The Chicago Cubs will have two prospects heading to Seattle in July, representing them in the 2023 Futures Game at T-Mobile Park.

The top-rated prospect in the Cubs minor system, Pete Crow-Armstrong, has been picked for the Futures Game for the second straight season, while switch-hitting infielder BJ Murray Jr. is getting his first honor. The game will take place during next month’s All-Star week on July 8, at T-Mobile Park, the home of this year’s All-Star host Seattle Mariners.

Pete Crow-Armstrong

I mean, what else can you say about Pete Crow-Armstrong. He’s been the organization’s top prospect for a while now and so far in 2023 the 21-year-old center fielder has lived up to the lofty expectations placed on him after his breakout 2022 season.

PCA has shot up the prospect rankings this year, as he’s been one of the better hitters at the Double-A level.

Through June 25, Crow-Armstrong has played in 53 games for the Tennessee Smokies, slashing .280/.363/.491, with 9 home runs in 245 plate appearances. He’s continued to play outstanding defense in center field and he’s also been tormenting teams when he’s been on base. Crow-Armstrong has 19 stolen bases and has scored 44 runs, while driving in 45 runs out of the leadoff spot.

Pete Crow-Armstrong 2023 (Month to Month)
April: 14 Games, .316/.355/.526, 133 wRC+, 22.6 K%, 3.2 BB%
May: 18 Games, .247/.322/.416, 99 wRC+, 20.7 K%, 8 BB%
June: 21 Games, .288/.406/.538, 155 wRC+, 27.1 K%, 11.5 BB%

BJ Murray Jr.

Switch-hitter BJ Murray Jr. has been one of the great development stories in the minor leagues for the Cubs this season, as the 23-year-old shook off a slow start to the season to earning a spot on the Futures Game roster.

Although Murray hasn’t nailed down a defensive position with the Tennessee Smokies at Double-A this year, his excellent plate discipline has kept him an every-day starter in 2023. In 65 games this season, Murray is slashing .258/.376/.446, with 7 home runs and a 126 wRC+.

Murray has hit a slump in the month of June, but as you’ll see, he’s still contributing by getting on base via walks, which he’s consistently shown throughout his minor league career. Murray’s month of May certainly put him on everyone’s radar, as he was one of if not the best hitter in the Cubs minor league system.

BJ Murray Jr. 2023 (Month to Month)
April: 20 Games, .212/.376/.348, 107 wRC+, 23.5 K%, 20 BB%
May: 25 Games, .309/.414/.628, 175 wRC+, 21.6 K%, 14.4 BB%
June: 20 Games, .233/.325/.301, 78 wRC+, 31.3 K%, 10.8 BB%

The Cubs picked Murray in the 15th round of the 2021 draft.