The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers swung a relatively minor deal on Thursday, sending pitcher Yency Almonte and third baseman Michael Busch to the Windy City for a package of prospects including starting pitcher Jackson Ferris and outfielder Zyhir Hope.
As far as the Dodgers go, it’s not really a big deal. This team is absolutely loaded with talent and can afford to ship away some pieces for high-end prospects. ESPN’s Jeff Passan broke the news of the trade and noted that the two teenagers are “toolsy”, which typically excites scouts and player development staffs.
But it’s not the potential of either young ballplayer or the package it cost Los Angeles to acquire them that has Dodgers fans all excited.
It’s the idea of pairing future starter Ferris with current starter Walker Buehler in the same rotation.
You can already hear the gears turning in the Dodger Stadium marketing offices as they try to plan a “Ditch School Day” for any future doubleheader with Ferris and Buehler on the mound.
Fans couldn’t start daydreaming soon enough.