Here’s why 2022 will be absolutely critical for the Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs: Prospects will keep working their way toward the big leagues

There is a real chance that we will see more Cubs prospects rise in the rankings and make the top-100 as they grow, get promoted, etc. over the next year. Right now the top two prospects in the system (per MLB.com) include Brailyn Marquez and Brennen Davis. While this year could possibly see the MLB debut of Davis, next year looks like a likelier estimation. He is one of the key building blocks, and getting experience next year will be huge for both he and the organization.

Unfortunately for Marquez, he has missed 2021 due to both COVID issues and shoulder problems. He would have likely seen MLB time this year at some point, but hopefully next year he will make that stride. The same can be said for catching prospect Miguel Amaya (third-ranked by MLB.com), who has been sidelined with injury but hopes to see MLB action sometime in 2022.

Other key prospects who are currently in A-ball or Rookie ball will be looking to keep moving up the system next season. It will be an important growth year in 2022 for a number of guys including:

Cristian Hernandez SS (ACL Cubs ROK):

He is fourth-ranked prospect in system at just 17 years old. The phenom out of the Dominican Republic is slashing .259/.397/.315 in 17 games in Rookie ball.

Ed Howard SS (Myrtle Beach Single-A):

It had been some time since the 16th overall pick of the 2020 draft played baseball before he began the 2021 season, due to COVID. At just 19 years old, his early struggles were somewhat expected. Hopefully after a year of playing again he can make big strides in 2022.

Alexander Canario OF (South Bend High-A):

Coming over in the Kris Bryant trade, Canario (21)  has been killing it so far with the South Bend Cubs. In his first eight games, he has three home runs and is slashing .324/.378/.647. Currently the team’s seventh-ranked prospect, if he keeps this up then promotions could be right around the corner. He could end up being one of the organization’s most interesting prospects.

Pete Crow-Armstrong OF (Injured)

Coming over in the Javier Baez trade, Crow-Armstrong (19) was highly regarded by the Mets brass. While not much of a power threat, he can hit the ball very well and get on base while displaying good speed and glove skills. 2022 will be important for him to return from injury and give the Cubs organization their first look at him playing.

Kevin Alcantara OF (ACL Cubs ROK):

Coming over in the Anthony Rizzo trade, Alcantara (19) is another really intriguing young guy. He has absolutely torn up Rookie ball this year, albeit a small sample size, and is hitting .365/.443/.577 so far this year. He will no doubt work his way up through the system next year if he keeps hitting.

Reginald Preciado SS (ACL Cubs ROK):

Coming over in the Yu Darvish trade, Preciado (18) has raised some eyebrows in his time as a Cub. In Rookie ball he is slashing .351/.407.495 in 24 games. There was not much to base off of when they got him this winter, but the Padres had signed him as the highest-ranked prospect out of Panama in 2019. If he can keep raking in the minors next year, it could be interesting to see how quickly he can grow to the majors. 2022 will be big for him to see better pitching opponents.

Owen Caissie OF (ACL Cubs ROK):

Also came over in the Darvish deal, he is tearing up Rookie ball. Caissie (19) was the top prospect to come out of Canada in 2020 and has displayed some impressive power. Currently slashing .363/.495/.675 with six home runs, a promotion seems right around the corner for him.

There certainly are other notable prospects looking to continue to grow in the Cubs farm, but these are some of the key ones. These guys getting promoted and continuing to play well in 2022 will result in their individual prospect ranking going up, as well as the Cubs farm as a whole. Next year can really tell us what kind of system they have.