"22. Chicago CubsThe Cubs have boasted a strong top of the system for the past several seasons, with a trio of Top 100-caliber prospects. However, the system shallows out after the top and has a real lack of impact pitching."
"the natural thinning that has accompanied the trades and promotions tended toward a reduction in overall talent down on the farm. Combine that with relatively poor outcomes in International Free Agency going back a decade, plus not a whole lot of surprise breakouts in the middle rounds of the draft, and you've got a recipe for a farm system taking a very big step back in both perception and reality."
"It simply means there's a lot of work ahead for the organization, even as they aim to continue succeeding at the big league level, they need to ensure the system is replenished with a substantial number of meaningful prospects (all positional types, varying degrees of risk/upside, and at all ages and levels). Scouting, trades, IFA, the draft, and internal development will all play key roles on this front in the years ahead, and here's hoping we will look back at 2026 as a very strong year for the farm, even as the big league club wins 90+ games ...."
The Cubs' system ranks 22nd with a strong top group of three Top-100-caliber prospects but shallow depth beyond them. The system lacks impact pitching and has experienced talent thinning due to trades and promotions. International Free Agency outcomes over the past decade have been relatively poor, and the middle rounds of the draft produced few surprise breakouts. The organization needs substantial replenishment of meaningful prospects across positional types, risk profiles, ages, and levels. Scouting, trades, international signings, the draft, and internal development must all contribute to rebuilding the farm to support continued big-league success.
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