Chicago Cubs fans are raving that the future of the club's roster is already present in the MLB, but that may not be the case just yet. Addison Russell was promoted from Triple-A Iowa earlier this week and still could end up back in the minors.
The 21-year-old Russell is now the organization's top prospect because Kris Bryant is likely to remain on the 25-man roster as he continues to impress manager Joe Maddon and Chicago's front office. While Russell is arguably ready for the big leagues, it's not a guarantee he stays with the team because this isn't exactly what the Cubs anticipated.
"Remember, Kris Bryant, it was understood he was coming up some time in April. He was the Minor League Player of the Year last year, he was a college draft pick, mature guy. He's two years older than Addison Russell," Joel Sherman of the New York Post said on the MLB Network.
Sherman goes on to note that Russell wasn't exactly supposed to be up this early in the season.
"The Cubs' plan this year was Tommy La Stella was going to be the main second baseman. [Arismendy] Alcantara was going to be the guy that played against some lefties, and they were going to have Javier Baez down in the minor leagues."
However, things have changed. La Stella hit the disabled list with an injury to his rib cage; Alcantara, who had a batting average of .077 with the Cubs through 11 games, was sent down after Russell was called up; and Baez's sister passed away on April 8 and he's taking a leave of absence from the Triple-A Cubs (on top of having rough stints in the Puerto Rican Winter League and with the Cubs during spring training).
"Suddenly they're out there looking for a second baseman. They switch quickly to Russell at Iowa to play some, so this is at least a cameo," Sherman adds. "If he takes off and goes, he's going to be the second baseman. If not, I think the Cubs look at it as valuable time in the major leagues where learns about the major leagues, they learn a little more about Addison Russell. But as opposed to Kris Bryant, who I don't think is ever going back, I think Addison Russell has a chance to end up back at Triple-A at some point."
In three games with Chicago, Russell is 1-for-10 with a run scored and four strikeouts, but that's not at all indicative what he's capable of, nor is it a preview of what he's expected to do. With that being said, it's still possible he needs further development, not to mention the fact Chicago still views him primarily as a shortstop and not a second baseman.
We'll see how Russell performs while La Stella serves out his stint on the DL. That will likely determine what the club does with the youngster.
