👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


Chicago Cubs Top MLB Prospects for 2016 Dynasty Leagues

Everyone knew that when the Chicago Cubs promoted their young prospects it would not take long for them to become a dominant force within the National League. But I don’t know if anyone envisioned them finishing with the third best overall record in baseball, winning 97 games, beating the Pirates in the Wild Card, and advancing all the way to the National League Championship Series. Offensive contributions from players like Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant combined with sharp pitching from Jon Lester and NL Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta provided the Cubs with enough fuel to make a long run into the postseason last year and should help them do it again in 2016.

What should scare the rest of the National League is that the Cubs still have one of the deepest farm systems in baseball. Every player on this list has the potential to be a major contributor and help keep the Cubs’ dynasty rolling. Some names on this list are probably household names at this point, but there are others who could have an impact in the majors and have kept a relatively low profile in dynasty leagues.

Make sure to also check out our awesome 2016 fantasy baseball rankings dashboard, where you will find more of my team prospect rankings. You'll also find RotoBaller staff rankings for all positions, tiered rankings starting to ramp up, dynasty rankings for 2016, and much more. Okay, let's get to it.

 

Chicago Cubs Top 10 Dynasty Prospects

These are the top ten prospects for the Chicago Cubs in terms of fantasy production for fantasy owners in the next few seasons.

1. Gleyber Torres (SS, A+)
Stats: (from A) 514 PA, .293/.353/.386, 3 HR, 22 SB, 8.4% BB rate, 21.0% K rate
ETA: 2018
Addison Russell may be firmly entrenched in the role of shortstop for the Cubs right now, but he will face some competition from Gleyber Torres in a few years. Where Russell has more power, Torres excels by making consistent solid contact. Torres should be counted on to hit at least .280 every season with 10 home runs. Another area where he should be a regular contributor in is stolen bases where owners should be able to count on 20 per season. Torres does not have the offensive upside that Russell possesses, but he should still hit more than enough to be owned in all dynasty leagues.

2. Willson Contreras (C, AA)
Stats: 521 PA, .333/.413/.478, 8 HR, 4 SB, 10.9% BB rate, 11.9% K rate
ETA: 2017
The questions surrounding Kyle Schwarber about whether or not he is defensively sound enough to stay behind the dish do not apply in any way to Willson Contreras. Though still not an excellent defender, Contreras is quick enough behind the dish that he should not have to need a position change. Contreras may not possess near the same kind of power that Schwarber has (few catching prospects do), but he should be able to hit around .280 with 10 home runs per season which is enough to make him a valuable fantasy asset. Contreras will likely start off the year in Triple-A with a chance to get his feet wet in the majors should something happen to Miguel Montero, but he should be considered a must-own in all dynasty leagues with a chance to be a franchise catcher.

3. Ian Happ (2B/OF, A)
Stats: 165 PA, .241/.315/.448, 5 HR, 1 SB, 10.3% BB rate, 23.6% K rate
ETA: 2018
Taken with the ninth pick in the 2015 draft, Ian Happ has the potential to a consistent top of the batting order bat for the Cubs in the not-so-distant future. Happ shows excellent balance from both sides of the plate and has the quickness in his swing to help him catch up with most pitches. He displays enough power and speed to be able to make himself an eventual 20/20 player which gives him immense fantasy value in keeper leagues. There is some swing and miss in his game right now, but scouts see that improving as he continues to mature. If he stays at second base, he would be considered an elite second base prospect because of his bat. Even if his defense necessitates a move to the outfield, his bat plays well enough to maintain his status as a must-own player in dynasty leagues.

4. Billy McKinney (OF, AA)
Stats: 308 PA, .285/.346/.420, 3 HR, 0 SB, 8.8% BB rate, 15.3% K rate
ETA: 2017
One of the prospects in the Jeff Samardzija/Jason Hammel deal between the Cubs and Oakland in 2014, Billy McKinney is just a pure hitter. He has a mature approach to the plate which helps him take a lot of walks and his quick, steady swing should help him hit for a high average. He should be able to consistently hit around 12-18 home runs per season. McKinney will not steal many bases, but the rest of his game should make up for the lack of steals. The 21-year-old lefty is probably a year away, but he is definitely worth owning in dynasty leagues as he is a low risk/medium reward player.

5. Eddy Martinez (OF, NA)
Stats: NA
ETA: 2019
Eddy Martinez has received favorable comparisons to Andruw Jones because of his elite potential, but scouts are unsure if Martinez will ever be able to reach his full potential. Early in his days at Cuba, Martinez looked like a future 30/30 player, but it does not look like a guaranteed thing that Martinez will develop 30 home run power. The speed is there to steal more than 25 bases per year and his approach to the plate should allow him to hit .270 or higher. Even if he can’t reach his ceiling, there is enough talent with Martinez that he should be at least a solid everyday contributor for fantasy teams down the road. The 21-year-old Cuban has a high enough ceiling that he must be owned in all keeper leagues.

