MLB Pipeline released their updated prospect rankings, and for the Chicago Cubs, there were notable drops for James Triantos and Kevin Alcantara. Beyond that, the updated ranking also provided an early glimpse into when Cubs fans may see the 2025 MLB Draft class at the Major League level.
As expected, outfielder Ethan Conrad is the highest-rated prospect of any selection the Cubs made during this year's draft. Conrad makes his debut as the Cubs' No. 6 prospect, just behind Alcantara. Considering the fallout of the Cubs' approach to the deadline, it's become easier to project Conrad's path to the Major League level.
Until proven otherwise, the assumption remains that Kyle Tucker is in his final months with the Cubs. Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki are free agents after the 2026 season. Suddenly, the Cubs' long-term outlook in the outfield looks bleak, with Pete Crow-Armstrong being the only certainty.
Cubs’ Top 30 update offers timeline clue for 2025 draft class arrivals
Not forecasting trades, it would be a safe assumption that one of Alcantara or Owen Caissie will likely be a part of that outlook with Crow-Armstrong. Caissie's arrival could come as early as Opening Day next season, with the Cubs' top prospect being the likely successor to Tucker in right field.
If MLB Pipeline is to be believed, Conrad could also be a part of that outlook as early as the 2028 season. That is the estimated time of arrival they have for the Cubs' 2025 first-round pick. Interestingly enough, that is the same arrival year they have for the other prospects in the Cubs' 2025 draft class--OF Kane Kepley, RHP Kaleb Wing, RHP Dominick Reid, and OF Kade Snell.
If anything, the timeline speaks to why the Cubs should have pushed their chips to the middle of the table when it comes to their postseason hopes this season. Ignoring the fact that there may not even be a 2027 season, 2026 could be the end of this current core for the Cubs. Which adds even more confusion to Carter Hawkins' recent comments about the Cubs' deadline approach.
