After the Chicago Cubs made the decision in 2021 to sell their 2016 World Series core, it is now on the brink of paying off in the very near future. The Cubs have steadily added to their system by the draft, but their biggest impacts could potentially come through the trade acquisitions over the last few years. Hitters acquired in deals such as Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch, and Owen Caissie are all nearly ready to be lineup stalwarts at the big league level. Prized 2022 draft selection Cade Horton, among the top pitching prospects in all of baseball, has thrived in the pitching infrastructure that could feature a strong homegrown 1-2 punch in short order with Justin Steele. With an organization that saw minor leaguers play a big role on the major league team in 2023, the Cubs hope 2024 and beyond will continue that trend and propel the organization to its next sustainable title contender. (@TBDubbs11)
Nine Prospects1500 writers contributed to this column and rankings:
Ben Wilson (@TBDubbs11)
Michael Kelley (@MKelley_ND)
Scott Greene (@Scotty_Ballgame)
Tony Bps (@tonybps1)
Greg Bracken (@gregbracken07)
Adam Greene (@aj_greene1015)
Clint Fasse (@ProspectLarceny)
Tom Usiak (@The_Tom_U)
Jeremy Mahy (@JMahyfam)
The writer’s Twitter handle follows each player write-up or paragraph.
Prospects1500 Tiers:
Tier 1: Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years
Tier 2: Players with an above-average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 4: Players who have the potential to make the majors; possible sleeper candidates for sustained MLB success
Tier 5: Players of interest, worth keeping an eye on, who may make (or have made) the majors but provide minimal impact
Michael Busch, recently acquired via trade from the Dodgers, was ranked 6th at the top of Tier 3, on our Dodgers Top 50. He would slot right into the same range in this Cubs system.
Fernando Cruz, rumored to sign with the Cubs during the International signing period, is not included in the ranks but would slot in around #15. He has the potential to be a special player with his all-around tools.
Levels listed for each player are the highest levels player reached in 2023
Tier 1
1. Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF, 21, MLB
After coming over from the Mets in the Javier Baez trade, PCA’s career really took off. His road to being the Cubs top prospect and one of the top prospects in the game came from his defensive prowess in centerfield and a tremendous improvement at the plate thanks to some adjustments from the Cubs batting coaches. Although the aggressive nature of his swing/stance led to more strikeouts than welcome, the increase in power warrants the approach. PCA also has no trouble stealing bases and has great instincts. Since the trade, he’s stolen 71 total bases. The speed translates to his defense, where he has a legitimate chance to become an instant Gold Glover with the Cubs. He very well could be starting for them to begin the season, and even if he’s not, he’ll be impacting the team at some point this year. (@aj_greene1015)
2. Cade Horton, RHP, 22, Double-A
Horton has firmly established himself as a top pitching prospect. The Cubs were cautious with his workload following his 2021 TJ surgery but allowed him to ramp up towards the end of last season. After overwhelming High-A hitters to start last season the Cubs sent him to Double-A Tennessee. While his K/BB rate dropped with the promotion he only allowed four earned runs in his 27 innings. His fastball-slider combo is lethal and gives him the floor of a dominant relief pitcher. If either his curveball or change-up develop further you could be looking at number 2-3 starter. (@JMahyfam)
3. Matt Shaw, SS/2B, 22, Double-A
The 2022 Cape Cod League MVP, and 2023 Brooks Wallace award recipient for best collegiate shortstop, has already made his mark on the Cubs system in just 38 games. He’s progressed to Double-A and slashed .357/ .400/.618/1.018 in that span. As a natural second baseman, turning to shortstop was a big stepping stone for his career. While the arm strength may profile better at second, he’s become a reliable defender at short. On the offensive side Shaw has outstanding bat speed that produces 90th percentile exit velocities according to Chris Clegg’s Dynasty Dugout. It seems like the Cubs are pushing Shaw quickly through their ranks, and he could be playing at Wrigley as soon as this year. (@aj_greene1015)
