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Missing Persons: Why Ademan and Albertos Failed to Make the Cut

Dear Cubs Den Readers: In the wake of recent developments, Cubs Den is doing it’s part in trying to provide their readers with continual Cubs content. To that end, please enjoy this article recently publish at Prospects1500.

Aramis Ademan by Stephanie Lynn, Jose Albertos by Rikk Carlson

In 2018, most prospect lists for the Chicago Cubs had any one of shortstop Aramis Ademan, right-handed pitcher Jose Albertos, or catcher Miguel Amaya at the top. A few conservative raters had right-hander Adbert Alzolay first, but those three were not far behind.

However, at the start of the 2020 rating period, both Ademan and Albertos were left off of my Prospects1500 Cubs Top 50 list. What happened?

Draining the Well
The Cubs organization was loaded heading into the 2015 season. Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, Jorge Soler, and Addison Russell were all nominally still a part of the the minor league system. The next wave included Albert Almora, Jeimer Candelario, Willson Contreras, Billy McKinney, Kyle Schwarber, and Daniel Vogelbach. Waiting further down the chain were Victor Caratini, Dylan Cease, Eloy Jimenez, and Gleyber Torres. Adding to the mix was Ian Happ, brought in through the draft that year.

Most of these players would make it to the big leagues with the parent club. But the others ended up traded for major league talent, with no prospects in return. Making the situation more tenuous was the focus of Cubs’ player development. The Cubs’ emphasis on scouting and developing only top selections meant that they did not have the mid-round talent to fill the gaps. The result was a deepening talent void. Adding to the dearth were the 2016 and 2017 drafts that have yet to yield a Top 10 player.

For more, please follow this link to Prospects1500.