Based on our analysis of other prospect lists, it was anticipated that the Chicago Cubs would likely be ranked as the second-best farm system in baseball, just behind the highly regarded Baltimore Orioles’ system. As predicted, the Cubs have indeed secured the number two spot:
[Link to tweet: https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1766550205623599548]
While not every expert may place the Cubs’ system at number two, it would be challenging to argue that they are not at least among the top five. The MLB Pipeline ranking reflects the Cubs’ upward trajectory in recent years, following a period of decline in their farm system after a string of postseason appearances.
From the full write-up at MLB Pipeline:
“The Cubs haven’t had this much prospect talent since they ranked No. 1 in 2015 with a system that helped them end their 108-year World Series drought the next season. This time around, they have much more pitching depth, which could help them build a longer-term contender. Four of their MLB-high seven Top 100 prospects arrived via trades (Crow-Armstrong, Caissie, Busch, Alcántara), while Horton and Shaw continue to boost their stock since being selected in the first round of the past two Drafts.”
As evident, the Milwaukee Brewers are not far behind the Cubs in terms of their farm system ranking. Additionally, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds also make appearances in the top ten. The NL Central division boasts a wealth of talent on the prospect front. The Cubs’ objective will be to continue outperforming their division rivals in terms of drafting, signing, and developing players, all while aiming to achieve success without relying on midseason sell-offs or high draft picks.
It’s important to note that these rankings are likely to undergo significant changes by midseason. Promising prospects like Jackson Holliday and Jackson Chourio are expected to graduate, which can significantly impact their respective systems (since top-tier prospects hold immense value). Furthermore, there may be other graduations occurring as well. For the Cubs, it is anticipated that Brennan Davis will graduate soon, and Pete Crow-Armstrong might not be far behind, depending on their performances in the first half of the season.