Tier 2
4. Kevin Alcántara, OF, 21, Double-A
Alcantara was a highly-touted Yankees international signing back in 2018 on his 16th birthday. Traded to Chicago in the Anthony Rizzo deal, Kevin has played across four levels (Rookie through Double-A) over the last few years, including a stint in Arizona this past Fall. He was one of the favorites to win the AFL HR Derby but struggled in that showcase. Now 21, the 6’6″ outfielder has some pop in his bat, and could be a .280 hitter with a 20-25 HR profile. (@Scotty_Ballgame)
5. Owen Caissie, OF, 21, Double-A
The sky is the limit for the 21-year-old Caissie. Playing at AA, where he was three and a half years younger than the league average, the Canadian smoked the competition. In 120 games, Caissie slashed .289/.399/.519/.918 with 22 homers, 84 RBI, and 7 stolen bases. The left hander was also a plus defender, with 10 assists from right field. The Cubs will probably be conservative and start Caissie back in AA, but he’s knocking at the door of AAA and the majors. (@The_Tom_U)
6. James Triantos, 2B, 20, Double-A
Triantos broke out in the Fall League, finishing 2nd in AVG (.417, behind Liam Hicks .449) and OPS (1.174, behind Jakob Marsee 1.215). Chicago’s 2021 2nd round pick out of James Madison HS in Vienna, VA, spent most of 2023 at High-A South Bend, but late in the season got into three games for AA Tennessee. He’s played mostly 2B in the minors but saw time at 2B, 3B, SS, CF and LF in the AFL. The clear favorite prospect in the @Jym_Class Fairfax household, Triantos should spend 2024 in Double-A, with a shot at seeing time in AAA Iowa. MLB ETA is 2025. (@Scotty_Ballgame)
7. Moises Ballesteros, C/1B, 20, Double-A
The Venezuelan native signed with the Cubs during the 2021 International signing period, Ballesteros has progressed nicely up to Double-A. His batting numbers are up across the board over his three years in the minors, though there are still some defensive questions. Behind the plate, the receiving has improved slightly but he’s allowed too many stolen bases. He could move to a role at first base or DH, but will always have a spot in the lineup just for his bat. Ballesteros controls the zone and regularly makes contact, and with just five games in Double-A under his belt, there is plenty of time to develop into a complete product. (@aj_greene1015)
Tier 3
8. Jordan Wicks, LHP, 24, MLB
Wicks is probably my favorite “real-life” pitcher in this system. That does not mean that he is going to be a sexy dynasty asset. What he does well is throw strikes and limit hard contact thanks to a low-90’s high spin rate FB and an excellent changeup that works well against lefties and righties. He will settle nicely in as a solid number four pitcher that could pitch deep enough into games to get you double digit wins, just don’t expect a lot of strikeouts. (@JMahyfam)
9. Ben Brown, RHP, 24, Triple-A
I really struggled ranking Brown. On one hand, he has a really nice 3-pitch mix that coupled with an improvement in command would make for a nice number three pitcher. On the other hand, he doesn’t have very good spin on his pitches and struggled against Triple-A hitters. Whether this is a good buy-low opportunity on a potential mid rotation starter or ultimately just another bullpen piece remains to be seen. (@JMahyfam)
10. Shota Imanaga, LHP, 30, International signee
The 30-year-old left-hander is the Cubs big free agency signing coming from the Nippon Professional Baseball league in Japan. Imanaga is a command-and-control artist featuring a nice splitter that could potentially give MLB hitters problems. His numbers in the NPB (comparatively the Double-A level) were solid last year. In 148 innings pitched, he allowed 132 hits, struck out 174, walked 24, and allowed 17 home runs. The 17 home runs are worrisome as he will be facing far more power potential in MLB hitters. He could be anywhere from a number 3-5 starter depending on the success of his splitter and the home run rate. (@JMahyfam)
11. Alexander Canario, OF, 23, MLB
