Sep 24, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Jorge Soler (left) celebrates with teammate Javier Baez (9) after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
The Cubs go into 2015 desperate to break their six-year playoff drought. They haven’t had a winning season since 2009, finishing no higher than 5th every year since.
They have made some major changes under Theo Epstein that could make them competitive in the near future. Hiring Joe Maddon and going after Jon Lester are the most notable, while also acquiring Miguel Montero and Dexter Fowler.
More from MLB Prospects
- Is Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Ivan Melendez the next Pete Alonso?
- Los Angeles Dodgers prospect talk: Catching up with Hunter Feduccia
- MLBPA secures major victory for Minor League Baseball players
- Phillies: Breaking down the prospects fighting for an Opening Day spot
- What the XFL can learn from minor league baseball
MiLB.com recently named their 2014 Chicago Cubs Organizational All Stars. Arguably the best farm system in the majors saw several graduates to the big leagues. Infielders Javier Baez and Arismendy Alcantara as well as outfielder Jorge Soler should see full seasons in Chicago.
The team is still loaded with prospects that will look to have an impact in the future. Here are the five biggest names to look out for in the Cubs system.
Nov 2, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant against the West during the Fall Stars Game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Bryant has done just about everything the Cubs hoped he would since being drafted #2 overall in 2013. The 6’5″ third basemen dominated Single-A and Double Ball all year, hitting 43 home runs with a combined on base percentage of .438. This lead to being named Baseball America’s Minor League Player of the Year.
It’s hard to think Bryant has much more to prove in the Minor Leagues. If he has a good spring he could even earn a starting spot in Chicago to start the season. After choosing not to rush their slugger past Double-A last season, the team may be more inclined to have him in the big leagues in 2015 since they should be a lot more competitive.
Comparisons to Evan Longoria are well deserved, although Bryant possesses more pop and less fielding ability at third base. Like most power hitters, he strikes out a ton, with 162 strikeouts in 138 games last season. However, the Cubs can live with the K’s if his solid contact ability and plate discipline carry over into the big leagues. Unlike most power bats, he does have a little bit of speed, stealing 15 bags last season.
Bryant is sure to be a stud for the Cubs as well as fantasy owners once he is called up to the show.
Oct. 14, 2014; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell plays for the Mesa Solar Sox during an Arizona Fall League game against the Scottsdale Scorpions at Salt River Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Russell was an honorable mention on this All-Star list, but with Baez battling for playing time in Chicago this season, the righty from Florida is now the clubs top shortstop prospect.
Acquired from the Athletics in the Jeff Samardzija trade, he showed some serious pop in his 50-game stint with Double-A Tennessee, with 12 homers and .294 batting average. However, he struggled in the Arizona Fall League, showing that he still has some improving to do.
Russell could end up being a similar major leaguer as Starlin Castro because of his power and solid fielding ability, despite being a bigger shortstop. Some thought he would have to change positions, but it seems like he should be able to stay at short.
With a solid start to the season in Double-A, we could be seeing Russell in Chicago in 2015. However, they have no reason to rush the 20-year old to the big leagues. Castro is signed through 2018, so it will be interesting what the Cubs do with Baez and Russell. It could make sense to trade one if the right deal comes up.
Jun 9, 2013; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers catcher Kyle Schwarber (10) looks to throw a runner out on second during the game against the Florida State Seminoles during the Tallahassee super regional of the 2013 NCAA baseball tournament at Dick Howser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
The catcher/outfielder was drafted No. 4 overall in last years draft, displaying why he was the top college bat in the class. He smacked 18 homers with an OPS of 1.061 in three minor league levels.
The Indiana Hoosier split time between catcher and right field last year, but he played behind the plate in college and his body type is better suited there. Standing at 6 foot and weighing in at 235 lbs, it would be surprising if he ever became an everyday outfielder. Seems like he is best suited on an American League team where he could catch part time while also DH’ing.
His bat will definitely play in the major leagues. 25 plus home runs could be in the cards for Schwarber, with the potential to hit for a high average as well. He is somewhat of a lefthanded version of Evan Gattis, with an advanced hitting ability but defensive uncertainty. Playing a similar role as Gattis played with the Braves the last two years could be what the Cubs have in mind for the 21-year old prospect.
I bet the A’s are wishing they could take that Samardzija trade back. Along with Russell, the Cubs got McKinney from the A’s in last year’s deadline deal. The lefthanded hitter has a very good bat with great baseball instincts that make him a solid overall player. He split 2014 across Advanced-A Stockton and Daytona.
The 2013 first rounder looks like the ideal Oakland A’s prospect. He has a knack for barreling balls up and has good plate discipline, leading to 12 homers, 6 triples, and 24 doubles, and 61 walks in 126 games. McKinney projects as a corner outfielder, probably left field because of a lack of arm strength.
The 6’1″, 185 pounder doesn’t have any phenomenal tools, but he does everything well. He is similar to newly acquired Padres outfielder Seth Smith, who is a solid overall player but may not necessarily be All-Star caliber. There is a chance we see him in Double-A to start the season.
Jun 18, 2013; Dayton, OH, USA; West batter Dan Vogelbach, right, hits an RBI double in the second inning during the Midwest League-All Star Game at Fifth Third Field. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Since being drafted in the second round of the 2011 draft, Vogelbach has hit well at each level of the lower Minors. The burly first basemen definitely has the bat, but still has to prove that he can be an adequate defender at first base.
In 2014 with Advanced-A Daytona, the lefthanded slugger smacked 16 home runs. He doesn’t strike out as much as you would expect, and has good plate discipline, walking 66 times in 132 games.
The best case scenario for Vogelbach would be to follow a similar career path to the majors as Matt Adams of the Cardinals. They have similar body types, although Adams is a couple inches taller. The Cardinals slugger has better contact ability, but doesn’t walk as much as the Cubs prospect. Both players biggest weakness will be playing the field in the National League.