2 overlooked breakout Cubs prospects who could make a spring training statement

Chicago Cubs prospects have been a big story over the last year or so.

Last winter, 2024 first-round pick Cam Smith was packaged up in the deal that netted Kyle Tucker. Last summer, Cade Horton broke out as a front-of-the-rotation piece and finished second in NL Rookie of the Year balloting and Owen Caissie and Moises Ballesteros got their first taste of big-league action. And, of course, Matt Shaw was a storyline all season long, learning third base on the fly and winding up a Gold Glove finalist at the hot corner.

This winter, Caissie was traded to Miami in the Edward Cabrera trade and Shaw's name continues to swirl in trade rumors. Ballesteros will get a runway with everyday ABs in Chicago this year, with the Cubs hoping his bat can help offset the loss of Tucker, who signed a record-setting deal with the hated Dodgers.

So, even though the Cubs' farm system isn't getting a ton of love, make no mistake: its impact is still very much felt at the big-league level. This spring, it'll be all eyes on Ballesteros, Horton and Shaw, sure, but there are some names further down the organizational rankins worth keeping an eye on as well.

Jonathon Long, James Triantos could force their way into Cubs' plans

Jonathon Long, the Cubs' reigning Minor League Player of the Year, is coming off an impressive 2025 season with Triple-A Iowa in which he slashed .305/.404/.479 in more than 600 trips to the plate. He drew 79 walks to just 116 strikeouts, demonstrating good control of the zone that could make him a valuable bench piece in Chicago sooner rather than later.

Having just turned 24 and with just the one season at Triple-A under his belt, there's no rush to force Long into the mix in Chicago, especially with Michael Busch entrenched at first base. The Cubs plan on letting him face lefties this year, and with Tyler Austin with the team on a one-year deal, there's no clear path to regular playing time for Long.

Still, a strong spring could have him knocking on the door if Busch or Long hit the IL at some point.

Meanwhile, James Triantos offers some defensive versatility that's always valuable. Last year, he saw action at second and in center and left, although his bat has left much to be desired at the upper levels of the system.

Last year at Iowa, Triantos batted just .258/.315/.369 and has a career .693 OPS across 538 plate appearances at Triple-A. Still, if he can show up this spring and look good at the dish, his defensive skillset alone could make him an intriguing call-up option if the Cubs are in a pinch this summer.

And before you point me back to his offensive numbers in the minors, let me just remind you the Cubs gave regular bench ABs to the likes of Vidal Bruján, Nicky Lopez and Jon Berti last season - so you can save that argument for another day.