Greg

Deichmann

Deichmann made it into 14 games for the Cubs during the 2021 campaign. He was released last August after batting .214/.271/.335 with seven homers and eight steals in 282 plate appearances for Triple-A Iowa. The 27-year-old will get a fresh start with the organization that made him a second-round selection back in 2017. Given the state of the rebuilding Athletics’ roster, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him make the majors this season.

Deichmann was removed from the Cubs’ 40-man roster back in April after getting into 14 games last year for Chicago, hitting .133/.161/.133 with one RBI in 31 plate appearances. The 27-year-old outfielder hit just .214/.271/.335 with seven home runs and eight stolen bases across 282 plate appearances this season for Triple-A Iowa.

Deichmann cleared waivers after being designated for assignment last week and will remain with the Cubs as organizational outfield depth. The 26-year-old corner outfielder appeared in 14 games last season with the Cubs, hitting .133/.161/.133 with one RBI in 31 plate appearances.

It clears a spot on the 40-man roster for Locke St. John. Acquired in the deal that sent Andrew Chafin to the Athletics near the deadline, the former LSU star is just organizational depth at this point in his career. If he isn’t claimed or traded, he could report back to Iowa to provide said depth.

They also re-assigned Brennen Davis, Ben Leeper, Conner Menez, Locke St. John, Chase Strumpf, Andy Weber and Dixon Machado to minor league camp. Abbott should make some starts for the Cubs this season, and Deichmann figures to see time in the outfield. Marquez and Espinoza both have dynamic arms but have battled health issues. Davis is the team’s top prospect and could debut in 2022.

Deichmann will give the team another outfield option down the stretch. He’s just 4-for-23 in the majors this season.

Chicago activated Jason Heyward from the injured list on Sunday and Deichmann was the odd man out in order to create a roster spot. The 26-year-old was 4-for-23 (.174) at the major league level.

Acquired from the Athletics in the Andrew Chafin trade, Deichmann has put up a .864 OPS with four homers and seven steals at the Triple-A level this season. He’s starting in right field and batting fifth Friday in what will be his major league debut. The 26-year-old could see regular playing time down the stretch for the rebuilding Cubs.

Mark Feinsand was first to report that a deal involving Chafin was close, and Rosenthal has the destination. Rosenthal hears that outfield prospect Greg Deichmann is one of the two players going to the Cubs in the trade, and Meghan Montemurro of The Chicago Tribune says that pitching prospect Daniel Palencia is the other. Chafin has been excellent this season with a 2.06 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 37/12 K/BB ratio over 39 1/3 innings. The southpaw has a $5.25 million mutual option in his deal for 2022.

Deichmann, 26, was ranked by MLB.com as the A’s No. 9 prospect. The outfielder really struggled offensively from 2018-19, but he had a big showing in the Arizona Fall League in 2019 and has an .881 OPS with four homers and seven steals at hitter-friendly Triple-A Las Vegas in 2021. He goes on the Cubs’ 40-man roster and should have a good shot to debut later this summer.