Cubs Farm System Gems to Watch in the near Future

The Chicago Cubs future is bright, thanks to a deep and talented farm system. From power-hitting catchers to flame-throwing pitchers, the Cubs have assembled an impressive collection of prospects. As tOctober baseball comes to a close, it doesn’t hurt to look at players who could be on that stage one day. We’re highlighting five Cubs prospects who could make a significant impact in the near future.

Prospects on the Rise: The Cubs’ Top 5 for 2025

Matt Shaw, 2B

Matt Shaw continued to impress after taking over the number one spot on the Cubs Top 30 Prospects list (ranked no. 22 by MLB) from Cade Horton midseason. The 22-year-old posted an .841 OPS with 14 home runs and 50 RBI in 86 games for Double-A Tennessee. After his promotion to Triple-A Iowa, he achieved a batting line of .298/.395/.534, hitting seven home runs and contributing 21 RBI in 35 games.

His performance earned Shaw a roster spot on Team USA’s World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Premier 12 tournament squad, which will take place in Japan, Mexico and Taiwan from November 9-24. Shaw is a versatile infielder with experience at second base, third base and shortstop, but he excels most at second.

He has drawn comparisons to Ben Zobrist, albeit with possibly a little more power. As the heir apparent to Nico Hoerner, Shaw might just remind Cubs fans of Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg.

Owen Caissie, OF

The San Diego Padres selected Owen Caissie with the 45th pick in the 2020 draft, making him the highest-drafted Canadian ever. Caissie has since justified the hype. He won league championships with High-A South Bend (2022) and Double-A Tennessee (2023) in consecutive years. His 2023 performance was particularly impressive, as he ranked top five in all key categories with a slash line of .289/.398/.519.

This momentum carried into 2024, where Caissie hit .278/.375/.472 for Triple-A Iowa. His elite bat speed and exit velocity yielded 19 home runs, 75 RBI, 29 doubles, and three triples. At just 22 years old and six-foot-three, Caissie’s physical development suggests even more power potential.

Baseball insiders project Caissie as a 35-40 home run threat. Defensively, his sturdy arm strength in right field resulted in 10 outfield assists in 2023. While strikeout issues persist, Caissie’s promising power outweighs these concerns. Caissie’s path to a regular starting spot in right field hinges on the Cubs’ offseason decisions, particularly regarding Cody Bellinger. If Bellinger remains, Caissie will compete with Seiya Suzuki for the position.

Moises Ballesteros, C

Moises Ballesteros has catapulted through the Cubs’ farm system at an unprecedented pace, rivaling only Cam Smith’s rapid ascent. The 20-year-old catcher, who throws right-handed and bats left-handed, has emerged as a sensational hitter.

In 2023, Ballesteros excelled at Double-A and Triple-A, combining for a .289/.354/.471 slash line, 19 home runs, 78 RBI, and 45 walks in 454 plate appearances. His torrid pace has continued in the Arizona Fall League this October, with homers in three consecutive games.

The Cubs have accelerated his development due to his exceptional bat skills, while focusing on refining his catching abilities. Ballesteros boasts a solid arm and soft hands, but his 5-foot-9 frame requires further physical development. As the Cubs seek to bolster their lineup with power hitters, Ballesteros projects as a 20-home-run threat at catcher, a position where power production is scarce. His rapid progress and impressive performance make him an exciting prospect for the Cubs’ future.

Cam Smith, 3B

Cam Smith‘s rise to the top of minds of MLB scouts shows a dedication and eagerness to improve on his weaknesses. That determination may account for his rise in MLB Top Prospects as well (Cubs 7/MLB 73). Leading the Florida State Seminoles to the College World Series batting .387 and 16 home runs might have had something to do with it.

That was enough to lead Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer to select Smith with the 14th overall pick in this year’s draft. Third baseman Isaac Paredes was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays at the trade deadline. A pull hitter with good defensive skills, Paredes might have competition from Smith – who hits to all fields – at the hot corner before he knows it.

Smith, 21, is physically gifted at six-foot-three and 224 pounds with a solid arm and good range at third base. His size, bat speed and exit velocity foretell a future 20-plus home run guy. If he’s able to improve on his swing and launch angle he could easily exceed that prediction.

Brandon Birdsell, RHP

Brandon Birdsell‘s journey to becoming a top prospect has been marked by adversity. The 24-year-old right-hander showcased exceptional talent early on, reaching 90+ mph on his fastball as a high school freshman. However, his sophomore year was cut short by an elbow injury requiring Tommy John surgery.

Birdsell twice passed on MLB opportunities, declining the Houston Astros’ 2018 draft offer and the Minnesota Twins’ 2021 offer, as he grappled with ongoing injury issues. His perseverance paid off at Texas Tech, where he earned Big 12 Conference Pitcher of the Year honors in 2022.

The Chicago Cubs subsequently drafted Birdsell in the fifth round, and his advanced age and maturity have expedited his progress through the system. His impressive velocity and diverse pitch repertoire also contribute to his rapid rise.

Birdsell commands a four-pitch arsenal:

Fastball: mid-90s average, touching 99 mph

Slider: mid-80s with notable depth

Curveball: exceptional movement and control

Changeup: effective complement to his fastball

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