Cubs need to make a decision on these 3 prospects - or risk losing them this winter

The Chicago Cubs have a score of top prospects at their disposal, but there are looming roster decisions that need to be made sooner rather than later for some of them.

These Triple-A Iowa players will all be eligible for the Rule 5 Draft in December. If they are not on the 40-man roster at that time, other teams will be able to pluck them away from the Cubs. This means that Chicago will need to either trade them or make room on the roster before December.

1. RHP Connor Noland

Connor Noland has been the Iowa Cubs' most dependable starting pitcher this year, after making 11 starts with a 3.72 ERA. The 25-year-old has also struck out 51 batters in 55 2/3 innings with a 1.20 WHIP.

Noland does not have high velocity, and he relies on off-speed deliveries like a slider, curveball, and changeup to navigate opposing lineups. Behind Cade Horton, Noland is arguably the team's most valuable starting pitching prospect since Brandon Birdsell has spent all of 2025 on the injured list. With Shota Imanaga and Javier Assad returning from injuries soon, the Cubs could use Noland to acquire a big league starting pitcher at the trade deadline.

2. IF James Triantos

Infielder James Triantos is considered one of the best contact-hitting prospects in the game. Between Double-A and Triple-A last year, Triantos slashed .300/.346/.427 with 52 RBIs and 47 stolen bases. The contact hitting and speed have drawn comparisons to Nico Hoerner, although Triantos is not as skilled on defense as the Cubs' second baseman.

That being said, the 22-year-old could be the logical successor to Hoerner if the Cubs do not re-up his contract, which expires after the 2026 season. Hoerner signed a very team-friendly $35 million extension before the 2023 season, and it's unlikely he will be interested in a similar deal with the way he's played in recent years. Plus, he will still be under 30 when he reaches the open market.

Holding onto Triantos and adding him to the 40-man roster could make sense if the Cubs believe he can blossom into a similar player at the major league level.

3. RHP Brandon Birdsell

As a starter, Brandon Birdsell climbed to number eight on the Cubs' top 30 prospect list after an impressive 2024 season. In 26 starts with Double-A and Triple-A, Birdsell compiled a 3.91 ERA and 134 strikeouts in 135 1/3 innings pitched.

The 25-year-old has proven to be a sturdy starting pitcher with good control and velocity. But Birdsell probably isn't going anywhere anytime soon since he has spent the entire 2025 season campaign on the shelf with a shoulder injury. Teams will not be interested in an injured pitcher who has yet to prove he can be the same version of himself after his future return.

I would look for Birdsell to be added to the 40-man this winter, where he will be in a prime position to make his MLB debut next year.