The last major farm system ranking has dropped (I think it’s the last one?), and the Chicago Cubs once again show up in that 10 to 15 range, where they are not considered a clear top ten system, but are probably better than average.
For MLB Pipeline, the Cubs’ system is just 12th:
It’s kinda disappointing when you think about what the last few years have been, but I try to remind myself that development changes take many years to filter their way through to prospect evaluations and performances. It’s not hard to imagine the Cubs’ system being an obvious top five system by the end of the season. But, of course, we know that’s far from a lock. The progress has to be significant.
Here’s what Pipeline had to say:
- Chicago Cubs
2022 midseason rank: 10
2022 preseason rank: 18
2021 midseason rank: 18
2021 preseason rank: 22Top 100 Prospects: Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF (No. 28); Kevin Alcรกntara, OF (No. 87); Brennen Davis, OF (No. 92)
All three of the Cubs’ Top 100 Prospects are outfielders, but the greatest strength of the system may be its pitching depth. Adding Cade Horton and Jackson Ferris via the Draft and Hayden Wesneski and Ben Brown via trades last summer may yield 80 percent of Chicago’s future rotation. International shortstops Cristian Hernandez and Derniche Valdez have two of the highest ceilings among Cubs farmhands but will need time to develop.