As is the case with teams across MLB, the Chicago Cubs have been tweaking their rosters ahead of the start of free agency and on Monday the team added 24-year-old shortstop Luis Vázquez to the 40-man roster. Vázquez. The talented infielder has been in the Cubs minor league system since signing as an international free agent in 2017.
By adding Vázquez to the 40-man roster, the Cubs made sure that didn't slip away in minor league free agency, where he would have been an interest to acquire for many teams. Sure, we're being a little bias here, but although Vázquez has been an under the radar prospect in what is now one of the best farm systems in baseball, he's regarded as a legit MLB-ready defensive shortstop. Take it from the guys who cover the Iowa Cubs year-round.
Not only did Vázquez have another stellar season on defense, in 2023 he made giant strides at the plate. From 2017-22, the right-handed batter struggled to maintain any success on offense, but all of a sudden something clicked. He began the season at Double-A and in 58 games Vázquez slashed .284/.340/.483, with 11 home runs, good enough for a 115 wRC+.
That performance earned Vázquez a promotion to Triple-A, and he didn't stop hitting, as he recorded a .257/.381/.428 slash line, adding 9 more home runs to his season total. This is someone you absolutely love having around as a depth option in case of injury throughout the season and who knows, maybe he gets even better and earns MLB playing time.
The Cubs' 40-man roster currently stands at 37 with the addition of Vázquez.
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