4 Cubs prospects who could be key contributors to overtaking the Brewers

Playing catch-up to the Milwaukee Brewers is likely not how the Chicago Cubs imagined they would be starting August, and it's equally as likely that Cubs fans were hoping for a larger splash at the MLB trade deadline.

The removal of the waiver trade deadline has limited the moves the Cubs can make between now and the end of the season. Some loopholes still allow for trades to be had in August; however, it's an overwhelming likelihood that even if the Cubs were to make a trade in August, it wouldn't bring back a player of impact.

If the Cubs are going to be looking for impact to add to their Major League roster between now and the end of the season, it's likely to come from the very place they refused to trade from at the deadline: Their top-heavy farm system.

Cubs just might pass the Brewers thanks to these young studs

Mosies Ballesteros, DH/Catcher

We already saw the impact that Moises Ballesteros can bring with his bat, hitting a bases-clearing double against the Milwaukee Brewers the day before the trade deadline. With the Cubs' offense going through a collective slump at the moment, Ballesteros' bat would make for a nice addition to the bench. Justin Turner's walk-off home run over the weekend likely cemented his roster spot for the remainder of the season, but Ballesteros seems like an ideal September call-up.

Owen Caissie, Outfielder

Yes, the obligatory mention of Owen Caissie. After holding onto Caissie at the deadline, it seems clear that he is the succession plan to Kyle Tucker in right field. Tucker's slump has been a popular conversation over the last few days, and if it's tied to a thumb injury he suffered in June, the Cubs could look to Caissie to provide a spark in the outfield while they wait for Tucker to get right.

Jonathon Long, Utility

Long has 16 home runs and a 132 wRC+ with the Iowa Cubs this season. An ability to play the corner infield and outfield spots, Long seems like a natural replacement for Jon Berti on the Major League roster. Berti survived the trade, but the arrival of Willi Castro makes his roster spot moot. This feels like an obvious switch the Cubs can make with very little risk involved, considering Berti hasn't been playing much anyway.

Brandon Birdsell, RHP

A shoulder injury has wiped away most of his 2025 season, but Birdsell was the Cubs' top pitching prospect heading into the season. He likely would have made his Major League debut by now if he were healthy, but Birdsell could be the pitcher the Cubs bring up in September when rosters expand.

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