The venerable Baseball America publication, renowned for its comprehensive coverage of minor league prospects since the 1980s, has recently unveiled its highly anticipated Top Ten Cubs prospects for the upcoming season. While the detailed scouting reports and rankings remain behind a paywall, the publication has generously shared the actual list, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the Cubs' burgeoning farm system.

Cultivating a Powerhouse: The Cubs' Prospect Pipeline Primed for Success

A Depth of Talent Unmatched Since 2015

The Cubs' minor league system has not been this deep and promising since the halcyon days of 2015, when the organization boasted a veritable treasure trove of talent, including the likes of Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Jorge Soler, and Kyle Schwarber. While not all of those players ultimately reached the lofty heights expected of them, the current crop of prospects showcases a level of depth that may even surpass the 2015 class. While this group may lack the singular star power of that era, the Cubs can confidently claim that eight of their top ten prospects are poised to crack the prestigious MLB Pipeline Top 100 list for 2025.

The Cream of the Crop: Matt Shaw's Tantalizing Blend of Tools

Topping the Cubs' prospect rankings is the versatile Matt Shaw, a player who has demonstrated a tantalizing blend of on-base prowess, power, and above-average speed. Though primarily listed as a third baseman, Shaw's defensive versatility has seen him log significant time at both shortstop and second base, showcasing his well-rounded skill set. With the potential for a 20/20 season at the major league level, Shaw's combination of plate discipline and extra-base hitting ability make him a prime candidate to potentially break camp with the big league club, especially if Nico Hoerner's availability is in question to start the season.

Cam Smith: The Slugger with Untapped Potential

Another prospect generating significant buzz is Cam Smith, whose standout debut in 2024 has scouts and analysts alike eagerly anticipating his continued development. Smith's prodigious power to all fields has been well-documented, and Baseball America has noted his impressive strides in pitch selection and contact skills since his collegiate days at Florida State. While his defensive prowess still requires refinement, the potential of Smith's bat makes him a tantalizing option for the Cubs' future lineup.

James Triantos: The Versatile Infielder Shoring Up His Defensive Woes

One prospect who has shown remarkable improvement in his defensive game is James Triantos. After struggling mightily at the hot corner in 2022 and during his initial transition to second base in 2023, Triantos has made significant strides in his second season at the keystone position, to the point where he can now be considered an above-average defender. Triantos' contact-oriented approach at the plate and his ability to spray the ball to all fields may limit his power potential, but his strong baserunning skills, with 47 steals in 56 attempts last season, make him a valuable asset on the basepaths.

Brandon Birdsell: The Control-Oriented Pitcher Poised for the Majors

Those who closely follow the Cubs' minor league system will be familiar with the emergence of Brandon Birdsell, a pitcher who has drawn comparisons to the team's beloved Kyle Hendricks. Like Hendricks, Birdsell is a control-oriented hurler, but with a slightly higher velocity range of 93-95 mph and a more prominent slider in his arsenal. Birdsell's ability to limit walks and induce weak contact has made him a standout performer, and he could potentially earn a spot in the Cubs' major league rotation as early as this season.