Chicago Cubs 2026: Top 50 Prospects Revealed
The Chicago Cubs have revealed their top prospects for 2026. The evaluation focuses on players poised to make an impact in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the near future. The Cubs are positioning themselves for a promising future as they develop top talent through their minor league system.
Chicago Cubs 2026 Top 50 Prospects Overview
As of 2025, the Cubs ended the season with a record of 92-70, finishing second in the National League (NL) Central. The team’s minor league affiliates include the Iowa Cubs (Triple-A), Knoxville Smokies (Double-A), South Bend Cubs (high-A), and Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Single-A). Their end-of-season farm system rank was #21.
Key Tier Rankings
The prospects are categorized into five tiers, ranging from players with high expectations to those worth monitoring:
- Tier 1: None
- Tier 2: Three top players
- Tier 3: Several promising prospects
- Tier 4: Potential future talents
- Tier 5: Players of interest
Top Tier 2 Prospects
Three standout players in Tier 2 include:
- Moisés Ballesteros, 1B, 22 years old, MLB: Made his debut in May 2025, hitting .298/.394/.474 in 66 plate appearances.
- Jaxon Wiggins, RHP, 24 years old, Triple-A: Secured a 2.77 ERA with 97 strikeouts over 78 innings across three levels.
- Ethan Conrad, OF, 21 years old, College: Known for a strong blend of hitting, power, and defensive skills.
Notable Tier 3 Prospects
Promising players in Tier 3 include:
- Jefferson Rojas, SS, 20 years old, Double-A: Showcased good plate discipline but struggled in offensive production.
- Jonathon Long, 1B, 23 years old, Triple-A: Achieved a .305 average with 20 home runs and 91 RBIs.
- Kevin Alcántara, OF, 23 years old, MLB: Debuted in 2025 but faces challenges with a high strikeout rate.
Players in Tier 4 and Tier 5
The Cubs also have several intriguing Tier 4 and Tier 5 prospects. Some of these players include:
- Pedro Ramirez, 3B/2B, 21 years old, Double-A
- Ty Southisene, 2B, 20 years old, Single-A
- BJ Murray Jr., 1B/3B, 26 years old, Triple-A
Future Outlook
The Cubs are focused on nurturing talent throughout their minor league system as they aim for sustained success in MLB. With several players already making their mark at various levels, the organization has built a promising pipeline for future seasons.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on these prospects to see who will emerge as key contributors to the Cubs’ lineup. The cultivation of this talent is crucial for the team’s ambitions in the competitive landscape of baseball.
