Cubs’ James Triantos Shows A Knack For Contact
Learning from two of the best defensive middle infielders in the league proved to be advantageous this spring for second baseman James Triantos.
Triantos gravitated to shortstop Dansby Swanson and second baseman Nico Hoerner during spring training. The Gold Glove double-play tandem pulled Triantos aside a couple times while taking ground balls to talk baseball and provide insight.
“They did a really good job just being communicative with how they go about their day, how they prepare themselves, what I can do to be better, be more consistent in general,” Triantos said. “They really helped me out.”
Triantos earned his first invite to big league camp this year, where Cubs manager Craig Counsell wanted the 22-year-old to learn, listen and seize the experience. He also played in their Spring Breakout game, going 2-for-4 with a run and stolen base.
“We want James to continue to defensively really work hard at second base and become as good as he can,” Counsell said. “Offensively, I think James has a profile of high contact—it’s a real gift. Picking the right pitches to put in play is a little bit of the next challenge for him.”
Triantos impressed in Cactus League action, going 7-for-25 (.280) with two doubles, a triple and a steal in 11 games. He consistently showed an ability to go the other way.
“It’s all just timing and taking what the pitcher gives me and being ready to execute what I want to execute,” Triantos said. “And wherever the ball goes, my swing takes care of it.”
The Cubs went over slot to sign Triantos in the second round in 2021 out of high school. Four years later, he is knocking on the door to Chicago in the wake of a strong 2024 season in which hit hit .300/.346/.427 with seven home runs and 47 steals, primarily at Double-A Tennessee.
Triantos reached Triple-A for the first time last year and returns to Iowa this season. His main objective will be to adjust to more experienced pitchers who are more capable of exploiting hitters’ weaknesses.
