Chicago Cubs Top Prospects
With Opening Day time ending, both major leaguers and minor leaguers are entrenched in their respective seasons. I thought it would be fun and wise to look at each MLB team’s top prospects. After all, more often than not, the top prospects of their team will accomplish one of three things, be the next star/regular player for their team, get traded for a star player, or at least reach the MLB and contribute in some fashion. They are the backbone of any successful organization. Look at the Rays, they may have a tiny payroll, but they are consistently a top-performing team with their amazing prospect system. As such, I’m taking a look at Chicago Cubs’ top prospects. The Cubs built a team through their minor leagues and prospects such as Kyle Hendricks, Wilson Contreras, Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, and many others were prospects in their system.
So, who are the next 5 players set to become potential stars for the Cubs?
1. Brennen Davis, OF, Triple-AAA
The top-100 prospect is nearly ready to make his MLB debut. Davis was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2018 draft and has grown into their best prospect by far. He has a good power/speed combo that enables him to use his 6’4 frame to the best he can. Davis has above-average power that will allow him to pump out 25+ HRs while enough speed to steal bases and make good use of it on the basepaths. He’s patient at the plate but will swing too hard which creates holes in his swing. If he can maintain his swing and just stay patient at the plate, I see no reason why he can’t be a high-quality regular in the MLB. He’s able to play all three outfield spots and should be at Wrigley Field sooner than later.
2. Cristian Hernandez, SS, Rookie
Hernandez is only 18 and is pure projection at this point. He’s got great power and speed for his age although he is doing it at the rookie level. Still, his hit approach reminds me of someone way better and older than only being 18. He could eventually be reminiscent of Manny Machado playing a decent shortstop with plus power and speed. Cristian has a strong arm that will allow him to play anywhere on the field. Due to his age and inexperience with much maturity still to go, he probably won’t reach the majors until 2025 or 2026. By that point, who knows what kind of player he will be. Right now, it’s all about the projections.
3. Jordan Wicks, LHP, High-A
Wicks is a solid lefty that was taken in the first round do the 21′ draft. The 22-year-old should move quickly through the system with a strong changeup that is the best in the Chicago Cubs organization. His fastball is in the mid-90s and he’s developing a strong slider. Wicks should stay in the rotation for the long term with a repeatable delivery and a high floor. He is in his first pro season and only at High-A, but don’t be surprised if he reaches the MLB by the end of 2023. I easily see him being a #3 in their rotation with a good ability to miss bats and limit walks.
4. Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF, Low-A
The Mets shockingly gave the Cubs Armstong in the Javy Baez trade last year. The former first-round pick from 2020 has high potential despite missing last season due to shoulder surgery. However, that shouldn’t impact his long-term future as he has a great left-handed swing that will allow him to hit all fields. His power is limited but should be able to reach 15+ every year. Pete’s speed is enviable as he will steal many bases and produce runs on his baserunning along. Combine that with his Gold Glove-caliber fielding and he should be the Cubs’ CF for the future. He makes me think of a better Jason Heyward with better hitting but less power. Either way, he will be patrolling Wrigley come 2024 at the latest.
5. Kevin Alcantara, OF, Low-A
Another youngster, Alcantara is only 19 but has reached Low-A for the first time. Despite being 19, he already stands 6’6 which should mean he will have plenty of power to grow into. It will take quite a while for him to grow into his body and reach that power, but he projects well for above-average power and hitting. He has a solid arm and glove for the outfield. Expect him in 2024/5 to arrive and truly showcase his physical gifts. Kevin will hit and field, but it’s up to him if he can truly reach his high ceiling.
