On Friday afternoon, James Triantos prepared for his pregame defensive workout at PNC Park. As he stood on the field, he took in the atmosphere. This visit was not his first; he attended a Pirates game 13 years ago when he lived in Virginia. This time, he was there as a big-leaguer. The Cubs added the 23-year-old to their roster from Triple A, sending Kevin Alcántara back to Iowa.
“It’s really cool,” Triantos expressed. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and want to compete. It’s surreal. I have a dream to accomplish, to help win games, and I show up ready every day. I control my attitude, and I had a good opportunity. Playing the game I love and getting paid for it is great.”
Triantos discovered his major-league call-up after several attempts to contact him. He missed calls from Iowa manager Marty Pevey late Wednesday night due to his phone on silent. Finally, an Iowa coach knocked on his door and took him to Pevey, where he got the news.
“I was super surprised and happy,” Triantos recalled. “I wasn’t able to sleep all night.”
His first call was to his parents. Then, he shared the news with his roommate B.J. Murray. About 15 of his friends and family will be at PNC Park to witness his potential debut. However, manager Craig Counsell mentioned Triantos might not see much playtime due to the current roster setup. It’s similar to the situation Alcántara faced.
“There’s not a lot of playing time but we’ll see what happens in this stretch,” Counsell said. “James has had a solid year, and this is a good introduction to the big leagues.”
Triantos, ranked the Cubs’ No. 11 prospect by MLB.com, played five positions at Iowa. Counsell plans to use him most at second and third base, as well as left field. Despite limited at-bats, the Cubs believe exposure to the majors benefits players like Triantos. The main adjustment includes a faster-paced game and decision-making.
Counsell noted, “From the game itself to decisions, everything is faster, and you must be prepared.”
The Cubs’ player group is strong. As the front office evaluates improvements before the trade deadline, prospects like Triantos, Alcántara, and Pedro Ramírez, who started as designated hitter on Friday, might be considered for trades. Utilityman Matt Shaw remains on the injured list and won’t be activated before the Aug. 3 deadline.
Triantos doesn’t focus on uncertainties about his future. “I control what I can,” he stated. “When I get an opportunity, I make the most of it and stay present. I focus on winning a ball game every day.”
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