Chicago Cubs: Player development has been cornerstone of this rise

The next wave is coming

And finally, there’s Ian Happ. Taken ninth overall in the 2015 draft. His rise through the system isn’t the same as Bryant or Schwarber–but it’s close. And in the AFL title game this weekend, Happ homered twice–once from each side of the plate. He came up a triple shy of hitting for the cycle in the title game. He a second baseman, but has seen more and more time in the outfield in the minors.

The Cubs are flush with talent. And I haven’t even delved into Eloy Jimenez. Similar to Jorge Soler, he’s a raw talent with a high upside. The Cubs still have time to figure out where he falls into the mix, but there’s nothing but good coming out of the Cubs system. McLeod is going to be a GM somewhere, someday. But until then let’s just enjoy the work he’s doing with these Cubs.