Cubs Top Prospects 2025: Meet the Future Cubs Stars

Who Are the Cubs Top Prospects?

Cubs Top Prospects 2025 are the young and talented players in the Chicago Cubs’ farm system who are expected to become key contributors at the Major League level in the near future. These players are typically drafted from college or high school, signed from international markets, and developed through the minor league system.

They are evaluated by scouts and analysts based on their performance, skills, potential, and how well they fit into the Cubs’ long-term plans. These rising stars often appear on top prospect lists by MLB Pipeline, Baseball America, and Fangraphs.

Traits That Make a Prospect “Top”:

• Strong tools like speed, power, arm strength, and fielding.
• High upside with room to grow.
• Track record of success in the minor leagues.
• MLB-ready talent or fast development progress.

In 2025, the Cubs have one of the most exciting groups of prospects in the league—led by elite outfielders, powerful infielders, and electric pitchers. These players are not just the future of the team; they are the foundation of the Cubs’ next competitive era.

Top 5 Cubs Prospects to Watch in 2025

The Chicago Cubs have a strong pool of young talent ready to make their mark. Here are the top 5 Cubs prospects to watch in 2025, based on their current performance, potential, and path to the major leagues:

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Pete Crow-Armstrong (Outfielder)

• Age: 22
• Bats/Throws: Left/Left
• Strengths: Elite defense, speed, contact hitting
• Why Watch: Known for his Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field, PCA also brings strong base-running and has improved his bat. He’s already made a brief MLB debut and is expected to stick around long-term.
• ETA: Early 2025 (Full-time MLB)

Cade Horton (Right-Handed Pitcher)

• Age: 23
• Throws: Right
• Strengths: Power fastball, slider, strikeouts
• Why Watch: Horton has quickly become one of the best pitching prospects in baseball. With mid-to-upper 90s velocity and a wipeout slider, he projects as a future ace or No. 2 starter.
• ETA: Mid-to-late 2025

Matt Shaw (Shortstop/Third Baseman)

• Age: 22
• Bats/Throws: Right/Right
• Strengths: Hitting for power, speed, plate discipline
• Why Watch: Drafted in 2023, Shaw has moved up quickly due to his polished bat and ability to play multiple infield positions. He could be a fixture at 3B or 2B for years.
• ETA: Late 2025

Kevin Alcántara (Outfielder)

• Age: 22
• Bats/Throws: Right/Right
• Strengths: Raw power, size, athleticism
• Why Watch: At 6’6”, Alcántara is a physical beast with tons of power potential. If he continues refining his approach, he could be a middle-of-the-order slugger.
• ETA: Late 2025 to 2026

Owen Caissie (Outfielder)

• Age: 22
• Bats/Throws: Left/Right
• Strengths: Lefty power, plate discipline
• Why Watch: A key piece from the Yu Darvish trade, Caissie is showing big-time pop at the plate and a mature approach for his age. His power bat could thrive at Wrigley.
• ETA: Late 2025

These five prospects represent the next wave of Cubs stars. Whether you’re following them through minor league box scores or looking forward to their MLB debut, 2025 will be a big year for these names.

Scouting Reports on Cubs Top Prospects

Scouting reports help us understand what makes a player special — beyond just stats. They evaluate a player’s tools, performance, and MLB readiness. Here’s a closer look at the scouting reports on Cubs top prospects, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and long-term projections.

Pete Crow-Armstrong (OF)

• Hit Tool: 55
• Power: 45
• Speed: 65
• Defense: 70
• Arm: 60
• Summary: Elite defender with blazing speed and solid contact hitting. Offense still developing, but defense makes him MLB-ready now. Gold Glove potential.

Cade Horton (RHP)

• Fastball: 65 (94–97 mph)
• Slider: 60
• Curveball: 50
• Changeup: 45
• Control: 55
• Summary: Horton is an advanced college arm with a dominant fastball-slider combo. High strikeout pitcher who projects as a No. 2 starter with ace upside if the changeup improves.

