The Chicago Cubs boast one of baseball’s top minor league systems, featuring numerous players ranked in the top 100. In the latest MLB Pipeline update to their top 30 prospects, there was minimal change at the top, largely due to the strength of the system. However, some movement did occur thanks to the draft and standout performances.
The top prospects largely remained the same, with Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch graduating from the list since the preseason. The familiar names—Cade Horton, Owen Caissie, and Matt Shaw—continue to lead the rankings.
This season, Matt Shaw has moved from fourth to the top spot in the system. In 92 games across two levels, Shaw has posted an .815 OPS, with 14 home runs and 26 stolen bases. Although he may not have the highest ceiling among prospects, Shaw has advanced quickly since being drafted in 2023 and could make his MLB debut by the end of this year or next.
Cade Horton has reached Triple-A but has faced challenges with walks, despite maintaining strong strikeout numbers. Owen Caissie might be the first of the three to make his major league debut.
New additions to the top five include catcher Moises Ballesteros and infielder/outfielder James Triantos. The Cubs have had issues at catcher this season, making Ballesteros—a 20-year-old now playing in Triple-A—an important prospect. He has demonstrated significant power for his position in 94 games this year.
James Triantos, recently promoted to Triple-A, has faced difficulties but is expected to improve with time. Though he was mentioned in trade rumors, Triantos is unlikely to replace Dansby Swanson or Nico Hoerner but will provide valuable versatility.
The most notable rise in the rankings is right-handed pitcher Jaxon Wiggins, who jumped from 26th to 10th. Currently in Single-A, Wiggins has a 4.57 ERA in 14 games, showcasing a strong fastball and a reliable slider.
On the downside, left-handed pitcher Drew Gray has seen a decline. Despite striking out over a batter per inning, Gray has struggled with control, walking more than eight batters per nine innings this season.
A new entry into the top ten is Cam Smith, the Cubs’ first-round pick in the 2024 draft. Smith is a highly athletic player with limited experience, making him a bit of a project. In his pro debut, he is currently 1-for-7.
Overall, despite graduating several prospects, the Cubs’ system remains one of the best in baseball, bolstered by their recent draft additions.
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