The Chicago Cubs have always felt like a cornerstone of Major League Baseball. Lately, their farm system is making waves again.
Keith Law at The Athletic just dropped a deep dive into the Cubs’ top 20 prospects for 2026. It’s a pretty intriguing glimpse at where the franchise might be heading.
Let’s dig into Law’s findings and some of the names that could shape the Cubs’ future. If you’re a die-hard Cubs fan or just someone who likes following baseball’s next wave, there’s a lot to chew on here.
The Top Prospects
Law’s rundown of the Cubs’ top 20 prospects really highlights how much the organization is investing in young talent. There’s a good mix of high-upside guys and players who’ve already started to prove themselves in the minors.
1. Jackson Ferris
Jackson Ferris, a lefty pitcher, sits at the top of Law’s list. He’s got an electric fastball and a nasty breaking ball—stuff that makes scouts perk up.
Ferris might just be the guy to finally anchor the Cubs’ rotation for years. The team hasn’t exactly been known for homegrown pitching, so his progress feels extra important.
2. Brennen Davis
Brennen Davis, an outfielder, stands out too. Scouts love his blend of power and speed, which gives him a legit shot at being a five-tool player.
He can change a game on both sides of the ball. Definitely someone worth keeping an eye on.
3. Kevin Alcantara
Then there’s Kevin Alcantara, another outfielder, who came over in a trade with the Yankees. He’s got raw power and serious athleticism.
Alcantara still needs to clean up his approach at the plate. If he figures that out, he could turn into a big piece for the Cubs.
Pitching Depth
One thing that jumps out from Law’s list is just how deep the Cubs’ pitching pipeline runs. Beyond Ferris, they’ve got several arms who could make a real difference in the big leagues.
DJ Herz
DJ Herz, another lefty, has flashed some pretty exciting stuff. He racks up strikeouts and gets hitters to chase.
Herz does need to sharpen his command, but the raw tools are there. It’s always a bit of a wait-and-see with pitching prospects, isn’t it?
Caleb Kilian
Caleb Kilian, meanwhile, brings a different vibe. He’s all about control and mixing his pitches to keep hitters guessing.
Kilian looks like he could slot in as a steady middle-of-the-rotation guy. The Cubs will be counting on his steady progress as they try to strengthen their staff.
Infield Talent
The Cubs aren’t just stacked in the outfield and on the mound. Their infield prospects are worth a look, too.
Ed Howard
Ed Howard, a shortstop, has really stood out with his glove. He’s smooth in the field and has a cannon for an arm.
He’s flashed some offensive upside, but needs to find more consistency at the plate if he’s going to be a complete player.
James Triantos
James Triantos, another infielder, is starting to get noticed as well. He’s got a mature approach at the plate and can really hit for average.
Triantos could end up being a key part of the Cubs’ infield mix. The organization is definitely keeping close tabs on his progress.
Outfield Depth
Besides Davis and Alcantara, the Cubs have a few more outfielders who could turn heads down the line.
Owen Caissie
Owen Caissie has shown he can hit for power. He drives the ball to all fields, which makes him a tough out.
If he gets a better handle on plate discipline, Caissie could be a real threat in the lineup.
Alexander Canario
Alexander Canario is another intriguing outfield prospect. He’s got a nice mix of speed and pop.
Canario’s ability to affect the game in so many ways should make his development fun to watch. You never really know which of these guys will break through, but the potential’s there.
Looking Ahead
The future’s looking bright for the Chicago Cubs. Their farm system is stacked with young talent, and honestly, it’s starting to pay off.
The Cubs have pulled together a mix of high-ceiling prospects and a few players who already show real promise. That blend puts them in a solid spot for lasting success—at least, that’s how it feels right now.
For a deeper dive into the Cubs’ top 20 prospects, check out the full piece by Keith Law on The Athletic [here](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7012816/2026/02/04/chicago-cubs-2026-top-20-prospects-keith-law/).
With the 2026 season right around the corner, Cubs fans have plenty to look forward to. This next wave of talent could make some noise soon, and honestly, who isn’t curious to see how it shakes out?
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