%20%20--%3E%0A%3Csvg%20version%3D%221.1%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20xmlns%3Axlink%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F1999%2Fxlink%22%20x%3D%220px%22%20y%3D%220px%22%0A%09%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201092.7%20200%22%20style%3D%22enable-background%3Anew%200%200%201092.7%20200%3B%22%20xml%3Aspace%3D%22preserve%22%3E%0A%3Cstyle%20type%3D%22text%2Fcss%22%3E%0A%09.st0%7Bfill%3A%23231F20%3B%7D%0A%09.st1%7Bfill%3A%23293576%3B%7D%0A%09.st2%7Bfill%3A%23C82C2D%3B%7D%0A%09.st3%7Bfill%3A%23FFFFFF%3B%7D%0A%3C%2Fstyle%3E%0A%3Cg%20id%3D%22Template%22%3E%0A%3C%2Fg%3E%0A%3Cg%20id%3D%22Layer_2%22%3E%0A%09%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22st3%22%20points%3D%2256.8%2C78.5%2073.1%2C78.5%2085.5%2C78.5%2085.5%2C36.3%2085.5%2C0%2068.8%2C0%2064.9%2C6.2%2063.3%2C8.7%2052%2C0%2025.5%2C0%2021.8%2C3.8%20%0A%09%092%2C23.8%202%2C176.2%2025%2C200%2061.5%2C200%2085.5%2C176.2%2085.5%2C121.5%2056.8%2C121.5%2056.8%2C176.2%2039.5%2C176.2%2039.5%2C32.4%2039.5%2C23.8%2056.8%2C23.8%2056.8%2C57.2%20%0A%09%09%09%22%2F%3E%0A%09%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22st3%22%20points%3D%22143.9%2C104.2%20143.9%2C48.1%20143.9%2C24.2%20152.1%2C24.2%20153.2%2C24.2%20153.2%2C0%20152.1%2C0%20106.8%2C0%2093.9%2C0%2093.9%2C24.2%20%0A%09%09106.7%2C24.2%20106.7%2C63.4%20106.7%2C116.9%20106.7%2C175.8%20130.4%2C200%20169.2%2C200%20183%2C184.8%20191.2%2C175.8%20191.2%2C146.2%20191.2%2C96.1%20191.2%2C24.2%20%0A%09%09201.4%2C24.2%20201.4%2C0%20163.7%2C0%20158.7%2C0%20158.7%2C24.2%20163.7%2C24.2%20169.2%2C24.2%20169.2%2C75.2%20169.2%2C127.8%20169.2%2C174.1%20169.2%2C175.8%20%0A%09%09143.9%2C175.8%20143.9%2C152.9%20%09%22%2F%3E%0A%09%3Cpath%20class%3D%22st3%22%20d%3D%22M220.3%2C168v8.3h-10.5V200h62.1h12.7l28.5-23.8v-66l-5.2-5.1l-7.8-7.6l7.8-7.8l2.5-2.5V60V25.7%0A%09%09c0%2C0.7-8.6-7.9-25.7-25.7h-43H230h-20.2v23.8h10.5v96.7V168z%20M257.5%2C23.8h22.2v60.5h-22.2V23.8z%20M257.5%2C110.3h22.2v50.2v15.8h-22.2%0A%09%09v-29.4V110.3z%22%2F%3E%0A%09%3Cpath%20class%3D%22st3%22%20d%3D%22M331.9%2C176.2h-10.5v6V200h42.8h21.4h10.5l1-0.9l27.4-22.9v-56.9v-9.1l-13-12.8l10.3-10.2V25.7%0A%09%09c0%2C0.7-8.6-7.9-25.7-25.7h-74.8v23.8h10.5V45V176.2z%20M391.4%2C176.2h-5.8h-16.5v-66h22.2v17.9V176.2z%20M369.2%2C23.8h22.2v60.5H376h-6.9%0A%09%09v-5.6V23.8z%22%2F%3E%0A%09%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22st3%22%20points%3D%22443.3%2C175.8%20433%2C175.8%20433%2C200%20463.5%2C200%20475%2C200%20489.5%2C200%20489.5%2C175.8%20480%2C175.8%20480%2C147.6%20%0A%09%09480%2C25.5%20489.5%2C25.5%20489.5%2C0%20433%2C0%20433%2C25.5%20443.3%2C25.5%20443.3%2C130.4%20%09%22%2F%3E%0A%09%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22st3%22%20points%3D%22505.6%2C175.8%20497.9%2C175.8%20497.9%2C200%20541.3%2C200%20552.9%2C200%20583.6%2C200%