Orioles acquire standout defensive infielder from Cubs

On Friday afternoon, it was announced that the Orioles have acquired infielder Luis Vasquez from the Cubs in exchange for cash considerations. In a corresponding move, corner infielder Emmanuel Rivera was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Vasquez.

Last winter, Vasquez was ranked by Baseball America as the 16th best prospect in the Cubs' system. He's long been lauded as an elite defensive player, and that particular skillset has carried him to this point. In 2023, the bat finally showed up in an offensive breakout year. Vasquez hit .284/.340/.483 in 58 games with the Cubs' Double-A affiliate, and he saw that success carry over after being promoted to Triple-A halfway through the year.

Vasquez's plate discipline took a major step forward during that 2023 season. In total, he struck out just 22.9% of the time and posted an impressive 10.2% walk rate. He also hit 20 homers and swiped 10 bases, a major improvement in the power category.

Vasquez's success carried over into 2024 as well, as he hit well and played strong enough defense at Triple-A to earn his first promotion to the majors. He didn't get much run in Chicago, however. Vasquez appeared in just 11 games and despite showcasing capable defense during that stretch, couldn't get the bat off the ground. He struck out 6 times in 14 plate appearances without drawing a single walk.

The Orioles have acquired infielder Luis Vasquez from the Cubs

However, the Orioles clearly see the upside Vasquez has to offer, in particular when it comes to defensive versatility. The 25 year old righty has primarily played shortstop in the minors but his arm and quickness on the dirt give him the means to shift to either third or second, where he'll be a plus contributor defensively.

It's not a bad idea for the Orioles to scoop up Vasquez, who had been designated for assignment by the Cubs earlier this week in order to make room for journeyman Jon Berti.

In a corresponding move, Baltimore has chosen to designate Emmanuel Rivera for assignment to make room for Vasquez. Rivera came over to Baltimore this past year when he was claimed off waivers in mid-August. The righty was a solid player for the O's down the stretch, providing strong offense at both first and third base.

Rivera hit .313/.370/.578 during his time with the Orioles, but that also came with a .364 BABIP, which is likely to regress in 2025. The righty had recently come to terms with the Orioles on a $1 million deal to avoid arbitration, but his status with the 2025 Orioles was always in question given the crowded infield in Baltimore.