Cubs’ deadline move gives rising catcher clear path to 2027 opportunity

The Chicago Cubs completely revamped their pitching staff ahead of this year’s Aug. 3 trade deadline. While the additions of Kevin Gausman, Ryan Zeferjahn, Braxton Garrett, and Clay Holmes were much-needed reinforcements, the ripple effects of some of the players they moved may have also revealed their plans behind the plate for 2027.

The Cubs parted ways with several notable prospects last week, including outfielder Brett Bateman, shortstop Ty Southisene, catcher Moises Ballesteros, right-hander Mason McGwire, third baseman Jonathon Long, right-hander Jace Beck and shortstop Jefferson Rojas.

Among that group, Ballesteros entered the season with significant expectations after a strong rookie campaign. However, he had struggled to replicate that success this year, posting a .668 OPS and 91 OPS+ at the time of the trade.

With Ballesteros no longer part of Chicago’s long-term plans, the Cubs currently have Miguel Amaya and Carson Kelly as their catchers on the 40-man roster, with Kelly set to become a free agent after the season. That should create an opening behind the plate in 2027, and the Cubs may ultimately turn to rapidly rising catching prospect Owen Ayers, whose name was heavily involved in trade rumors thanks to his breakout season.

Owen Ayers has a golden opportunity to be a part of the Chicago Cubs long term plans at catcher

Ayers, a former 19th round draft pick in 2024, has ascended to being the Cubs No.2 prospect per MLB Pipeline. The switch hitting catcher has broken out with 23 home runs this year across three levels: High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A. His season slash line is currently sitting at an impressive .313/.424/.590 across 95 games.

Outside of Ayers, the Cubs’ next-highest-ranked catching prospect is Ariel Armas, who was selected 14 rounds ahead of Ayers in the 2024 MLB Draft. However, Armas, currently ranked as the organization’s No. 16 prospect, remains in Double-A and does not appear to be on the verge of becoming a 40-man roster addition this offseason.

With Ballesteros now out of the picture and Kelly potentially departing in free agency, the Cubs will be in need of an option alongside Amaya remains in 2027. That is where Ayers could have a golden opportunity. His breakout season has put him on the radar and should give him a chance to compete for a major league role sooner next season.

The trade deadline may have been about adding pitching reinforcements, but Chicago also quietly held onto a catcher who may be a part of their long term plans, starting as soon as next season.

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