Roster Move: Cubs sign speedster Forrest Wall to AAA deal |
Dustin Riese
· · 4 hours ago
While the MLB Trade Deadline may be over, that isn't going to stop teams from adding to their roster. However, any addition from this point on will be seen as a minor league addition, or it could come down to basic depth additions that won't contribute to a playoff push.
That is just what the Cubs did on Friday night, as it has been reported that the Cubs and Forrest Wall have agreed to a Minor League deal for the remainder of the season. Wall was a part of the San Diego Padres organization, but elected to opt out of his non-guaranteed deal last week, which opened the door for the Cubs to pounce. Given that the Cubs have lost Greg Allen (Orioles), Brooks Kierske (Twins), and Kenta Maeda (Yankees), you knew that some new faces would be walking through the AAA door, and Wall is one of them, as he is expected to land with Iowa next week. Signed as a Minor League free agent over the winter, Wall spent the entire season with the Padres despite having his deal be a non-guaranteed deal tied with opt-outs. While it may have taken him a while to opt out, landing with the Cubs may give Wall the impression that he has a better chance to reach the majors with the Cubs or, at the very least, stick with them beyond this season. Primarily a left fielder, Wall is expected to come in and take over for Allen while also playing whenever his number is called on by the Cubs the rest of this season. Looking back at what he did in the Padres organization, you are getting a guy who not only has speed, going 21-22 in stolen bases, but also put together an all-around good season at the plate, as he will give Iowa another potent bat in their lineup. Up until now, Wall is slashing 298/.384/.429, and given his speed, he is an instant base-stealing threat should he reach base. When it comes to the power aspect of his game, Wall doesn't have a ton of pop, connecting for only four homers this season, but with a high batting average and a walk rate of more than 10% he brings a ton of value to the Cubs, even if it doesn't come from an offensive side as you would expect. Although he never reached the majors with the Padres, Wall did get brief big league stints with the Braves and Marlins last year, combining for 16 games. He had eight hits (all singles) with a trio of walks and eight strikeouts in 35 plate appearances. That alone could come in handy when rosters expand in September, as he would give the Cubs something to think about as a potential late-game pinch runner. The former supplemental first-round pick, Wall, has been primarily a minor leaguer, playing six seasons in AAA across different organizations. He has proven to produce at every stop, combining to hit .273/.360/.391 across nearly 1900 plate appearances while showcasing that speed on the bases. He is also someone who has plenty of versatility as he can play any one of the three outfield spots, although left and right field are his two best. Given his lack of power at the plate, Wall isn't going to be the first player that comes to mind when the rosters expand in September. However, given his patient approach at the plate and having more than 300 career steals in the minor leagues, he is someone the Cubs should consider, even if it were to be in a pinch runner-only role. The Cubs have had success with those types of players in the past, with Terrance Gore coming to mind. In the playoffs, you need as much speed as possible. Look for Jed Hoyer and company to continue to monitor the Minor League free agent market over the next few weeks as they look to bring in more potential talent.
