"Budget constraints seem to be a common theme when discussing the Cubs, and that could easily become the case once again this winter. Any limits on free agency spending will spur more trade discussion, as trades can often be a more reasonable means for acquiring talent when trying to avoid big payroll increases. Jed Hoyer will have to dip into his farm system in order to acquire the best talent available, which is not something the Cubs have often been open to doing."
"Beyond that, though, the system isn't exceptionally strong at the top. MLB Pipeline lists Caissie (47), Ballesteros (53), and Jaxon Wiggins (67); Just Baseball has the same order with slightly different ranks: 41, 60, 72. The system isn't awful by any means, but having just three top-100 prospects places the Cubs near the bottom of the pack relative to the rest of the league."
Budget constraints may limit free-agent spending this winter and increase emphasis on trades to acquire talent without large payroll increases. Jed Hoyer will need to dip into the farm system to obtain the best available players, a strategy the Cubs have rarely employed. Recent notable moves include trading former top prospect Cam Smith in the Kyle Tucker deal and moving several top-30 prospects at the deadline while retaining others due to high asking prices. The minor-league system contains only a few top-100 prospects and shows uneven depth, though players like Kevin Alcántara retain high upside.
Read at Cubsinsider
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]