RADIO
No. 10: Derniche Valdez, SS
Derniche Valdez joined Chicago during the 2023 international signing period. Valdez has flashed elite power but has struggled with his decision-making in the batter’s box. In 2023, Valdez held a .234/.328/.477 line with four doubles and six home runs through 35 games in the Dominican Summer League. During this stretch he held a poor 15:51 BB:K ratio.
In 2024, Valdez saw some improvement in the Arizona Complex League as he posted a .271/.313/.508 line. Through 17 games, he hit eight extra-base hits and held a 4:19 BB:K ratio. He is a name to monitor when he makes his Single-A debut in 2025.
No. 9: Jaxon Wiggins, RHP
Jaxon Wiggins was selected in the 2023 MLB Draft out of Arkansas. However, he did not make his professional debut until the 2024 campaign.
He opened the summer with a brief look in the Arizona Complex League before moving to Single-A. Through 21 frames at Single-A Myrtle Beach, the right-hander posted a 2.14 ERA and 0.81 ERA with a stellar 5:26 BB:K ratio. Then, in High-A, Wiggins struggled as he posted a hefty 4.55 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP across 31 innings.
No. 8: Brandon Birdsell, RHP
The 24-year-old has progressed through the minor leagues at a steady pace. Since joining the Cubs system in the fifth round of the 2022 MLB Draft, Birdsell needed just two full seasons to reach the top level of the minor leagues.
In 2023, he spent the summer split between Single and High-A, where he held an overall 2.77 and a 1.14 WHIP through 107 frames. In 2024, the Texas Tech product opened the season at Double-A and needed just 74 1/3 innings to prove he was ready for the top level of the minors. He will likely open the season for more development at Triple-A but is knocking on the big league door.
No. 7: Jefferson Rojas, SS
After spending the 2022 season in the Dominican Summer League, the 19-year-old made his debut in the United States during the following season. In 70 games with Single-A Myrtle Beach, Jefferson Rojas posted a solid .265/.345/.404 line with 14 doubles, seven home runs, and 13 stolen bases.
This past summer, Rojas spent the entire campaign with High-A and posted a similar .245/.310/.336 line. He hit six home runs, stole 21 bags, and held a 35:64 BB:K ratio.
No. 6: Kevin Alcantara, OF
Kevin Alcantara received a brief ten-game look at the major league level last season. He tallied only one hit and was sent back to Triple-A to continue his development and provide him with stable starting opportunities.
Through 35 games at Triple-A Iowa, the 22-year-old looked very comfortable as he posted an impressive .292/.378/.469 line with five home runs and seven stolen bases. This was an improvement over his career .270/.344/.414 line he held across 81 contests at Double-A.
No. 5: James Triantos, 2B
The second-round selection in the 2021 MLB Draft is inching closer to his MLB debut, which could be on the table during the 2025 season. Triantos has progressed through the Cubs system at an impressive pace and has yet to hit an extended skid.
Last summer, he received his first extended look at Double-A and posted an excellent .300/.345/.437. During this 89-game stint, he flashed elite speed upside, stealing 38 bags and solid power, and hitting seven home runs. He continued this play through his first 26 games at Triple-A with a stellar .302/.351/.384 line.
No. 4: Cade Horton, RHP
The top pitching prospect in the Cubs system was poised to be much higher on this list but suffered a season-ending Grade 2 right subscapularis strain, ending his 2024 season in May. The 23-year-old was on pace to potentially reach the majors in 2024.
He opened the campaign with his second look at Double-A and posted a near-perfect 1.10 ERA and 0.92 WHIP across four starts. He then received a brief 18-inning test at Triple-A but struggled as he allowed 15 earned runs. His injury derailed his season, but he should poised to return to form when he opens the 2025 with his second look at Triple-A.
No. 3: Moises Ballesteros, C
The 21-year-old backstop enjoyed an impressive 2024 campaign and now sits within the top 50 prospects in the sport on MLB.com. Moises Ballesteros opened the season at Double-A and posted a strong .299/.372/.495. This was identical to the production he enjoyed at High-A the previous summer.
The catcher concluded the 2024 season with Triple-A Iowa and continued to produce as he held a .281/.340/.454 line. He hit 15 doubles and 10 home runs with a 23:60 BB:K ratio. The left-handed hitting catcher carries 20+ HR upside as he nears his major league debut.
No. 2: Owen Caissie, OF
Owen Caissie has consistently progressed through the minor leagues since joining the Cubs system in the second round of the 2020 MLB Draft out of high school. In 2023, he made his Double-A debut and looked very comfortable, posting a .289/.398/.519 line. He hit 31 doubles and 22 home runs.
Then in 2024, Caissie spent the entire campaign with Triple-A Iowa. Through 127 contests at the top level, Caissie continued to showcase his power upside as he tallied 29 doubles and 19 long balls. He added 11 stolen bases, tying a previous career-high. The 22-year-old has continued to develop as a pull hitter and could debut in the big leagues this summer with high power upside.
No. 1: Matt Shaw, 3B
The top prospect in the system is third baseman Matt Shaw. Shaw was selected with the 13th overall selection out of Maryland in the 2023 MLB Draft. Shaw immediately made his professional debut as he logged 35 starts across High and Double-A in 2023.
Last summer, Shaw received an extended look at Double-A and concluded the season at Triple-A. Across 35 games at Iowa, the infielder posted an impressive .298/.395/.534 line with seven home runs, six stolen bases, and a 17:30 BB:K ratio. Shaw is a top candidate to make the Opening Day roster and be the starting third baseman.
