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Recent Chicago Cubs first-round pick already making history

Jordan Campbell
Jordan Campbell

Cubbies Crib

Chicago Cubs v Detroit Tigers / Mark Cunningham/GettyImages

With Pete Crow-Armstrong beginning to click at the Major League level along with the imminent arrivals of Owen Caissie, Matt Shaw, and Kevin Alcantara, the Cubs' farm system will be in need of new prospects at the top of their rankings.

The biggest reason the previous Cubs' contention window ended abruptly was that once the likes of Javy Baez, Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Kyle Schwarber reached the Major League level, the focus shifted from developing the farm system to have pieces at the Major League to developing the farm system in order to acquire Major League talent to address needs.

If the Cubs are going to avoid that mistake with Jed Hoyer's rebuild, they will need to make sure that the talent they are acquiring for their top prospects keeps the contention propped open instead of accelerating the closing of it.

2024 first-round pick Cam Smith's development will be a key component to the Cubs having that desired streamline of talent between the farm system and the Major League level once the current top prospects graduate.

Smith is in the midst of his first professional season and is currently with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. The Cubs' latest first-rounder is already making history.

Cam Smith's power already on display in the Cubs' farm system.

For a Cubs team that lacks power throughout the organization, Smith having a streak of five consecutive games with a home run certainly has fans salivating at the idea of him hitting at Wrigley Field.

Entering the game on Saturday night, Smith was slashing .317/.404/.707 through 47 plate appearances with the Class-A Pelicans.

Smith was selected as a third baseman but it remains to be seen if that will be his position by the time he reaches the Major League level. Some projections also have Smith converting into a corner outfielder.

Jordan Campbell

Jordan Campbell

For nearly 15 years, Jordan has been a workhorse across the FanSided network - including being the inaugural site expert for Cubbies Crib, as well as a stop at Da Windy City as the site expert. In addition to returning to be a Co-Site Expert at Cubbies Crib, Jordan was previously the Site Expert at Bear Goggles On. In the years since, Jordan has joined FanSided's full-time team, serving as a staff writer for the MLB division. Jordan's work can be seen across the MLB division, including a consistent presence on our Cubs, Twins, Astros, and Tigers sites. Since 2010, Jordan has dedicated his craft to providing insightful commentary on all things Chicago sports, and he has enjoyed his venture into all things Major League Baseball.