The Cubs were a little late to the international free agency party, but they showed up with a bang on Thursday. After failing to formally announce any deals of the first day of the 2025 IFA period, perhaps because they were hoping to poach a top prospect from another team, the Cubs have officially landed two top-15 players from MLB Pipeline’s top-50 rankings. It should come as no surprise that both are listed as shortstops.
Juan Cabada, a 16-year-old from the Dominican Republic, was ranked No. 10 and earned a $1.5 million bonus. The lefty batter boasts high bat speed and quick feet with a strong arm that should enable him to stay at short in the immediate future.