Josiah Hartshorn, Owen Ayers crack MLB Pipeline's Top 100 with another Cubs prospect closing in

Josiah Hartshorn and Owen Ayers are widely believed to be the two best prospects in the Chicago Cubs' farm system, and each landed on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 list as part of their update after the 2026 draft and trade deadline.

Hartshorn arrives at No. 39, while Ayers makes his first appearance at No. 93. With how the Cubs operated at the trade deadline, it was clear that the organization holds both Hartshorn and Ayers in high regard.

If the Cubs were to move Hartshorn at the deadline, it likely would have only been for Tarik Skubal. For a team that has struggled to find sustained power in the majors, Hartshorn represents the opportunity for the organization to have a homegrown slugger.

Hartshorn is still only 19 years old, so while Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki are free agents this offseason, he shouldn't be viewed as an immediate replacement. Though, his success at High-A has opened the door to him potentially finishing the season with Double-A Knoxville. He's slashing .282/.404/.514 across 274 plate appearances. He's dominating, and that usually is the indicator that he's ready for the next level.

Ayers is much closer to the majors, and there's a rising expectation that he could make his debut as soon as this season. With Carson Kelly set to become a free agent, it would seem there's a strong chance that Ayers is part of the catching tandem next season.

Ethan Conrad isn't on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 list, but he could be the next top Cubs' prospect

For as great as Hartshorn and Ayers have been this season, Ethan Conrad's finish to the season could be stealing the show. Finally healthy, Conrad made his professional debut this season, and since the calendar flipped to August, he hasn't stopped hitting. Entering Friday, he has 15 hits over his last 46 plate appearances with two home runs. Chances are he's in High-A before the end of the season.

When the Cubs selected Conrad in the first round of the 2025 draft, it was clear that the front office was high on his hit-tool. We're seeing the reason why this summer. If he continues this success, he's going to be on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 list in no time.

The 2026 season has to be viewed as a success for the Cubs' farm system. It certainly proved fruitful at the deadline, considering the urgency Jed Hoyer was able to operate with, but moving forward, it remains rich in position players and this summer's draft should bring an uptick for pitching development.

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