6. Donnie Dewees (OF, A-)
Stats: 303 PA, .266/.306/.376, 5 HR, 19 SB, 4.6% BB rate, 17.8% K rate
ETA: 2018
Donnie Dewees was considered to be one of the top bats in the 2015 draft class, the only problem was his lack of defensive ability. There is no question that Dewees can hit. He has a quick, compact swing and has plenty of pop that will eventually translate to 20+ home runs per season. His speed is more than enough to steal 25+ bases per year, which could help make him a future 20/20 player in the future. The issue with Dewees is his defense. Dewees’ arm is well below-average which will ultimately keep him in left-field even though he does have the mobility to play center. With Schwarber likely destined to stay in left-field for the near future, Dewees’ future with the Cubs is limited and owners will need a trade for him to get regular playing time. Right now, his offensive upside is enough to own him in all leagues and he would become a must-own if he was traded to another team.

7. Eloy Jimenez (OF, A-)
Stats: 250 PA, .284/.328/.418, 7 HR, 3 SB, 6.0% BB rate, 17.2% K rate
ETA: 2019
There are very few prospects with as high of a ceiling as Eloy Jimenez. Much like the aforementioned Eddy Martinez, Jimenez has been considered by many a future candidate to go 30/30 in the majors. Where Martinez excels with speed rather than power, Jimenez flashes more power than base-stealing speed. Jimenez also possesses the plate discipline needed to remove some of the risk involved with the 19-year-old outfielder. Make no mistake, the tools are there for Jimenez, the only question is whether or not he will be able to put everything together. Players with a ceiling as high as his are worth the high risk in dynasty leagues.

8. Albert Almora (OF, AA)
Stats: 451 PA, .272/.327/.400, 6 HR, 8 SB, 7.1% BB rate, 10.4% K rate
ETA: 2017
Considered more of a defense first prospect than the other previously two discussed outfielders, Albert Almora still has plenty of talent with his bat to make him worth owning in dynasty leagues. There is virtually no power in his bat and he is not fast enough to have a major impact on the basepaths, but Almora should be able to hit for a .275 average or higher per season. With their abundance of outfield prospects and the recent signing of Jason Heyward, Almora’s future value could hinge on the possibility of being traded. Almora is worth owning as a future fourth outfielder with decent upside, but owners will need to hope for a trade to another team.

9. Dan Vogelbach (1B, AA)
Stats: 313 PA, .272/.403/.425, 7 HR, 1 SB, 18.2% BB rate, 19.5% K rate
ETA: 2017
Once considered one of the top first base prospects in the minors, Dan Vogelbach has slipped in a lot of people’s rankings. Why, I’m not really sure. Though Vogelbach dealt with some injuries in 2015, he has continued to flash 20 home run power and well above average plate discipline that has seen his strikeout rate sit below 20% every season since 2012 and his walk rate stay above 10% every year of his Minor League career (except for his 27 PA in 2011). Much like a few other names on this list, Vogelbach will only see potential fantasy value if he is dealt to another team because there will be no displacing Anthony Rizzo at any point in the near future. His bat and well advanced plate discipline makes him worth owning in all dynasty leagues.

10. Duane Underwood (SP, A+)
Stats: 73.1 IP, 2.58 ERA, 4.16 FIP, 5.89 K/9, 2.95 BB/9, 0.74 HR/9
ETA: 2018
Duane Underwood has a very high ceiling, but so far in his minor league career he has been unable to effectively turn stuff into results. Underwood’s fastball sits in the upper-90s with a wipeout curveball that looks like a well above-average Major League offering. He needs to continue to improve on his changeup if he wants to remain as a starter. His ceiling is that of a front of the rotation starter, but he still has a lot of work to do before he can reach that ceiling. Underwood is worth owning in dynasty leagues, but owners need to understand that there is risk associated with owning him as he does have a relatively low floor as a middle relief pitcher.

 

MLB & Fantasy Baseball Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-12" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]

 




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Mitchell Robinson

Available for Game 3
Chicago Bulls

Bulls Hire Alex Kaufman as Windy City Bulls General Manager
E.J. Liddell

Agrees to Two-Year Deal with Greek Club Aris
Matas Buzelis

Will Play for Lithuania This Summer
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Has Concerns About Heat Roster If Traded to Miami
Bobby Witt Jr.

