Predicting the Cubs' next generation of Silver Slugger winners at every position

Beyond the playoffs, as we get closer to the end of the regular season, there's an added focus on award season. By now, it seems clear that Pete Crow-Armstrong is going to be the National League MVP. Beyond that, it also seems clear that the Chicago Cubs center fielder is going to take home a Louisville Silver Slugger award for his 2026 season.

Outside of Crow-Armstrong, it would seem that Seiya Suzuki has a strong chance for at least being a finalist for the award. Alex Bregman may get consideration at third base, but it's hard to imagine Max Muncy not being the victor at the hot corner for the National League.

Predicting the next Cubs Silver Slugger at each position

While the Cubs generally have had one of the better offenses in baseball over the last two years, moving beyond this season, it's not a simple task predicting the next Cubs player at each position to win the award.

Catcher - Owen Ayers

By the end of the 2027 season, it would seem there's a strong chance that Owen Ayers is the primary catcher for the Cubs. The offense has dipped a little since his move up to Triple-A this season, but compared to Miguel Amaya, Ayers likely has the better chance of winning a silver slugger over the next decade at catcher.

First Base - Michael Busch

It's been an odd season for Michael Busch. He's not having a bad year, but the power regression has reached the point that it can't be ignored. If Busch has another season where he hits over 30 home runs, like he did in 2025, it would seem likely that he's going to be a silver slugger candidate.

Second Base - Nico Hoerner

Nico Hoerner felt like a lock to win the silver slugger award after the first month of the 2026 season. In fact, there was even early talk of him being an MVP candidate. A prolonged slump during the middle months of the season derailed those conversations, but he has returned to form since the All-Star break. Assuming Hoerner has another season where he puts together a full-season without an extended slump, he's going to be back in the silver slugger conversation in no time.

Third Baseman - Alex Bregman

If Alex Bregman hadn't slumped through the entire first-half of the 2026 season, he would have a stronger chance of surpassing Max Muncy. The fact that he's back in the consideration does speak to how great he's been since the All-Star break. Bregman isn't going anywhere anytime soon, so if there's a Cubs third baseman that is going to win the silver slugger over the next few years, it will be him.

Shortstop - Angel Cepeda

The trade of Jefferson Rojas may have quietly exposed a long-term problem the Cubs will face, they don't have an established heir apparent to Dansby Swanson at shortstop. Swanson, of course, likely won't be a silver slugger candidate moving forward for the Cubs. If pressed, I would guess the next Cubs shortstop to win the silver slugger is actually not in the organization. But for this exercise, why not give more praise to Angel Cepeda. He's still a few years from reaching the majors, but if his offensive surge with High-A this season is real, it's something to keep an eye on.

Left Field - Ethan Conrad

When healthy, Ethan Conrad has flashed signs of being an impact bat for the Cubs in the outfield. The problem is he has rarely been healthy through his first two years in the Cubs' system, and once again ended the 2026 season on the IL. If the injuries are eventually put in the rearview mirror, Conrad feels like a clear candidate once he reaches the majors.

Center Field - Pete Crow-Armstrong

As long as Pete Crow-Armstrong is breathing, he's the answer here. Nothing else to say.

Right Field - Josiah Hartshorn

Josiah Hartshorn had a breakout during the 2026 season, and not only became the top prospect in the Cubs' system, but one of the top prospects in all of baseball. Assuming he keeps that progression, he is going to be a clear candidate for a silver slugger award during the course of his career.

Designated Hitter - Seiya Suzuki

As is the case with shortstop, I think there's a strong chance the next Cubs' designated hitter to win the silver slugger award isn't actually on the roster. This feels like a cop-out, but the guess here is Seiya Suzuki, assuming he re-signs with the team during the offseason.

Add us as a preferred source on Google