Cubs News: Owen Caissie already pushing for a promotion, Rhys Hoskins, and more

The Chicago Cubs indicated over the weekend that the team will be aggressive with the promotion of their top prospects as Ben Brown was promoted to the Major League level before even making a start at Triple-A this season.

Despite making his Major League debut in relief against the Texas Rangers on Saturday, the expectation remains that the Brown will take over Justin Steele's spot in the starting rotation. Steele will miss the entire month of April but is expected to be ready for a return in early May.

Brown's promotion should serve as a reminder to Cubs fans that Craig Counsell is not afraid of playing young players.

Brown's promotion should be the first of several top prospects that are expected to arrive at Wrigley Field this season.

One of those prospects is outfielder Owen Caissie. Caissie is off to a scorching hot start to the season with the Iowa Cubs. Caissie has 7 hits through his first 14 plate appearances including 2 doubles. After being the most impressive position player prospect during Spring Training, Caissie's bat is already making a strong case to be at the Major League level.

Not your Grandfather's Pittsburgh Pirates

Chicago Cubs fans will need to recalibrate their view of the Pittsburgh Pirates this off-season. While the Pirates likely are a season away from being a true contender in the National League Central, the team added several reliable veterans this offseason to pair with a core that includes shortstop Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, and Mitch Keller. Not to mention, Paul Skenes, MLB Pipeline's top-rated pitching prospect, is expected to make his Major League debut at some point during the first half of the season.

The Pirates swept the Miami Marlins in a four-game series over the weekend and currently sit at the top of the division after the first weekend of games.

Chicago Cubs fans are going to hate Rhys Hoskins by the end of the season.

Rhys Hoskins, who the Chicago Cubs had some interest in during the offseason, is going to be the next Milwaukee Brewer that Cubs fans will grow to hate before too long.

The Brewers opened their season against the New York Mets in a series that was filled with drama between Hoskins and the Mets.

During his time with the Philadelphia Phillies, Hoskins was viewed as an emotional leader in the clubhouse and it would seem that he has wasted no time in earning that role with the Brewers.

The Cubs do not play the Brewers until the first weekend in May but rest assured, Hoskins could very will prove to be a thorn in the team's side.

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