20595.1%2C187.7%20595.1%2C153.9%20%0A%09%09595.1%2C140.7%20566.9%2C140.7%20566.9%2C159.5%20566.9%2C175.8%20542.6%2C175.8%20542.6%2C160.5%20542.6%2C115.8%20556.6%2C115.8%20556.6%2C133%20580.1%2C133%20%0A%09%09580.1%2C67.7%20556.6%2C67.7%20556.6%2C85%20542.6%2C85%20542.6%2C25.5%20566.9%2C25.5%20566.9%2C60.8%20595.1%2C60.8%20595.1%2C0%20497.9%2C0%20497.9%2C25.5%20505.6%2C25.5%20%0A%09%09505.6%2C155.6%20%09%22%2F%3E%0A%09%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22st3%22%20points%3D%22682.8%2C73.5%20682.8%2C0%20669.5%2C0%20659%2C5.5%20652.7%2C0%20627.3%2C0%20603.5%2C24.2%20603.5%2C91.7%20628.1%2C116.2%20654.3%2C116.2%20%0A%09%09654.3%2C128.5%20654.3%2C176.2%20630.8%2C176.2%20630.8%2C140.6%20630.8%2C128.7%20604.5%2C128.7%20604.5%2C151%20604.5%2C200%20619.1%2C200%20625%2C200%20629.8%2C195.2%20%0A%09%09630.7%2C195.9%20637%2C200%20666.3%2C200%20687.5%2C176.2%20687.5%2C107.3%20687.5%2C106.8%20667%2C83%20635.5%2C83%20635.5%2C24.2%20656.8%2C24.2%20656.8%2C73.5%20%09%22%2F%3E%0A%09%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22st2%22%20points%3D%22774%2C78.5%20774.8%2C78.5%20786.4%2C78.5%20802.8%2C78.5%20802.8%2C0.7%20802.8%2C0%20786%2C0%20780.5%2C8.7%20769.3%2C0%20742.8%2C0%20%0A%09%09719.3%2C23.8%20719.3%2C83.3%20719.3%2C176.2%20739%2C196.6%20742.3%2C200%20778.8%2C200%20802.8%2C176.2%20802.8%2C167%20802.8%2C121.5%20786.4%2C121.5%20774.8%2C121.5%20%0A%09%09774%2C121.5%20774%2C176.2%20756.8%2C176.2%20756.8%2C50.3%20756.8%2C23.8%20774%2C23.8%20774%2C33.1%20%09%22%2F%3E%0A%09%3Cpath%20class%3D%22st2%22%20d%3D%22M821.4%2C176.2h-10.2V200h11.2h45.8v-23.8h-6.5h-3v-65h5.5h11.7v7.6v47.7v9.7l14.7%2C23.3l0.3%2C0.4h25.2v-19v-4.8%0A%09%09h-5.5V140v-25.6l-13.3-13.3l-0.2-0.2l2.2-1.5l11.3-7.8v-2.5V24.2L882.4%2C0h-18.2h-11.6h-41.5v24.2h10.2v132.1V176.2z%20M858.7%2C24.2%0A%09%09h5.5h12.5V87h-12.5h-5.5V24.2z%22%2F%3E%0A%09%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22st2%22%20points%3D%22934.8%2C166.2%20934.8%2C175.8%20924.5%2C175.8%20924.5%2C200%20981%2C200%20981%2C175.8%20971.5%2C175.8%20971.5%2C133.1%20%0A%09%09971.5%2C81.9%20971.5%2C25.5%20981%2C25.5%20981%2C9.1%20981%2C0%20942%2C0%20930.5%2C0%20924.5%2C0%20924.5%2C25.5%20930.5%2C25.5%20934.8%2C25.5%20934.8%2C119%20%09%22%2F%3E%0A%09%3Cpath%20class%3D%22st2%22%20d%3D%22M1089.9%2C87.2V25.7c0%2C0.6-6.4-5.8-19.3-19c-2-2.1-4.2-4.3-6.5-6.7h-31h-43.7v23.8h10.5v24.2v55.5v72.8h-10.5%0A%09%09V200h74.8l28.5-23.8v-66l-13-12.8L1089.9%2C87.2z%20M1059.4%2C176.2h-22.2v-66h22.2V176.2z%20M1059.4%2C84.2h-22.2V57.5V23.8h22.2V25V84.2z%22%0A%09%09%2F%3E%0A%3C%2Fg%3E%0A%3C%2Fsvg%3E%0A)
The Chicago Cubs' organization is dripping with young talent at the upper levels of the minor leagues. This list shows which young players are already in the majors, ready to contribute in the near future, or who will likely be included in a trade package at this year's deadline.