Exits Early with Knee Soreness
Mitchell Robinson

Has Technical Foul Rescinded After Game 2 Win
Jarquez Hunter

Is it Time for Dynasty Managers to Move on From Jarquez Hunter?
Elijah Arroyo

Worth Buying Low on in Dynasty Formats?
Tre Tucker

Profiles as a Dynasty Sell-High Candidate Entering 2026
Jack Bech

Should Dynasty Managers Target Jack Bech as a Buy-Low Candidate?
Jaydon Blue

a Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate After Underwhelming Rookie Year?
Saquon Barkley

in Line for Larger Pass-Catching Role in 2026?
Karl-Anthony Towns

Eligible for Massive Extension
Isaiah Stewart

Could Draw Trade Interest
Chase Briscoe

Is Chase Briscoe Worth Rostering for DFS at Michigan?
Philadelphia 76ers

Jameer Nelson Promoted to Executive Vice President
Domantas Sabonis

Could be Traded This Summer
Ty Gibbs

Is Ty Gibbs Worth Rostering at Michigan This Week for DFS?
William Byron

Will Start at the Rear at Michigan After Unapproved Adjustments
NASCAR

Should DFS Managers Roster Bubba Wallace at Michigan?
Joey Logano

Is Joey Logano Worth Rostering In DFS Lineups for Michigan
Daniel Suarez

Might Have Tournament Appeal for Michigan DFS Lineups
Jonah Coleman

Is Jonah Coleman the Most Valuable Broncos Running Back in Dynasty Leagues?
William Carrier

Suffers Upper-Body Injury in Game 3 Versus Golden Knights
Darius Slayton

Will Darius Slayton Be Phased Out of New-Look Giants Offense?
Sebastian Aho

Records Two Assists in Losing Effort
Keaton Mitchell

Can Keaton Mitchell Carve Out a Large Enough Role for a Fantasy Breakout?
Jordan Staal

Scores in Third Consecutive Game
Shea Theodore

Caps Multi-Point Effort With Game-Winning Goal Saturday
Kayshon Boutte

Will Attend Mandatory Minicamp
Denny Hamlin

Puts DFS Managers in Tough Spot for Michigan
Chase Elliott

Can Chase Elliott Get Back to His Old Ways at Michigan?
Chris Buescher

Looking for Another Solid Run at Michigan
Tomas Hertl

Collects Two Points in Overtime Win
Jonathon Brooks

to Be Carolina's Lead Back in 2026?
Carson Hocevar

Qualifies Second, Seeking Redemption at Michigan
Ross Chastain

Can DFS Managers Trust Ross Chastain at Michigan?
Mitch Marner

Scores Fastest Hat Trick in Finals History
Brad Keselowski

Has Been Solid at Michigan
Will Smith

Scratched With Neck Stiffness, Expected to Return on Sunday
Kenneth Gainwell

Standing Out at OTAs
Bhayshul Tuten

"Picking Up Steam," More in-Tune With New Scheme
Auston Matthews

Maple Leafs Confident of Keeping Auston Matthews
Andrei Vasilevskiy

Wins Second Vezina Trophy
Brayden McNabb

Uncertain for Game 3 Against Hurricanes
Jadarian Price

Is Jadarian Price Still Undervalued in Dynasty Formats?
Isaiah Bond

Is Isaiah Bond Still Worthy of a Dynasty Roster Spot?
Michael Pittman Jr.

Dynasty Outlook Clouded by Long-Term QB Uncertainty
Stefon Diggs

Win-Now Dynasty Managers Have a Buy-Low Window on Stefon Diggs
Will Howard

Is it Time for Dynasty Managers to Drop Will Howard?
DK Metcalf

Dynasty Stock is Declining Rapidly Entering 2026
Hunter Greene

Could Return Before the All-Star Break
Isaac TeSlaa

How Will Isaac TeSlaa Follow Up on a Strong 2025 Finish?
Troy Franklin

a Dynasty Hold with Potentially Rough Times Ahead
Dylan Harper

Remains a Bright Spot for San Antonio
De'Aaron Fox

Shoots Well in a Loss to the Knicks
Victor Wembanyama

Scores 29 Points in Game 2 Loss
OG Anunoby

Anchors Knicks' Defense in Finals Game 2
Mikal Bridges

Helps Knicks Secure a Game 2 Victory
Karl-Anthony Towns

Records Another Finals Double-Double
Jalen Brunson

Overcomes Cold Night to Seal Game 2
Michael Harris II

Dealing With Back Tightness, Not Believed to be Serious
Byron Buxton

Suffers Shoulder Contusion After Colliding With the Wall
Sacramento Kings

Kings Want to Trade Their Larger Contracts
Chicago Bulls

Darius Acuff Jr. Works Out for Bulls
Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Could Get Traded
MIN