Matt Shaw (SS/3B)

• Hit Tool: 60
• Power: 55
• Speed: 50
• Defense: 50
• Arm: 55
• Summary: Polished college bat with pop and plate discipline. Versatile in the infield and could play SS, 3B, or 2B. Quick to adjust at each level.

Kevin Alcántara (OF)

• Hit Tool: 45
• Power: 60+
• Speed: 55
• Defense: 50
• Arm: 50
• Summary: Alcántara has elite physical tools with massive upside. Needs to improve swing-and-miss issues but has 30+ homer potential. Raw but exciting.

Owen Caissie (OF)

• Hit Tool: 55
• Power: 60
• Speed: 40
• Defense: 45
• Arm: 50
• Summary: Caissie is a disciplined lefty slugger with big power and a good eye. Defense is average, but his bat could carry him to an everyday corner outfield role.

When Will These Cubs Prospects Make Their MLB Debut?

One of the most exciting questions for Cubs fans is: When will these top prospects actually play at Wrigley Field? While timelines can change due to performance, injuries, or team needs, here’s a general idea of when Cubs top prospects may debut in the majors:

Pete Crow-Armstrong – Early 2025 (Full-Time)

• Made his MLB debut briefly in 2023 but is expected to stick on the roster in 2025.
• Likely to become the Cubs’ everyday center fielder.

Cade Horton – Mid to Late 2025

• Projected to finish 2024 in Triple-A.
• Could get called up as early as mid-2025, especially if the Cubs need a boost in the starting rotation.

Matt Shaw – Late 2025

• Moving fast through the minors due to his college experience.
• Likely to debut late in 2025 and contend for a starting infield spot in 2026.

Kevin Alcántara – Late 2025 to Early 2026

• Still developing raw power and plate discipline.
• Needs more time in Double-A or Triple-A, but his physical tools could push him to the bigs by 2026.

Owen Caissie – Late 2025

• On track to debut late in the 2025 season.
• If his power continues to translate in Triple-A, a September call-up is realistic.

Things That Could Affect Their Debut:

• Injuries at the MLB level
• Performance in Triple-A
• Trades or roster changes
• MLB service time considerations

Why Cubs Fans Should Follow These Prospects

Following the Cubs top prospects isn’t just for hardcore baseball nerds—it’s for every fan who cares about the future of the team. These young players represent the next generation of Cubs stars, and tracking their progress helps fans stay connected with the team’s rebuild and long-term success.

They Are the Future of the Franchise

Players like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Cade Horton could be the next Anthony Rizzo or Jake Arrieta. Watching their journey from the minors to the majors lets fans see the future unfold before their eyes.

Rebuild Success Depends on Them

The Cubs are in a retooling phase. The better these prospects perform, the faster the team becomes playoff-ready. It’s exciting to see how they develop and whether they can lead the team back to October baseball.

More Involvement = More Fun

Following prospects makes every level of Cubs baseball interesting—from Single-A games to Triple-A highlights. You’ll find yourself celebrating small victories long before they happen in Wrigley.

Trade Value and Roster Moves

Prospects are also key trade chips. Understanding their value helps fans make sense of future trades, roster decisions, or free agent signings.

A Strong Farm System Builds Championship Teams

Most World Series-winning teams are built with homegrown players. Following these prospects now means you’ll appreciate their journey when they finally help bring a trophy back to Chicago.

Cubs Farm System Overview and Rankings

The Chicago Cubs have made major investments in scouting, development, and international signings over the past few years—and it’s paying off. Once ranked near the bottom, the Cubs farm system has climbed into the top tier of MLB rankings. This strong foundation is what gives fans hope for a brighter, more competitive future.

2025 Cubs Farm System Ranking

As of early 2025, most major outlets rank the Cubs’ farm system in the top 5–7 in all of baseball:

• MLB Pipeline: #4
• Baseball America: #6
• Fangraphs: #5
• The Athletic (Keith Law): #4

This improvement is a result of smart drafting, strategic trades, and a clear focus on player development.

