MLB trade rumors: Top 25 trade assets for deadline

12. Eloy Jimenez

The Cubs traded their top prospect, Gleyber Torres, last year for Aroldis Chapman. Eloy Jimenez is the top Chicago prospect this year, and he is a top-10 prospect in baseball. MLB’s Prospect Pipeline rankings have Jimenez ranked eighth and the third-best outfielder in the minor leagues.

Jimenez has already drawn comparisons to Giancarlo Stanton and has some jaw-dropping power. At 19 last year, Jimenez batted .329/.369/.532 in A-ball with 40 doubles and 14 home runs. Those are impressive numbers for anyone in minor-league ball, but especially so for someone so young. The Cubs compared Jimenez to Jorge Soler when they signed him, but he has much more upside.

At High-A this year, Jimenez is continuing to develop his power stroke. He is hitting more home runs while also showing more command of the strike zone. He walked only 25 times last year in 112 games, but has already drawn 15 free passes this year in 30 games. That is a major step in his development.

As they attempt to defend their World Series title, the Cubs have been slow to get in gear, especially at the plate. They do not have much room to make a big trade for a bat this year, but do need a starting pitcher. The rotation has struggled to match last season’s epic run. If Theo Epstein can package Jimenez in a trade for an ace, he may deal his top prospect for a second year in a row.