Let’s be clear: having top-tier young talent graduate from the farm system to become major league contributors—or using that talent in trades to make an immediate impact—is far from a bad thing. In fact, it’s a sign of a well-functioning organization. So, when I discuss the Chicago Cubs’ current prospect situation, my tone is neither critical nor celebratory—just observational. The Cubs have had their fair share of top-100 prospects in recent years, but here’s the part most people miss: their farm system’s upper echelon has noticeably thinned over the past two years, and it shows in the latest Baseball America Top 100 Prospects list for 2026 (https://www.baseballamerica.com/rankings/2026-top-100-prospects/). Only two Cubs prospects made the cut:
- Moises Ballesteros, C
- Jaxon Wiggins, RHP
That’s it. Just two names. But before you sound the alarm, let’s dig deeper. And this is where it gets interesting: Moises Ballesteros’ ranking at 36 is particularly impressive, especially since Baseball America (BA) projects him primarily as a designated hitter. It’s rare to see a bat-only player crack the top 30, so his placement speaks volumes about the Cubs’—and BA’s—confidence in his offensive potential.
As for Jaxon Wiggins, his inclusion is a testament to his rising stock. Last season, he flew under the radar in national rankings, but this year’s preseason lists have rightfully showered him with praise. He’s not just squeaking by in the top 100—he’s firmly entrenched.
Ideally, we’d see more Cubs prospects in top-100 conversations by midseason. Jefferson Rojas, for instance, is a name I’d argue belongs there already. However, Ballesteros is likely to graduate to the majors soon, and Wiggins could follow suit this year. To replenish the farm system, the Cubs will need breakout performances, a stellar draft, and perhaps a strategic trade or two. After all, the thinning isn’t just at the top—there are questions about depth across the lower levels as well.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While the Cubs have only two prospects in the top 100, they’re well-represented on BA’s list of 20 prospects who just missed the cut (https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/20-mlb-prospects-who-just-missed-the-2026-top-100/). Jefferson Rojas, Ethan Conrad, and Kane Kepley all made this list, so if you want to count five Cubs prospects in the top 120 instead of three in the top 100, that’s a fair adjustment.
Rojas, still young for Double-A, and Conrad, whose pro debut is highly anticipated this year, both have breakout potential. Kepley, however, is the wildcard. His skill set—speed, defense, and contact hitting—isn’t typically associated with top-100 prospects, making his inclusion on this list particularly noteworthy. BA’s praise for Kepley is effusive:
‘At North Carolina, Kepley earned a reputation as a pure hitter. As a pro, he backed it up. Kepley is light on power but high on contact and spent his first summer in the minor leagues peppering line drives, drawing walks, and stealing bases. He pairs a potentially plus hit tool with similarly graded speed and double-plus defense in center field. Put it all together, and you’ve got the makings of a classic leadoff hitter.’ (https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/20-mlb-prospects-who-just-missed-the-2026-top-100/)
Two other Cubs prospects, Kevin Alcantara and Jonathon Long, received at least one top-100 vote from BA writers (https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/every-mlb-prospect-who-received-a-2026-top-100-vote/), though seven vote-getters is around league average.
Here’s the thought-provoking question: Is the Cubs’ farm system truly thinning, or are they strategically transitioning talent to the majors while developing under-the-radar prospects? Rojas, Conrad, and Kepley suggest the latter, but the lack of depth at lower levels is hard to ignore. What’s your take? Are the Cubs on the right track, or do they need a major overhaul? Let’s debate in the comments!
