5 Chicago Cubs prospects that took a major step forward in 2023

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After a year that catapulted the Cubs farm system into the top five overall, several players stuck out, and you could do a write-up on 15 prospects that leaped forward rather than breaking it down to just five. However, there's a reason these five, in particular, made the list, as they will be looked at to fill a significant league role or will be highly sought-after trade chips if the Cubs wish to dip into the deep end of the pool this winter. Let's take a look at five of those prospects that took a major step forward in 2023.

5 Cubs prospects that took a step forward - 5. Moises Ballesteros

Starting with Cubs Prospect Moises Ballesteros, who finished this season capping off a championship victory with Double-A Tennessee. On the season, between three levels, Ballesteros slashed a combined .285/.374/.449, launching 14 homers and driving in 64 in the process. The listed C/1B vision at the plate continued to be fantastic, as last season, he recorded 31 walks in 206 at-bats. This season, however, his walk rate essentially stayed the same, but he did the same thing for twice as many at-bats while doing so in higher levels of the minor leagues.

Granted, the numbers weren't as great in Double-A, albeit in a small sample size of 21 ABs over five games. Still, Ballesteros has proven that he can adjust once he starts seeing better pitching. Hard to envision him starting anywhere else than Double-A next season, and it will be great to see if he can get the nod to Triple-A Iowa before long. At only 19 years old, he's far more advanced than many players his age, which is why he sits at #7 on the Chicago Cubs prospect list, according to MLB Pipeline. He's a very viable candidate for a top 100 spot next season.

5 Cubs prospects that took a step forward - 4. Matt Shaw

After being drafted 13th overall in the 2023 MLB draft, Matt Shaw quickly proved the Cubs made no mistakes taking a primary shortstop when they have Dansby Swanson locked up for years to come. He is the reason why the Cubs won't go shopping for a long-term third baseman this winter, as his rapid ascent up the minor leagues this season has him looking like a candidate we could see as early as late 2024 in Chicago.

In High-A, where we spent just 20 games before being promoted, Shaw slashed .393/.427/.655 with a 197 wRC+. In Double-A, .292/.329/.523 with a 120 wRC+ in 15 games. Shaw's bat-to-ball skills have always been evident, and his fielding has earned him awards such as shortstop of the year in college. What's important is understanding how he fits into the Cubs' plans at the major league level. In Tennessee, Shaw spent 11 of his 15 games between second and third base. He is certainly being primed to play all around the infield, and his .98% fielding percentage in Double-A between 2B and 3B proves he is more than capable of doing so. He is already #96 on MLB Pipeline's top 100 prospects.

5 Cubs prospects that took a step forward - 3. Luke Little

What a wild ride for the big southpaw Luke Little this season. After starting the year in High-A South Bend, Little ascended the ranks all the way up to the majors, where he recorded a perfect 0.00 ERA in his 6.2 frames in MLB. He helped fill a huge hole at the major league level when the Cubs needed a lefty in the bullpen down the stretch, and he earned every chance he got as he recorded a stellar 2.12 ERA in 63.2 IP between three levels of the minors before being called up to the show.

Moving forward, The Cubs will look to both the free agent and trade markets to make a strong push for the 2024 season. Given that the team will be looking to fill out their payroll, having effecting arms that are also extremely cost-effective, like Little, makes him a no-brainer for the front office to keep him at the major league level unless he has a disastrous Spring Training. With his talent, I can see him being a strong member of the back end of the bullpen next year.

5 Cubs prospects that took a step forward - 2. Owen Caissie

Even though Owen Caissie didn't receive a promotion to Triple-A Iowa this season, thus spending all year in Double-A, he became a bonified stud, landing on MLB Pipelines' top 100 prospects list. He reached as high as #64 overall and #3 in the Cubs organization. After slashing .289/.398/.519 with 22 HRs, 84 RBIs, and a 144 wRC+, Caissie won the Cubs' Minor League Player of the Year award.

As good as Caissie was this season, it will be hard to envision a role he can play every day for the Cubs at the MLB level. The team already has Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, and presumably Pete Crow-Armstrong manning the outfield. They also have Alexander Canario, who could be given more of a role or used as trade bait to acquire someone like Juan Soto, who also fills an outfield role. Basically, the Cubs have "good problems" to have. However, for Caissie, carving out a path to everyday playing time isn't as crystal clear as it is for Luke Little, who fills a vital role.

5 Cubs prospects that took a step forward - 1. Cade Horton

If you're not bullish on Cade Horton's ability yet, I advise you to change your outlook on life and practice having more optimism. Horton has proved he's the real deal in every situation he's been placed in. After being drafted 7th overall in the 2022 MLB draft, he delivered in his first season of professional ball with a 2.65 ERA in 88.1 IP, while recording 117 punchouts in the process. He started two games in the Double-A playoffs, going 2-0 with a collective 0.90 postseason ERA in 10 innings.

Horton hurled 27 innings at the Double-A level in 2023, and there's a solid chance he starts there again in 2024. However, it will be soon that we see him in Triple-A Iowa, just one phone call away from MLB. He is a core piece of the Cubs' organization moving forward, and he's already the #2 prospect for the Cubs, including #29 overall. In 2023, he won Cubs pitcher of the year. At his best, he flashes true frontline starter material, and 2024 will be a massive year for him and the rest of the members on this list.

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