NEWSLETTER
A couple more bits to share from Kiley McDaniel’s latest at ESPN. We’ve already discussed his top-100 rankings, which included five Cubs prospects. But McDaniel also took a look at prospects who could fall into the 101-200 range, and he ranked all 30 MLB farm systems.
In his write-up of prospects who merit attention in the 101-200 range, McDaniel picked out some superlatives for that group. Among them, James Triantos – whom McDaniel would rank at 181 – gets a nod under Most Likely to Win a Batting Title:
“Triantos is a pure fit for this title, as his bat is his only above-average tool, and his bat control might be his only plus skill, in keeping with MLB batting-average idol Luis Arraez. Triantos did steal 47 bases despite having average speed, but the sales pitch here is an incredible contact rate while being passable at a few positions defensively.”
Jefferson Rojas also came in for a ranking (120), though no specific mentions.
Meanwhile, in the farm system rankings, the Cubs show up right about where they have on most other lists, and it just feels fair (it’s based on dollars, and the Cubs are just behind the Mets at $222 million, and Brewers at $225 million):
“10. Chicago Cubs ($215 million)
Last year: 2nd, $328 millionTop 100 prospects: 5
Like the Mets, the Cubs also have a wealth of prospects, mostly position players, in the upper minors who could be a real factor in the 2025 season. 3B Matt Shaw is tracking like an Opening Day starter. C Moises Ballesteros, 2B James Triantos, CF Kevin Alcantara, RF Owen Caissie, RHP Cade Horton and RHP Brandon Birdsell all are likely to open the season in Triple-A.
Five of those players made the top 100, one is ranked among the 101-200, and one just missed. If even half of those players are solid big leaguers in 2025, that changes the team-building posture of a franchise with Kyle Tucker and Ryan Pressly hitting free agency after this season followed by Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Nico Hoerner and Jameson Taillon the next year. Replacing some of those players with graduated prospects making the league minimum frees up a lot of money with one fewer roster need.”
It’s a version of the story we’ve heard before, and rings true when you dig deep on the system. Thus, having them at 10, with that discussion, it just seems reasonable.
