As anticipated, departing Chicago Cubs infielder Luis Vázquez held just enough trade value to facilitate a deal, though not enough to bring back a significant return.
Instead, as just announced by the Baltimore Orioles, the Cubs have traded Vázquez—who was designated for assignment earlier this week—for cash considerations. Essentially, the Orioles intended to claim him off waivers but anticipated he wouldn’t reach them in the priority order, so they opted to send the Cubs some cash to finalize the deal.
For context, Vázquez was DFA’d to clear space on the 40-man roster for utilityman Jon Berti. The 24-year-old, known for his elite defense at shortstop, hit .263/.347/.432 with a 104 wRC+ at Triple-A Iowa last season and had a brief stint in the majors.
The decision to designate Vázquez for assignment effectively signaled the Cubs’ choice to retain Vidal Bruján, who, despite struggling offensively in the majors, offers greater versatility and significantly more big-league experience. Additionally, Bruján is out of minor league options, making it riskier to expose him to waivers. The Cubs clearly see potential in the former top prospect and are willing to give him an extended opportunity.
By exposing Vázquez to waivers, the Cubs also effectively chose to keep utility infielder Ben Cowles, who, like Vázquez, is a right-handed hitter but lacks the same defensive prowess. The Cubs likely see more offensive potential in Cowles and may value his recent acquisition, having traded for him last summer before adding him to the 40-man roster in the fall.
Additionally, the Cubs have Rule 5 Draft pick Gage Workman, whom they aren’t obligated to keep through Spring Training but clearly plan to evaluate closely for a potential bench role. There’s also the possibility that they negotiate a trade with the Tigers, allowing them to retain Workman without the restrictions of the Rule 5 Draft.
Perhaps the Cubs believe they could work out a trade for Vázquez, given his elite defensive skills at shortstop and the potential to develop into a serviceable, albeit below-average, big league hitter. A player with that profile—plus remaining minor league options—holds real value on a 40-man roster. If no trade materializes, it seems likely that Vázquez will be claimed off waivers. Hopefully, the Cubs have a clear plan in place with this decision.
You’re absolutely right—having infield prospects like Matt Shaw and James Triantos, who may not be starting-caliber shortstops but offer depth, certainly makes it easier to part with Vázquez. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Cubs look to add a veteran infielder on a minor league deal to provide some additional insurance. With the current depth and the departures of players like Mastrobuoni, Bote, Wisdom, and Madrigal, it seems unlikely Vázquez would get the call unless a wave of injuries hit the team. The Cubs clearly have a lot of options to consider in the infield, making it a tough but understandable decision to move on from him.
