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Slowly, but surely the Cubs are building back up their minor league system. When you have as many prospects graduate to the big leagues as the Cubs have from 2014-17, the farm is going to take a hit, especially when you also factor in big trades to add to a team competing for championships.
Here’s a look at the new top-30 prospects for the Cubs ranked by MLB.com’s Jim Callis.
As expected, Miguel Amaya and Nico Hoerner headline the list, along with left-handed pitcher Brailyn Marquez ranked third overall.
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- Miguel Amaya, C
- Nico Hoerner, SS
- Brailyn Marquez, LHP
- Adbert Alzolay, RHP
- Cole Roederer, OF
- Aramis Ademan, SS
- Brennen Davis, OF
- Justin Steele, LHP
- Cory Abbot, RHP
- Keegan Thompson, RHP
- Zack Short, SS
- Alex Lange, RHP
- Brendon Little, LHP
- Richard Gallardo, RHP
- Nelson Velazquez, OF
- Yovanny Cruz, RHP
- Thomas Hatch, RHP
- Paul Richan, RHP
- Tyson Miller, RHP
- Trent Giambrone, 2B/SS
- Reivaj Garcia, 2B
- Oscar De La Cruz, RHP
- Jose Albertos, RHP
- Dakota Mekkes, RHP
- Duane Underwood Jr., RHP
- Christopher Morel, 3B/SS
- Riley Thompson, RHP
- Luis Verdugo, SS/3B
- Jhonny Pereda, C
- Andy Weber, SS/2B
There are nine new additions to the top-30 list for the Cubs.
New additions to the Cubs Top 30: Yovanny Cruz (16), Paul Richan (18), Tyson Miller (19), Reivaj Garcia (21), Dakota Mekkes (24), Christopher Morel (26), Riley Thompson (27), Luis Verdugo (28), Andy Weber (30).
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 21, 2019
And the biggest jump comes from the following five prospects.
Biggest jumps from the previous Top 30 list:
+13 spots Richard Gallardo
+12 Zack Short
+9 Cole Roederer
+9 Cory Abbott
+9 Trent Giambrone— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 21, 2019
Overall the list has 17 pitchers, (14 RHP, 3 LHP) 3 outfielders, 8 infielders and 2 catchers.
Amaya and Hoerner have been ranked in the top-100 for all MLB prospects in a few lists, but Amaya as of now is seen as the number one Cubs prospect.
Hoerner’s 2018 season was cut short in the minors, but he returned in the Arizona Fall League and impressed everyone who watched him play.
Brailyn Marquez might be the most intriguing pitching prospect for the Cubs at this moment and he’s projected to become a top-100 prospect after 2019.
Brailyn Marquez: The Cubs Prospect Poised To Have A Breakout 2019 Season
Adbert Alzolay was the Cubs No. 1 prospect in 2018, but after a lat injury in May the right-hander was shut down. He’s now ranked fourth, but the Cubs are hoping he can make his MLB debut in 2019, and potentially be a factor out of the bullpen.
Make sure to read Jim Callis’ breakdown of the Cubs minor league system.
