2024 Spring Training Chicago Cubs' Top Prospects (#20-11)

The Chicago Cubs have one of the top minor league system in all of baseball and the players on this list are guys that can help the major league club win the division this season and be a top farm in baseball next season
David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
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Number 16 

Alexis Hernandez SS

Age: 19

2023 Level(s): Rookie Ball

Joined the organization via: IFA Signing in 2022

2023 Stats: 150 PA, .315/.407/.515, 3 HR, 16 XBH, 9/11 SB, 25 RBI, 25 R

This is the second Hernandez on our top 30 prospects list and he seems to have passed his brother in terms of prospect shine, at least for now. At the midpoint of last season, we said:

"While he’s still in Rookie ball his K/BB ratio is impressive for a player of his age and he’s shown an ability to put the barrel on the ball with consistency for both average and power. Fangraphs also believes in his ability to stick at short long term and he could be an impact major leaguer by 2026/2027."

Cubbies Crib

He didn’t have as much hype as his brother did upon signing but at some point the numbers on the stat sheet matter more than the numbers on the payroll and if the younger Hernandez can build on his success last season that 2026/2027 timeline may be a bit conservative considering his talent level. 

Number 15 

Pedro Ramirez 2B

Age: 19

2023 Level(s): Low-A Myrtle Beach

Joined the organization via: IFA Signing in 2021

2023 Stats: 414 PA, .266/.358/.404, 8 HR, 30 XBH, 17/24 SB, 54 RBI, 53 R

This list, much like the Cubs farm system, is heavy on middle-infield playing teenagers and Pedro Ramirez is one that many scouts have significantly higher on their list than we do. He played last year with Cristian Hernandez at Low-A Myrtle Beach and lapped him in just about every conceivable way. 

The difference between the instructional leagues and legitimate, organized, minor league baseball is considerable. Alexis Hernandez put up just as impressive numbers and Derniche Valdez is even younger, but Pedro Ramirez put up solid stats playing solid defense at almost two full years younger than the average age of competition at Myrtle Beach last season. He’s someone to keep an eye on for some significant helium moving forward as he had a stellar 2022 and 2021 as well. His career line is .303/.381/.450 in over 830 plate appearances.