This is a loose analysis of who I think could make the most impact in the big leagues and who has the most trade value right now.
Taking a closer look at 10 of the most exciting Cubs prospects
10. RHP Brandon Birdsell
Brandon Birdsell has climbed to being the second-most valuable pitching prospect in the Cubs' system, jumping from #20 to #8 last year. Birdsell's arsenal is highlighted by a fastball that sits between 93-96 mph and can reach up to 99 MPH, complemented by a mid-80s slider and a changeup with significant fade. This pitch mix earned Birdsell a promotion to Triple-A last year, where he compiled a 4.26 ERA over 12 starts. Unfortunately, a lat/shoulder injury has kept Birdsell sidelined for all of 2025 so far. But when he returns, he figures to be one of the main pieces of pitching depth and he could be on the cusp of a callup if he can get back to his 2024 success.
9. SS/2B Jefferson Rojas
Defensively, Jefferson Rojas offers flexibility, having played shortstop, second base and third base throughout his minor league career. His fielding and arm strength are both rated at 50 and 55, respectively, indicating solid defensive capabilities. At just 20 years old, Rojas is already ranked as the Cubs' No. 6 prospect and the No. 78 prospect in all of baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. His combination of contact hitting, developing power, and defensive adaptability positions him as a promising candidate for the Cubs' future infield plans. If he continues on his current trajectory, Rojas could make his major league debut as early as 2026, although he has yet to make it to the Double-A level of the minors.
8. RHP Jaxon Wiggins
Jaxon Wiggins, the Cubs' no. 10 prospect, possesses a fastball that consistently sits in the mid-90s and can reach up to 99 MPH. Complementing his fastball are a mid-80s slider with two-plane depth, a changeup with fade and tumble, and a curveball, giving him a diverse four-pitch mix. While Wiggins has shown progress in his control, reducing his walk rate from 14.2 percent in 2024 to 12.4 percent in 2025, continued improvement in this area will be crucial for his advancement. But the 23-year-old is emerging as an asset, and he recently earned a promotion to Double-A.
7. RHP Connor Noland
Connor Noland has steadily progressed through the Cubs' minor league system, demonstrating consistency on the mound. After enjoying a breakout season in 2024, where he posted a 2.50 ERA in Double-A, Noland is continuing his success with the Iowa Cubs this year. In eight starts, Noland has a 4-1 record with a 3.73 ERA over seven starts, with 38 strikeouts in 41 innings pitched. The 25-year-old has been one of the organization's most consistent pitchers going on two seasons and he is close to a big-league call-up.
