with this team.

Given that and his lack of quickness up the middle, the Cubs eventually moved Triantos back to 3B last season, which is where they would like him to stay. His high baseball IQ and strong work ethic should allow him to get the most out of his tools. Triantos is one of the many prospects to watch this season, as he could be the next one to break out for the Cubs.

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