Canario, coming off a 37 home run season in 2022 across 3 levels, played only 53 games in 2023, coming off a serious ankle injury and dislocated shoulder from the Dominican Winter League. Back healthy, Canario was scheduled to be a Cubs representative in the Arizona Fall League, but instead decided to go back to this year’s DOWL. Alexander got a September call to the majors and hit .294 with a homer in 6 games. He should be a candidate to make the Opening Day roster out of Spring Training. (@Scotty_Ballgame)
12. Jefferson Rojas, SS, 18, Single-A
Rojas is a prospect I am very much interested in right now. After a solid 2022 in the DSL where he posted a 0.89 BB/K rate, the Cubs aggressively assigned him to Single-A for 2023. The 18-year-old more than held his own against competition nearly three years older than him. In 272 ABs, he slashed .268/.345/.404 with 7 home runs and 13 stolen bases. His BB/K rate dropped to .38 which was to be expected considering his age to level disadvantage. All dynasty league owners should have their eyes on this kid and in a league that rosters anything over 200 prospects he is a must own. (@JMahyfam)
13. Matt Mervis, 1B, 25, MLB
Mervis is a prime example of how fickle prospect status can be. After a dominant 2022 season where he crushed 36 home runs with a .984 OPS, his dynasty league stock went through the roof. He was even being drafted in the top-300 of some redraft leagues heading into the 2023 season. A year later, following a slightly down year (25 HR, .920 OPS) in which he only got in 90 MLB at-bats, he is outside the top-100 on most prospect lists. Is he the dreaded “Quad-A” player or does he grab hold of the first base job this year? With Busch coming over via trade and McGeary hitting well behind him, time is running short in this organization. (@JMahyfam)
14. Brennen Davis, OF, 24, Triple-A
2024 has to be a make or break season for Davis on his path to the majors. He was virtually a step away from Wrigley in 2021, having his best season in the minors as a 21-year-old (.260/.375/.494/.869, 19 HR, 53 RBI across A+/AA/AAA) and was Futures Game MVP at Coors Field. He was striking out 28.3% of the time, but all signs pointed to his ascension to the Cubs. Then 2022 and 2023 happened. He dealt with some bad back pain and injury, and herniation disc surgery, but his numbers were negatively impacted. Since hitting .180 in ’22 and .201 in ’23, the former Cubs top prospect plan’s have been derailed, but the organization is still high on him. (@Scotty_Ballgame)
Tier 4
15. Michael Arias, RHP, 22, High-A
16. Haydn McGeary, 1B, 24, Double-A
17. Luke Little, LHP, 23, MLB
18. B.J. Murray Jr., 3B, 24, High-A
19. Cristian Hernández, SS/2B, 20, Single-A
20. Drew Gray, LHP, 20, Single-A
21. Derniche Valdez, SS, 17, Rookie (DSL)
22. Luis Vázquez, SS, 24, Triple-A
23. Daniel Palencia, RHP, 23, MLB
24. Pedro Ramírez, 2B/3B, 19, Single-A
25. Caleb Kilian, RHP, 26, MLB
26. Porter Hodge, RHP, 22, Double-A
Little and Hodge look like future major league relievers. Arias has a nasty fastball with velocity and movement but his command is a work in progress. He could be a solid starter if he can overcome his wildness or a shutdown closer if he moves to the bullpen. McGeary has great power and a good eye at the plate and could be a DH type in the majors. Hernandez was a hyped international signee and looked great in his first year of Rookie ball in 2021 but has struggled since. He has good power potential if he can get back on track this season. Murray is one to keep an eye on in this tier having good power and solid approach at the plate. He could be a solid CI for your dynasty leagues if given the chance. Gray was healthy this year after Tommy John surgery caused him to miss all of 2022 but he looked good and it’ll be interesting to see how he looks in 2024 with a full year of the injury behind him. He’s a potential mid-rotation starter. Valdez is a 2023 international signee with tons of potential. He’s only 17 but could be a great buy low after struggling somewhat in his first year of Rookie ball. Vázquez looks to be a utility type with some pop at the shortstop position. Kilian struggled in the few innings he pitched in the majors but has potential to be a 5th starter or a middle reliever if he can get his control together.
