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Christian Franklin isn't a household name when talking about Chicago Cubs prospects, but chances are, he could have an impact on the Major League roster before too long. Franklin is the type of prospect who could be added as one of the final pieces to a Major League Baseball Trade Deadline deal for the Cubs, or find his way onto the Major League roster before too long.
If nothing else, Franklin already has what the kids define as "aura", posting a mesmerizing picture of himself on Instagram.
Christian Franklin posted this on his Instagram and it might be the coolest Cubs prospect photo of the year so far pic.twitter.com/VvVOPZmtMZ
— Greg Huss (@OutOfTheVines) June 12, 2025
Entering the 2025 season, Franklin just made MLB Pipeline's rankings of the Top 30 prospects in the Cubs' system, landing at No. 25. The placement was on the heels of Franklin having an impressive season in 2024. In Double-A last season, Franklin slashed .268/.398/.366 with 5 home runs and 34 stolen bases. Now with Triple-A Iowa, Franklin is slashing .255/.397/.426 with 4 home runs through his first 232 plate appearances this season.
Short of being added to the 40-man roster unexpectedly this season, it would seem unlikely that Franklin will make his Major League debut with the Cubs this season. Of course, that could change if he is traded to another team.
Christian Franklin could compete for a Cubs' bench spot in 2026
At the age of 25, however, it would seem likely that Franklin will be making a case to be on the Major League roster next season. If not at the deadline, the Cubs will need to reshape their bench next season. The Cubs have been carried by the success of their position players this season, and in that success, the struggles of the bench have been pushed to the side. It would seem likely that the cast of Justin Turner, Vidal Bruján, and Jon Berti will look different next season. That could be Franklin's path to the Major League roster.
Assuming one of Kevin Alcantara or Owen Caissie is moved at the deadline, Franklin will likely compete for a spot on the next season as the Cubs' fourth outfielder. That would be especially true if Kyle Tucker leaves the Cubs via free agency this offseason.