Rising Cubs prospect named to MLB Futures All-Star game confirms the secret is out

Through the early months of the 2026 season, the impression is that the Chicago Cubs may have found their next blue-chip prospect in the form of Josiah Hartshorn. As of Wednesday, Hartshorn is carrying an OPS of .928 through the first 311 plate appearances of his professional career, and 14 home runs.

Hartshorn has become a popular name among Cubs fans looking over the farm system, and the secret may be out nationally. Hartshorn was one of two Cubs prospects named to the 2026 MLB Futures All-Star game.

While the Cubs have found success with college bats in recent years, Hartshorn was priority selection in the sixth round of last summer's draft. Considering he was contemplating a move to college or starting his career in the Cubs' system, the team included a $2 million signing bonus as part of his deal.

Given his early rise, chances are that Hartshorn will be among the prospects Jed Hoyer is asked about ahead of the MLB trade deadline. Short of a deal for Joe Ryan of Minnesota Twins or Logan Webb of the San Francisco Giants, it's hard to imagine a scenario where Hartshorn is moved at the deadline.

If nothing else, the impression is he could be an answer at one of the corner outfield spots by the end of the 2027 season.

Mason McGwire could be a Cubs prospect to watch at the deadline

As funny as it was at the time when the Cubs drafted Mark McGwire's son in 2022, Mason, he may be emerging as one of the team's better pitching prospects.

An injury wiped out his entire 2025 season, but through 45 innings pitched this season, he has an ERA of 3.00 while striking out over 33% of the hitters he faced.

It's been documented throughout the season just how thin the Cubs' pitching depth is across their entire organization. Beyond that, the Cubs are still waiting for some of their pitching prospects at the lower levels to emerge. McGwire is certainly one checking that box.

With the Cubs looking for pitching at the deadline, McGwire could be a part of those talks. Pitching prospects are always in demand at the deadline, and that's especially true for sellers giving up pitching in a deal.

In terms of their farm system, some difficult decisions face Hoyer before the deadline. The Cubs certainly should be buyers, but there might be some caution in which prospects the front office is willing to give up.

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