Tier 5
27. Richard Gallardo, RHP, 22, Double-A
28. Reginald Preciado, 3B, 20, Single-A
29. Jaxon Wiggins, RHP, 22, College
30. Brody McCullough, RHP, 23, High-A
31. Pablo Aliendo, C, 22, Double-A
32. Josh Rivera, SS, 23, High-A
33. Kohl Franklin, RHP, 24, Double-A
34. Ed Howard, SS/2B, 21, High-A
35. Will Sanders, RHP, 21, College
36. Christian Franklin, OF, 24, Double-A
37. Nazier Mulé, RHP, 19, Injured (High School in 2022)
38. Alexis Hernandez, SS, 19, Rookie (ACL)
39. Brandon Birdsell, RHP, 23, Double-A
40. Yohendrick Pinango, OF, 21, High-A
41. Manuel Espinoza, RHP, 23, Double-A
42. Marino Santy, LHP, 21, Single-A
43. Alfonsin Rosario, OF, 19, Rookie (ACL)
44. Ludwing Espinoza, SS/2B, 18, Rookie (DSL)
45. Ismael Mena, OF, 21, Single-A
46. Jonathon Long, 3B/1B, 21, Single-A
47. Christopher Paciolla, 2B/3B/SS, 19, Rookie (ACL)
48. Michael Carico, C, 21, Single-A
49. Luis Devers, RHP, 23, High-A
50. Kevin Valdez, RHP, 22, Single-A
Wiggins has the potential to be a solid starter if he can bounce back after Tommy John surgery. Rivera could be a utility type in the majors with solid power and some speed. McCullough, Kohl Franklin, Mulé, Manuel Espinoza and Santy look to be middle relievers if they make it to the majors. Howard was hurt for most of last year but he’s healthy now and looks to be a bench type player. Sanders was the team’s 4th round pick in the 2023 draft after a solid but inconsistent high school career. Christian Franklin is one to keep an eye on in this tier. He has a great blend of speed and power and could be a future outfielder if he controls the strikeouts a bit more. Pinango hasn’t developed as once thought he would but has some pop and speed if he can improve his hitting skills. Rosario is a toolsy outfielder who was just picked in the 2023 draft. Mena has struggled in his 3 years in the organization not showing much the plate. Devers has struggled on the mound as a starter but could transition to the bullpen where his stuff may play better.
Prospects1500 is your comprehensive dynasty league resource, featuring deep MLB/MiLB top prospect lists, news and rankings.
Adam Greene is a Sport Management and Marketing double major at UMass Amherst's Isenberg School of Management. His main focus is sport marketing, where he's already had internships with the local Westfield Starfires and Springfield Thunderbirds. He now writes for the Cape Cod Baseball League. From Longmeadow, MA, Adam is a huge Red Sox fan and has been following the team his whole life. When Covid hit, he started paying a lot more attention to the Red Sox minor league teams, and now, follows them almost as much as the big league squad. Follow him on Twitter at @aj_greene1015 and Instagram at the same handle.
President of Prospects1500. Founder of Diamond Duos dynasty fantasy baseball leagues and the MLB Fantasy Playoffs Parlay. Participant and champion in several dynasty/fantasy baseball and football leagues. Sales Manager for Reminder Publishing in real life. Huge Bruce Springsteen and pro wrestling fan. Along with his wife and two boys, lives in Longmeadow, MA. Follow on Twitter at @Scotty_Ballgame.
Ben is an Assistant Editor and also covers the Red Sox and Dynasty/Fantasy baseball content for Prospects1500. He also runs the #2EarlyMiLBMock, an annual prospect-only mock draft, for the Prospects1500 website. Ben is an experienced fantasy baseball player and is a deep league dynasty specialist. He has also contributed at FantraxHQ, RotoFanatic, and retired blogs Real McCoy Minors and Notes from the Sally. Follow Ben on Twitter @TBDubbs11.
Tony Bps Spina is a lifelong baseball fan hailing from the City of Brotherly Love - Philadelphia! Tony has loved baseball since 1980 and has followed the Phillies through good and bad times. Tony is married with 3 kids and works for a financial institution but has enough free time to play in 20 fantasy baseball leagues with 75% of them being Dynasty Leagues. He lives a few blocks away from Citizens Bank Park and attends many Phillies games per year in addition to their minor league teams in Lehigh Valley and Reading. He can be reached on Twitter at @TonyBps1.
Jeremy covers the St Louis organization and contributes on Prospects of the Week for Prospects1500. Born and raised in the Midwest, he is a lifelong fan of the Birds on the Bat. You can follow him on Twitter @JMahyfam for more baseball content.
"Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too." -Yogi Berra
Born and raised on Chicago's Northwest side, Tom is entering his tenth year covering the Cubs minor league system, writing for prestigious sites such as Chicago Cubs Online, Locked On Cubs, and Cubs Den. Over that period, Tom has published interviews with top prospects such as Aramis Ademan, Miguel Amaya, Willson Contreras, Jeimer Candelario, Dylan Cease, Ian Happ, Eloy Jimenez, Cole Roederer, and Gleyber Torres.
Known as "Tom U" across the internet, Tom also has a close working relationship with the front offices of all four of the Cubs' full season minor league teams. A frequent guest of the South Bend Cubs on WSBT radio, Tom has also written monthly articles for the South Bend Cubs' stadium program.
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Tom Usiakhttps://www.prospects1500.com/author/cubs002/
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