Cubs Minors: A who’s-who of the team’s prospects heading into the season

Cubs: Ed Howard will begin his first full pro season at Low-A Myrtle Beach

Last summer, the Cubs went local with their first-round draft pick, tapping Ed Howard with the 16th overall selection. The prep standout has all the makings of the shortstop of the future, but is still just 19 years old and needs more development before he can even be considered for a big league roster spot.

His glove is already regarded as tops in the entire organization. Now, it’s about continuing to expand his already-impressive baseball IQ and his offensive skillset. MLB.com doesn’t have him making his Major League debut for another three years so, while we’re all excited about what this kid brings to the table, it’ll be some time before you see him at the Friendly Confines.

Yohendrick Pinango will join Howard, in hopes of building on a monster showing at the Dominican Summer League two years ago, when the young outfielder hit .358. Shortstop Yeison Santana, another of the pieces that came to Chicago in the Darvish trade, will also open the season with the Pelicans.

The moral of the story is the Cubs have a ton of young talent. But young talent in the low levels of the minors doesn’t mean three years from now, Chicago will once again be a force-to-be-reckoned with. A lot can happen along the way but this young pool of players will definitely get its fair share of attention this summer.