3 Chicago Cubs prospects that deserve a second-half promotion

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As the 2023 season rolls on, the Chicago Cubs, at the major league level, are trending toward being sellers at the trade deadline. It will take a hot streak at the most critical juncture of the season for the team to even consider buying, and even if they do, don't expect the front office to go all-in on a roster that's clearly not built just yet for World Series contention. Especially with a newly revamped farm system, Jed Hoyer will want to keep as much of it together for as long as possible moving forward.

Therefore, It's important to understand who those assets currently are. Although the Cubs have several prospects working out for them, including four top 100 prospects according to MLB Pipeline, several still need the recognition they deserve. Multiple players deserve a promotion, and we will address three you should see move up before long.

3 Cubs prospects that deserve a promotion - 3: Yovanny Cabrera

After a down season last year, Yovanny Cabrera struggled with a combined 5.23 ERA between 31 innings of rookie ball and time spent with the Low-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Still currently in Low-A, Cabrera has broken out this season, being used in a multi-inning relief role and recording an impressive 2.59 ERA and 54 punchouts in 48.2 frames. Still just 22 years old, the 6'2", 180 lb righty has made his case to be sent to South Bend with the Cubs High-A affiliate.

A big chunk of Cabrera's success has come from lowering his BB/9 from 7.0 last year to 4.8 this year and overall limiting his WHIP to 1.295 this season vs. 1.636 his previous season. The Cubs should soon give Cabrera the nod to move up, as home-grown relievers at the major league level can't come quickly enough for the Cubs right now. Of course, roster spots must be opened accordingly, which is perfect since the next player on this list is a pitcher at the High-A level.

3 Cubs prospects that deserve a promotion - 2: Brandon Birdsell

After another dominant outing last night, Brandon Birdsell lowered his season ERA with High-A South Bend to a mere 2.55 in 70.2 innings now on the season. A fifth-round pick in 2022, Birdsell is one of many pitching prospects that look promising from last year's draft. After recording a 2.75 ERA in his final year in college, it's nice to see him put up better numbers at a more competitive level. Not a vast strikeout thrower, with 62 on the year, Birdsell limits free passes and hits with his impressive 1.090 WHIP.

Getting Birdsell to Double-A Tennessee may take time, but there's no reason for him not to make it up to the next level with the next round of promotions after the trade deadline. Being used as a starter, Birdsell owns a 1.55 ERA in July, with two quality starts already under his belt. If he keeps that up much longer, it will force the front office's hand to promote him to Tennessee.

3 Cubs prospects that deserve a promotion - 1: Pete Crow-Armstrong

The Chicago Cubs' #1 prospect, Pete Crow-Armstrong, has been solid all year at Double-A Tennessee. At the very least, he needs to be moved up to Triple-A Iowa. On the year, he is batting .286/365/.516 with 12 home runs and 58 RBIs in 273 at-bats. PCA also routinely plays electric defense in center field and has speed on the basepaths with 24 stolen bags already on the season. He is currently the #7 prospect in all of baseball.

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This year made the second year in a row that PCA was named to the MLB Futures Game representing the Chicago Cubs. Should the Cubs sell as expected at this year's MLB trade deadline, seeing what happens with him will be interesting. It seems like a lock that he'll at least be in Iowa before long. Still, assuming Chicago sells and falls entirely out of contention, I wonder if we'll see him in the majors in September this year to get some experience without pressuring him too much before the Cubs try again to become a competitive ball club.

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