Arismendy Alcantara: First of the Cubs’ Prospects

Jul 12, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Arismendy Alcantara (7) hits a double during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

On the North Side of Chicago, the oft-heard phrase, “There’s Always Next Year!” is actually ringing true with promise for once.  The Cubs have the most loaded farm system in recent memory with multiple upper tier bats destroying Minor League pitching.

The headliners are Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, freshly acquired Addison Russell, and Jorge Soler, but the first one to reach the show is Arismendy Alcantara.

As of this writing, Alcantara had only played nine games, but he had been scooped up in 36.6% of all ESPN leagues.  His 43 at-bats have been fairly impressive, and his fantasy owners have to almost be as excited as Cubs fans.  The young prospect has 8 runs, 2 homers, 7 RBI’s, 3 stolen bases, and a nice slash line of .282/.326/.590.

Seven of his eleven hits have gone for extra bases in a lightning fast start, but the big points of concern are staying with the big league club, playing time, and Major League pitching catching up to him.

Fortunately for Cubs fans and Alcantara owners, he will be around the Major League club longer with Darwin Barney being designated for assignment on Tuesday and Mike Olt being sent down to make room for a starter.  It looks like the young prospect will keep getting at-bats in Chicago.

Arismendy Alcantara is only 22 years of age, so I have no idea if he will be truly ready for Major League pitching on a full time basis, but the Cubs believe he is, so I would take the risk before it is too late.

I would be absolutely shocked if Alcantara continues to hit for extra bases in 64% of his hits, but he has contributed in all five categories so far.  Furthermore, he looks really confident and looks like a Major League hitter out there.  While some stats will obviously regress to the mean, there is a real possibility he could be a viable option the rest of the way.

There is certainly a strong chance that Alcantara falters as MLB pitchers get more information and a better grasp on the rookie, but ride him while he is hot.  It is all about getting production in fantasy baseball, and right now, Arismendy Alcantara will offer you immediate production.