Cubs Make Bold Statement: Protecting Trio of Prospects from Rule 5 Draft—Can They Live Up to the Hype?.

(CHICAGO) — The Chicago Cubs front office has made a decisive move ahead of the Rule 5 Draft, officially adding three key prospects to their 40-man roster. This decision is a powerful statement about the organization’s confidence in their farm system, but it also raises the inevitable question: Will these rising stars validate the faith placed in them?

The trio—composed of infielder James Triantos, infielder Pedro Ramírez, and left-handed pitcher Riley Martin—represents the blend of high-ceiling potential and critical bullpen depth that the Cubs refused to risk losing.

The Protected Trio and the Hype Meter

1. Pedro Ramírez: The Future Cornerstone

Ramírez is perhaps the most crucial protection. The switch-hitter is highly regarded as the organization’s No. 8 prospect and is lauded for his exceptional defense, which earned him a Minor League Gold Glove at third base in 2025.

• The Hype: He’s viewed as a future everyday starter, a defensively sound presence who makes consistent contact.
• The Challenge: At just 21 and having reached Double-A, the primary concern is whether Ramírez can develop the necessary power to be an intimidating presence at the MLB level. He was protected for his foundation and trajectory, not necessarily for immediate results.

2. James Triantos: The Pure Hitter’s Test

Triantos was once heralded as one of the best pure hitters in the system, but his 2025 season in Triple-A presented major turbulence.

• The Hype: Excellent contact skills, speed (31 stolen bases in 2025), and positional versatility (playing second base and outfield). The belief is he can be a valuable utility bat.
• The Challenge: His Triple-A slash line of .258/.315/.369 with a disappointing .684 OPS does not scream MLB readiness. To live up to the hype, Triantos must significantly improve his pitch selection and power output. His protection is based heavily on his raw athleticism and past potential.

3. Riley Martin: The Strategic Southpaw

Martin, a left-handed reliever, is the strategic choice of the group. Left-handed bullpen arms are always highly coveted, making him a prime Rule 5 target.

• The Hype: A reliable, versatile southpaw who has steadily moved through the system since being drafted from Division II.
• The Challenge: He is a bullpen piece, not a frontline starter. His success will be measured by consistency and whether he can develop a wipeout secondary pitch to limit right-handed hitters, avoiding the fate of becoming a situational reliever. His value is practical depth, not superstar potential.

A Statement of Intent

The collective decision to shield these three prospects signals that the Cubs are betting heavily on the long-term success of their draft and development program. While superstars like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Matt Shaw are already establishing themselves in the majors, players like Ramírez and Triantos are the foundational pieces who will determine the sustained success of the next Cubs core.

The pressure is now officially on. These three young men will carry the weight of the organization’s confidence into Spring Training, where they must prove their potential is worth far more than the risk of losing them for free.