How the Cubs Built a Strong Farm System

Smart Drafting

Recent first-round picks like Matt Shaw, Cade Horton, and Jordan Wicks have made a fast impact, showing how the Cubs are targeting high-upside, advanced college talent.

Player Development

The Cubs revamped their minor league development system to focus on:

• Swing optimization
• Pitch design
• Performance analytics

These modern techniques are helping players unlock their full potential faster.

International Talent Pipeline

Players like Kevin Alcántara and Cristian Hernández reflect the Cubs’ success in international scouting, adding big names
with high ceilings from the Dominican Republic and elsewhere.

Minor League Affiliate Teams (As of 2025)

• Triple-A: Iowa Cubs
• Double-A: Tennessee Smokies
• High-A: South Bend Cubs
• Single-A: Myrtle Beach Pelicans
• Rookie/DSL Teams: Cubs Blue and Cubs Red

These teams serve as the development grounds for future stars. Many of the Cubs’ top prospects are already shining at Double-A and above.

Why This Matters for Cubs Fans

A strong farm system means:

• More homegrown talent at Wrigley
• More flexibility in trades
• Less need for expensive free-agent signings
• A sustainable path to success

How the Cubs Are Developing Future MLB Talent

Developing future MLB stars isn’t just about drafting well—it’s about turning raw talent into big-league-ready players. The Chicago Cubs have transformed their player development system in recent years to become one of the most forward-thinking in baseball.

Here’s how the Cubs are building tomorrow’s stars from the ground up:

Data-Driven Player Development

The Cubs have embraced advanced analytics and technology across all levels of their farm system. Players now benefit from:

• High-speed cameras (like Edgertronic)
• Motion tracking tools (like Hawk-Eye)
• Biomechanics and swing analysis

These tools help coaches make precise adjustments to a player’s mechanics and approach, whether it’s improving a pitcher’s spin rate or helping a hitter generate more exit velocity.

Customized Training Plans

Every prospect now gets a personalized development plan, focused on:

• Strength & conditioning
• Mental skills training
• On-field fundamentals
• Nutrition and recovery

This individualized approach ensures that each player progresses at their own pace while targeting specific areas for improvement.

Cross-Department Collaboration

The Cubs have created a more unified structure where scouts, coaches, data analysts, and medical staff work together. This 360-degree approach allows the team to:

• Spot weaknesses early
• Prevent injuries
• Track player growth in real time

Investment in International Development

The Cubs have put serious resources into their Dominican Republic facilities and global scouting operations. Young international signings now receive:

• On-site schooling and language programs
• Strength training and nutrition plans
• Cultural education for life in the U.S.

Players like Kevin Alcántara and Cristian Hernández are thriving thanks to this expanded support system.

Fast-Track Development for Advanced Talent

The Cubs are not afraid to promote players aggressively if they perform. For example:

• Matt Shaw quickly moved up due to his advanced college bat.
• Cade Horton moved through multiple levels within a year.

This shows the team’s commitment to rewarding strong performance, not just sticking to timelines.

Why It Works

This revamped system is already producing results:

• More top-100 prospects
• Faster development timelines
• Better injury prevention and conditioning
• More consistent performance across all levels

What Scouts and Analysts Are Saying About Cubs Prospects

When it comes to evaluating young talent, scouts and baseball analysts offer expert insight that goes beyond stats. In recent years, the Cubs top prospects have drawn attention for their tools, development, and upside. Here’s a look at what insiders are saying about the future stars in the Cubs’ system.