6. C/DH Moises Ballesteros
Signed as an international free agent from Venezuela in 2021, Ballesteros has consistently showcased his hitting abilities throughout the minor leagues. In the 2024 season, he earned the Cubs' Minor League Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year, posting a .289/.354/.471 slash line with 19 home runs and 78 RBI across Double-A and Triple-A levels. His strong start to the 2025 season at Triple-A Iowa, where he hit .368 with four home runs and 18 RBI in 34 games, led to his first major league call-up in May. Although Ballesteros' abilities behind the plate are constantly up for debate, his bat has mostly lived up to the hype and he could be a valuable piece in a trade very soon.
5. IF James Triantos
James Triantos is coming off a career year in the minor leagues, where he slashed .300/.346/.427 with 52 RBIs, and 47 stolen bases between Double-A and Triple-A. Notably, Triantos features elite bat-to-ball contact hitting abilities comparable to Cubs' second baseman Nico Hoerner. Triantos had a minuscule strikeout rate of 11.1 percent in 2024, paired with a solid wRC+ of 121. Defensively, Triantos has shown considerable growth at second base, and he has also been getting looks in the outfield in recent years to improve his versatility.
4. OF Owen Caissie
Acquired from the San Diego Padres in the 2020 trade for Yu Darvish, Caissie has developed into a cornerstone prospect, currently ranked No. 34 overall by MLB Pipeline and No. 3 within the Cubs' system. At 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, the left-handed slugger boasts 65-grade raw power, evidenced by his 19 home runs and .848 OPS over 127 games with Triple-A Iowa in 2024. Notably, Caissie led all Cubs minor leaguers in plate appearances (549) and walks (71), showcasing a mature approach at the plate with a 12.9 percent walk rate. Caissie strikes out at a bit of an alarming rate (28.4 percent in 2024), but he still has the potential to be a 30+ home run corner outfielder in MLB.
3. OF Kevin Alcantara
In the 2024 season, Alcántara demonstrated his offensive capabilities across Double-A and Triple-A levels, posting a combined slash line of .278/.353/.428 with 14 home runs and 14 stolen bases over 111 games. His performance earned him a brief call-up to the majors, proving that he is close to being ready for a regular role in MLB. As the Cubs continue to cultivate a competitive roster, Alcántara's blend of tools, work ethic, and charisma make him a valuable asset poised to contribute to the team's success in the coming years, or as a main trade asset in a potential blockbuster this year.
2. IF Matt Shaw
Matt Shaw has swiftly become a cornerstone in the Chicago Cubs' rebuilding efforts, offering a potent combination of offensive prowess, speed, and defensive versatility that makes him an invaluable asset to the team. Selected 13th overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, Shaw has consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt and excel at every level of play. His recent recall to the majors, following a dominant stretch in Triple-A where he posted a .286 batting average and a .969 OPS over 24 games, underscores his readiness to contribute meaningfully to the Cubs' lineup. With limited options at third base on the trade market and upcoming free agent classes, Shaw is the Cubs' best hope for consistent production at the hot corner.
1. RHP Cade Horton
Cade Horton has silenced skeptics by overcoming injuries and evolving into the Cubs' top pitching prospect. Horton is also one of the most complete arms the franchise has developed in over a decade after the team took him seventh overall in the 2022 draft.
Horton's arsenal is headlined by a mid-90s fastball that can touch 98 MPH, complemented by a devastating slider with two-plane break. He has also incorporated a sinking two-seamer, a curveball, and an improving changeup, giving him a versatile pitch mix to be a rotation arm long term. This combination has also allowed him to dominate at Triple-A Iowa in 2025, where he posted a 1.24 ERA and 33 strikeouts over 29 innings before earning a call-up to the majors.