Cubs Prospect Update: Ethan Conrad promoted, Kane Kepley's hot streak, Dansby Swanson replacement

Ethan Conrad has turned heads of late, with his return to health also signaling why the Chicago Cubs were high on him when they selected him in the first-round of the 2025 MLB Draft. Conrad is not currently among MLB Pipeline's Top 100 prospects, but it's hard to imagine he won't find his way on the list in the near future.

Since the calendar flipped to August, Conrad was tearing up Low-A pitching and it would seem that he's getting bumped up to High-A South Bend.

It took Ethan Conrad only 29 games to earn his first Cubs' minor-league promotion

The belief from the Cubs was that once Conrad was healthy, his bat could have the potential to ascend quickly through the farm system. It's early, but Conrad appears to be validating that belief.

Depending on how Conrad looks with South Bend to close out the 2026 season, it would seem he has a strong chance of opening the 2027 season with Double-A Knoxville. Conrad shouldn't be viewed as an immediate replacement for one of Ian Happ or Seiya Suzuki, but his ascension could be why the Cubs would be comfortable opening next season with Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramirez in the outfield.

Kane Kepley could indirectly impact the Cubs' 2027 free agency plans

The indication is that the Cubs won't race to the top of the market this offseason for Suzuki. Similarly, the Cubs likely will let Happ's market be established before entertaining the idea of a reunion.

It's a curious position for the Cubs to be in. Losing both Happ and Suzuki would certainly be a downgrade for the starting lineup. On some level, the Cubs shouldn't be comfortable with the idea that both Shaw and Ramirez are suitable replacement.

That being said, the Cubs shouldn't become too desperate in looking for potential replacements. Their long-term outlook in the outfield looks strong, considering the success Ethan Conrad and Josiah Hartshorn have had this year. Kane Kepley should be included in that group as well.

Kepley hasn't missed a beat since his promotion to Double-A Knoxville, slashing .303/.439/.636 with a wRC+ of 182. He projects as a center field, which could make him a trade chip this offseason, but it's easy to see how the Cubs could carve out an eventual role for him on the major league team in the years ahead.

Dansby Swanson injury could create Cubs opportunity for BJ Murray

BJ Murray is eligible for the Rule 5 draft this winter, and that places him in a precarious position with the Cubs moving forward. Regardless of what happens with the CBA on December 1, the Cubs will need to decide to add him to the 40-man roster before then.

It's possible that Dansby Swanson's injury has created an opening for him to have a cameo with the Cubs this season. Assuming Pedro Ramirez takes over second base with Nico Hoerner sliding over to shortstop, the Cubs could benefit from having Murray's switch hitting capability on the bench during the final weeks of the season. Not to mention, he gives the team a backup to Michael Busch at first base.

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