Pete Crow-Armstrong (OF)

• “One of the best defensive center fielders we’ve seen come through the minors in years. He’s got Gold Glove written all over him.”
  — MLB Pipeline
• “If the bat catches up to the glove, he’s an All-Star.”
  — Baseball America

Cade Horton (RHP)

• “Horton has ace potential. The fastball-slider combo is electric, and his competitive fire stands out on the mound.”
  — Fangraphs
• “He’s one of the fastest risers in the minors. The Cubs nailed this pick.”
  — Keith Law, The Athletic

Matt Shaw (SS/3B)

• “Shaw has one of the most MLB-ready bats in the 2023 draft. He could be a quick contributor.”
  — Prospects Live
• “He’s smart at the plate, barrels the ball well, and can play multiple infield positions.”
  — FanGraphs

Kevin Alcántara (OF)

• “The body and power remind scouts of a young Giancarlo Stanton. He’s still raw, but the ceiling is huge.”
  — Baseball Prospectus
• “If he puts it all together, he could be a 30-homer threat in the middle of the lineup.”
  — MLB.com

Owen Caissie (OF)

• “Disciplined approach and strong power from the left side—he has a big-league bat in the making.”
  — Bleacher Report Scouting Dept.
• “A classic corner outfielder with a power-first profile. He walks a lot and hits the ball hard.”
  — Baseball America

General Praise for the Cubs Farm System:

• “The Cubs have done an outstanding job rebuilding their farm system. It’s deep, diverse, and filled with both high-upside and safe bets.”
  — MLB Pipeline
• “This is one of the most improved systems in baseball. The Cubs are positioned for sustained success if they stay on this path.”
  — The Athletic

Cubs Top Prospects by Position: Pitchers, Infielders, Outfielders

To better understand the depth and balance of the Cubs’ farm system, it’s useful to break down their top prospects by position. From power arms to exciting outfielders and versatile infielders, the Cubs have talent across the board.

Pitchers

• Cade Horton (RHP)
  The ace of the system. Electric fastball and elite slider. Future frontline starter.
• Jordan Wicks (LHP)
  Polished lefty with great command and a deadly changeup. MLB debut already made; could become a solid No. 3 starter.
• Jackson Ferris (LHP)
  Young, high-upside lefty with swing-and-miss stuff. Needs time but has big potential.
• Ben Brown (RHP)
  Hard-throwing righty with strikeout ability. Could land in the rotation or bullpen depending on command.

Infielders

• Matt Shaw (SS/3B)
  Advanced bat with power and speed. Can play shortstop, second base, or third. Fast-tracked for MLB.
• James Triantos (2B/3B)
  Great contact hitter with developing power. Plays multiple infield spots and has a good approach at the plate.
• Cristian Hernández (SS)
  Big international signing with raw tools. Still developing, but has superstar ceiling if everything clicks.

Outfielders

• Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF)
  Elite defender, speedy leadoff type. Already knocking on MLB’s door.
• Kevin Alcántara (RF/CF)
  Towering presence with big-time power and athleticism. Needs polish but has one of the highest ceilings in the system.
• Owen Caissie (RF)
  Left-handed slugger with advanced plate discipline. Potential middle-of-the-order bat.
• BJ Murray Jr. (LF/3B)
  Power bat who can also play infield. Strong OBP skills and flexibility make him a solid prospect.

Summary: Depth Across the Diamond

• Pitching is deeper and more dangerous than in past years, with multiple future MLB starters.
• Infield talent is led by MLB-ready bats like Matt Shaw, with versatility and upside.
• Outfield is stacked with athleticism, power, and two potential All-Stars in PCA and Alcántara.

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Final Thoughts:

The Cubs top prospects are more than just names on a list — they are the foundation of the team’s future. From elite defenders like Pete Crow-Armstrong to power pitchers like Cade Horton, these young players bring hope, excitement, and real potential to the Cubs organization.

As the team continues to build toward long-term success, following these prospects helps fans stay connected to the journey. You get to watch their growth from minor league standouts to potential Wrigley Field stars — and maybe even future World Series champions.

So whether you’re tracking box scores from Iowa or dreaming about home runs at Wrigley, one thing is clear: the future of the Chicago Cubs is in very good hands.

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