The Chicago Cubs have a strong lineup constructed around Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, Ian Happ, and Seiya Suzuki. Their starting lineup includes Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, and Javier Assad. Despite being decimated by injuries this season, the bullpen now has the best ERA in the MLB. However, the Cubs remain mired in the midseason slump that has plagued them in recent years. In a recent “Jed” Talk, Cubs PBO Jed Hoyer indicated that the team is looking ahead. So, how does that future look like? Let us examine the Cubs farm system’s current potential.
The Future of the Cubs Farm System
Solid Farm Systems Tend to Produce Winning Ball Clubs
At the start of the 2024 season, MLB placed the Cubs’ farm system second in the majors, trailing only the Baltimore Orioles. The Cubs were last ranked this high before the 2015 season, when they topped the MLB Pipeline list. The next year, they won their first World Series in 108 years. Since 2015, teams who finished first in the preseason or midseason have won four World Series and have consistently tied or broken franchise records for victories and/or postseason participation.
The Orioles’ system has only three prospects in the Top 100, but all three are in the top 15, including number one prospect Jackson Holliday. The Cubs, on the other side, had the most Top 100 players of any baseball team, with seven.
Furthermore, after promoting center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (No. 16) and Michael Busch (No. 51) to the major league club, the Cubs’ total stayed at seven. Moises Ballesteros (No. 59), a catcher, and Jefferson Rojas (No. 85), a shortstop, have since entered the Top 100.
Building Depth Throughout the Roster
This season, the Cubs have struggled at third base. Throughout the season, Cubs manager Craig Counsell has platooned Christopher Morel, David Bote, Miles Mastrobuoni, and Patrick Wisdom at the position. However, his hunt has delivered little in terms of consistent hitting.
The fact that Florida State University star third baseman Cam Smith was selected with the first pick (14th overall) in the 2024 draft suggests that the front staff is aware of the problem. They doubled down on that front by selecting College of Charleston third baseman Cole Mathis with the 54th choice. It is unclear whether either is a long-term solution at the hot corner.
According to an MLB.com insider, the Cubs’ current prospect pool has “much more pitching depth, which could help them build a longer-term contender.” Again, the Cubs sought to add depth to their roster this season, picking nine pitchers in addition to seven infielders, two outfielders, and two catchers.
Seeking the Future in the Present
Despite what appears to be positive news for future possibilities, the Cubs’ current situation raises several problems. They are severely weak in hitting depth, with slashing rates far below league average in the sixth through ninth positions in the lineup. They also need a big bat in the lineup. A player with 30 or more home run potential.
A catcher with a strong arm and a reliable bat would also be a valuable acquisition. However, rookie Miguel Amaya is showing indications of improvement at the plate. Since taking a few days off to adjust his swing, Amaya has gone on an incredible seven-game run, slashing.643/.722/.827. Moving ahead, more bullpen depth with huge arms will be necessary.
The Cubs could answer some of these questions for the rest of the season. Dansby Swanson has struggled at the plate this season, and Cody Bellinger has been plagued by injuries. When healthy, Bellinger can provide the Cubs with the huge bat they need. Swanson, a generally solid hitter, might quickly regain his form.
Trades Can Leave More Questions Than Answers
Of course, there is the possibility of a trade, which may free up contract money for offseason acquisitions. The name of Cubs third starter Jameson Taillon, for example, is circulating in the rumor mill. A Taillon deal is unlikely to result in a long-term solution at third base.
They might release a star infielder like Hoerner, maybe in a deal with Taillon. That might attract some serious talent, and the Cubs have plenty of depth at second base. Michael Busch is a natural second baseman and a legitimate big league bat. Cody Bellinger is probably a safer first baseman, while Crow-Armstrong is emerging into a major league center fielder.
Do you play for big-time players to shake up your team’s core, or do you gamble on your own talent?
Hoyer has many opponents who condemn him for his sluggish attitude to personnel changes. This is baseball. There are no assurances. But the Cubs are quietly (or perhaps not so quietly) developing a strong farm system that might lead to years of winning baseball.
