Prospect watch: When will Arismendy Alcantara be called up for good?

The Cubs are likely in full sale mode now after dealing Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel. Who is next to go? My guess is Darwin Barney. Don’t pop that champagne cork just yet, Cubs fans. He likely won’t be replaced by super-prospect Javier Baez. It will be Arismendy Alcantara who gets promoted.

arwin Barney (15) forces out Joey Votto (19) during the fourth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Alcantara is already packing for Chicago with Barney on the paternity list. How he performs this week will likely determine if he gets to stick around or not.

In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cubs are pimping Barney out while he is on the paternity list so they don’t have to demote Alcantara when Barney is ready to return.

Still, it might be hard to move Barney. His defense is good, but that ugly .224 with two homers and one steal could be hard to deal.

Lost in the misery that is Barney’s season so far is the fact that he is hitting .387 in July.

The Giants would seem to be the most likely suitor for Barney. They like the power that Brandon Hicks has, but he is hitting below the Mendoza line, and his defense is not great.

Another team that might be interested is the Braves. Tommy LaStella has done pretty well so far, but I don’t feel like the Braves are sold on his ability to keep hitting. We will see.