Bryce Ball, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs. (Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports)
The Chicago Cubs acquired first baseman prospect Bryce Ball in a deal with the Atlanta Braves for outfielder Joc Pederson.
The Chicago Cubs landed an intriguing new prospect in first baseman Bryce Ball from the Atlanta Braves organization for outfielder Joc Pederson.
Chicago had been viewed as a seller entering the trade deadline, but with the Cubs parting ways with a power-hitting outfielder on an expiring contract in Pederson, this only reaffirms that notion.
Atlanta needed to replace the injured Ronald Acuña Jr. in right field and Pederson is the perfect short-term option for the Braves. What type of prospect are the Cubs getting in Ball from Atlanta?
Here is what you need to know about Ball now that he is in the Cubs farm system going forward.
Chicago Cubs: What kind of prospect are they getting in 1B Bryce Ball?
The 6-foot-6, 240-pound Ball is a former 24th-round pick by the Braves in the 2019 MLB Amateur Draft out of Dallas Baptist. He is a left-handed power bat. Ball recently turned 23-years-old and played most recently for the Braves’ High-A affiliate in Rome. He struggled at the plate this season with a slash line of .207/.354/.396, but his 2019 success was good enough to have him ranked the Braves’ No. 12 overall prospect this year.
Ball may be a few years away from making it to the big leagues, but Atlanta’s willingness to trade him signifies the Braves believe they can re-sign their All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman on a new contract. As for the Cubs, Chicago gets a younger power bat from the left side in Ball to replace Pederson, who was probably not coming back to the team on a new deal in 2022 anyway.
Maybe one day down the line Ball is starting at first base or playing in the outfield for the Cubs?