Marcus Johansson Returning to Europe
Thomas White

Likely to Miss Rest of Season With Shoulder Capsular Sprain
Mitchell Robinson

is Upgraded to Available for Game 2
Cole Caufield

Earns Lady Byng Trophy
Nick Suzuki

Lands Selke Trophy
Jose Altuve

Astros Reinstate Jose Altuve From the Injured List
CFB

Reed Harris Hoping to Fill Void in Arizona State Receiving Room
CFB

Nick Marsh Gearing Up for Breakout
CFB

Drew Mestemaker Looking to Catapult Oklahoma State Offense in 2026
CFB

Rocco Becht Brings Experience to New-Look Nittany Lions
CFB

Can Trey White, Adam Trick Keep Texas Tech's Defensive Front Elite?
CFB

Devon Dampier is Key to Success for Morgan Scalley in Year 1
Aaron Judge

Yankees Officially Place Aaron Judge on Injured List With Fractured Rib
Francisco Lindor

Expected to Return in "About a Couple Weeks"
Corey Seager

Rangers Activate Corey Seager From the Injured List
Gabriel Bonfim

Set For UFC Vegas 118 Main Event
Belal Muhammad

In Dire Need Of Win
Edmen Shahbazyan

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 118
Shayne Gostisbehere

Dishes Out Two Power-Play Assists in Comeback Win
Brendan Allen

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Seth Jarvis

Ties Finals With Power-Play Goal
Mark Stone

Scores Sixth Playoff Goal in Overtime Defeat
Tom Nolan

Searches For His Fifth Consecutive Win
Mitch Marner

Records Two Assists in Game 2 Loss
Farés Ziam

Fares Ziam A Favorite At UFC Vegas 118
Brett Howden

Matches Franchise Record With Another Productive Outing
Brayden McNabb

Hospitalized After Taking Puck to Face
Aaron Judge

Diagnosed with Stress Fracture, Out 4-6 Weeks
Shohei Ohtani

has "Small" Blister, a "Non-Issue" for his Pitching Starts
Brent Rooker

Out on Thursday Due to Knee Soreness
Frederik Andersen

Hurricanes Retain Confidence in Frederik Andersen
Vincent Trocheck

Maple Leafs Interested in Vincent Trocheck
Dylan Larkin

Requests Trade From Red Wings
Corey Seager

Expected to Return This Weekend
Lucas Erceg

Royals to Mix and Match in Ninth With Lucas Erceg Struggling
Aaron Judge

to Undergo Additional Imaging
Ketel Marte

Out on Wednesday With Back, Hamstring Injuries
Corbin Burnes

has Teres Major Strain, Unlikely to Return Until September
Rickie Fowler

Looks To Continue Resurgent Season At Memorial
CFB

Can Eric Singleton Jr. Fully Break Out at Third School?
CFB

Katin Houser Steps into QB1 Role for Illinois
CFB

Savion Hiter an Immediate Impact Freshman for Michigan
CFB

Isaiah Horton Set to Take Over KC Concepcion's Role
CFB

UCLA Transfer Karson Gordon Signs with Austin Peay
CFB

Will Muschamp Bringing New Intensity to Texas Practices
Gary Woodland

Brings Boom-or-Bust Potential to Memorial
Jordan Spieth

Still Searching for a Breakthrough
Alex Smalley

Brings Elite Form to Memorial Tournament
Justin Rose

Looks to Recapture Memorial Tournament Success
Cameron Young

Looks to Get Back to His Contending Ways at Murifield Village
Chris Gotterup

Needs to Find Fairways at Muirfield Village
Si Woo Kim

Looks to Stay Hot at Memorial Tournament
Matt Fitzpatrick

Positioned for Success at Muirfield Village
Keegan Bradley

Looking for Another Strong Finish at Muirfield
Justin Thomas

is an Exciting Play This Week in Ohio
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Win Memorial Tournament for Third Consecutive Year
Rory McIlroy

Looking for Better Performance at Muirfield Village
Drake Baldwin

Could Return During Braves Next Homestand
Garrett Crochet

Diagnosed With Low-Grade Lat Strain
Russell Henley

Coming to Ohio on the Heels of Latest Victory
Tommy Fleetwood

Looking for Better Iron Play at Memorial Tournament
Patrick Cantlay

Looks to Continue Dominance at Muirfield Village
Ludvig Aberg

a Great Fit for Muirfield Village
Aaron Judge

Out on Tuesday With Rib/Shoulder Injury
CFB

SEC Coach Calls Buster Faulkner a "Home-Run Hire"
CFB

Auburn a Sleeper in the SEC Under Alex Golesh?
CFB

Noah Fifita Primed for Strong 2026 Campaign
CFB

Oregon Assistant Coach Charged with DUII, Reckless Driving
CFB

Tight End Nick Pollack Commits to Clemson
Akshay Bhatia

Needs the Driver to be True in Ohio
Aaron Rai

Primed to take on the Memorial Tournament
J.J. Spaun

Rebounded at Charles Schwab Challenge
Xander Schauffele

One to Watch This Week in Ohio
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF