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Regression was inevitable for the Chicago Cubs' farm system rankings with Pete Crow-Armstrong graduating to the Major League level last season, and Matt Shaw and Cade Horton following him this season. Even with the influx of talent, thanks to the 2025 MLB Draft, the Cubs' farm system is headed in the wrong direction in the latest minor-league power rankings.
Bleacher Report was one of the first outlets to update their farm system rankings following the draft, and the Cubs landed at No. 16. Previously, the Cubs were at No. 12. which, again, speaks to the graduations the Cubs have had at the Major League level.
Bleacher Report has Ethan Conrad, the Cubs' 2025 first-round pick, as the No. 7 prospect in the team's system. At the top, they have Moises Ballesteros as the Cubs' top prospect, which is somewhat of a surprise, considering Owen Caissie is widely believed to be the next-best prospect of the Cubs' system.
New rankings show Cubs farm system is no longer a strength
The Cubs' farm system is very top-heavy as they have five prospects within MLB Pipeline's Top 100. An encouraging note for the Cubs, but a fact that may only be true for a few more weeks.
The Cubs having five prospects in the Top 100 is the primary reason why they can be aggressive at the MLB Trade Deadline. It seems like a foregone conclusion that one of Owen Caissie or Kevin Alcantara will be moved at the deadline, and it's even possible that Ballesteros and James Triantos are moved. The lack of prospects shouldn't be the reason why the Cubs are unable to accomplish their goals at the deadline.
The Cubs' farm system is going to look very different by the time the calendar flips to August. The regression of the system will likely continue throughout the end of the season. The good news is that they could climb back up the rankings by this time next year. Jefferson Rojas and Jaxon Wiggins are trending toward being blue-chip prospects, and Conrad's arrival will be ideal with the assumption that one of Caissie or Alcantara is dealt.