The Cubs have designated outfielder Ryan Kalish for assignment in order to clear roster space for the newly acquired Jacob Turner, reports MLB.com’s Carrie Muskat (Twitter link).
The 26-year-old Kalish was once considered among baseball’s top 100 prospects by both Baseball America and Baseball Prospectus, but he’s never been able to capitalize on the tools that resulted in that hype, due in large part to a series of neck and shoulder surgeries. In an even 100 plate appearances with the Cubs this season, he batted .242/.303/.330 — numbers that aren’t much of an improvement over his career .243/.296/.346 batting line.
Kalish, a former ninth-round pick, has a .245/.319/.391 triple-slash in his career at the Triple-A level. He’s capable of playing all three outfield positions, though he spent more time in left than center with Chicago this season, and defensive metrics haven’t been kind to his glove at the Major League level.
I’d like to see Boston bring him back
Why? He isn’t a Major League quality player.
Not really a true bust. He really fell off the face of the earth after a really bad neck injury. He was viewed as a future star by a lot of people (plus plus speed and plus power), but the shoulder/neck injury pretty much zapped him of everything overnight.
I’m aware of his history. I feel bad for him, but he’s still not a Major League quality player.
He was the second coming of babe ruth when boston had him as a prospect.
So were Ryan Lavarnway, Sam Horn, Jack Baker, Garry Hancock, Scott Cooper, Eric Wedge and Phil Plantier.
Who do you have to trade for?
Any minor leaguer. Or free in a few days. No one is going to claim Kalish.
He won’t be released, he’ll just be outrighted to AAA.
folks, this is all about Jacob Turner. Hoyer and Epstein just pulled a rabbit out of the hat on this one.
would not be surprised if Turner was an effective #3 in 2015 for a much-improved ballclub. this kid has stuff knowledgeable people describe as “hellacious” with a low walk rate, but doesn’t have the batted ball data to match beyond a really good groundball rate. his mix of pitches may be at fault, with an underdeveloped changeup. even with that, his xFIP this year is 3.93 as a 23-year-old. given what Chris Bosio has did for guys like Hammel, Arietta, and others — and that he’s just a kid and learning the craft — i have to think the Marlins screwed this up big time in roster management.
The article should have had some mention of the multiple surgeries that he had, including a cervical surgery similar to the one that Peyton Manning had. Otherwise, it looks like he was just another over-hyped prospect rather than one who couldn’t overcome some serious injuries.
Its too bad. He had a lot of promise according to the experts. We never saw it. Time to give up on the dream and get a regular job.