Cubs’ future is bright, but patience is key

The future is bright for the Chicago Cubs. This may be really hard to believe when you check the standings and see the Cubs at the bottom of the NL Central. But the debut of Arismendy Alcantara, as well as the new “ace” Jake Arrieta‘s continued success offers a glimpse of some of the young talent the Cubs have on the horizon.

Scouting/Player development VP Jason McLeod, recently given a two-year extension, had dubbed Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Jorge Soler, and Albert Amore the “Core Four”. He may need to amend that to at least six, maybe eight.

Alcantara beat all of them to the Majors, and while part of it was the situation and need, it wasn’t for the lack of deserving it. His line at Iowa this year was impressive, .307/.353/.537, 10 home runs, 41 RBI, and 21 stolen bases.

And although his debut wasn’t much, his second game was a 4-for-5, 3 RBI outing. He followed that with a clutch single against the Braves in the ninth on Friday, stole second, then scored on Justin Ruggiano‘s single to win the game.

Arrieta led the way with 7 2/3 inning, allowing only three runs. While he’s been around a few years, he’s only 28, and by most standards be coming into his prime.

It’s well documented how well Bryant’s rise through the system has been. And this year’s first-round pick Kyle Schwarber is off to a similar type start.

Those two are the most notable, but the Cubs used much of the draft to stock up on arms, and time will provide depth for the Cubs pitching.

Alcantara’s call-up has invigorated the Cubs with energy, and has given fans a reason to be excited, finally getting a chance to see some of the future that Theo and Co. have been building. September call-up may be the most intriguing part of the season for the Cubs, to see who will make the trip up to Chicago.