👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
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


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Top-Rated Accuracy
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

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"]

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Top-Rated Accuracy
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Konnor Griffin

Pirates Sign Konnor Griffin to Nine-Year Extension
Parker Washington

Undervalued Despite League-Winning Finish in 2025
Nico Collins

Is Nico Collins Still a Dynasty WR1?
Rome Odunze

Does Rome Odunze Offer the Highest Ceiling in Chicago?
Justus Annunen

Ends Predators' 120-Game Streak Without a Shutout
Tank Bigsby

Still Holds Value Despite Limited Usage
Trevor Zegras

Leads Flyers to Victory Tuesday
Matthew Golden

A Matthew Golden Breakout Still Faces Obstacles
Kevin Bahl

Sustains Lower-Body Injury Against Stars
Michael Rasmussen

Likely to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Dmitry Kulikov

Done for the Season After Breaking Finger
Jalen Chatfield

Exits Early With Lower-Body Injury
Nazem Kadri

Suffers Upper-Body Injury Tuesday
Ty Jerome

Remains Out Wednesday
Wendell Carter Jr.

Iffy for Wednesday
Isaiah Stewart

Might Be an Option for Pistons Wednesday
Thomas Bryant

Misses Wednesday's Game
Dean Wade

Could Return Wednesday
Jaylon Tyson

Questionable Wednesday
Jerami Grant

Unavailable Wednesday
Ray Davis

Patience Dwindling for Ray Davis' Dynasty Managers?
Ja'Marr Chase

a Real Threat to Finish as Overall WR1?
Javonte Williams

Returning to Face Minimal Competition?
Tyrrell Hatton

a Steady Option at The Masters
Justin Thomas

a High-Risk, High-Reward Option at The Masters
Terry McLaurin

the Undisputed Focal Point of Washington's Offense
Justin Herbert

a Dynasty Target with New-Look Offense Around Him?
Tee Higgins

an Intriguing Dynasty Trade Target with QB Healthy?
PGA

Sungjae Im a Volatile Option at the Masters
Nicolai Hojgaard

Carrying Momentum Into The Masters
Si Woo Kim

in Strong Form Heading to The Masters
Chris Gotterup

Ready to Make His Masters Debut
Patrick Reed

Brings Momentum to The Masters
Jon Rahm

Looks Poised for His Second Green Jacket
Morgan Geekie

Collects Second Career Hat Trick
Joel Eriksson Ek

has Three Points in Victory
Jacob deGrom

Doesn't Have Structural Damage in his Knee
J.T. Realmuto

Leaves Game on Tuesday Due to Bruised Right Foot
Shaedon Sharpe

Picks Up Doubtful Tag
New York Giants

Dexter Lawrence Looking for $30 Million Annually?
Stephon Castle

Considered Doubtful for Wednesday
Marte Mapu

Texans Acquire Linebacker Marte Mapu From Patriots
Jaxson Hayes

a Late Scratch Against Thunder
Cleveland Browns

Browns Considering Francis Mauigoa at No. 6 Overall?
Max Strus

Returning to Action Wednesday
Deshaun Watson

Medically Cleared for QB Competition
Caleb Martin

Still Sidelined Tuesday
Donovan Mitchell

Listed as Questionable for Wednesday
James Conner

Present for Start of Offseason Program
James Harden

Available Wednesday
Brandon Williams

Ruled Out Tuesday
Cam Skattebo

in Attendance at Offseason Program
Malik Nabers

to be Ready to Play at Some Point in Training Camp
Kevin Porter Jr.

Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery
P.J. Washington

Out Tuesday Against Clippers
Marvin Bagley III

Daniel Gafford Out, Marvin Bagley III Available Tuesday
Kristaps Porzingis

Ruled Out Tuesday
Stephen Curry

Good to Go Tuesday
Duncan Robinson

Available Wednesday
Cody Ponce

to Have Knee Surgery, Expected to Miss Six Months
Alejandro Kirk

Facing Six-Week Absence
Jacob deGrom

to Undergo MRI on Tuesday
Mike Trout

Back in the Lineup on Tuesday
Hunter Brown

Diagnosed with Grade 2 Shoulder Strain
Pavel Mintyukov

Returns From Three-Game Absence
Cutter Gauthier

Remains Sidelined Tuesday
Kirby Dach

Ready to Return Tuesday
Jordan Staal

Good to Go Tuesday
Adam Scott

Form Points to Him Competing at Masters
Jordan Spieth

Finding Consistency Heading to Masters
Hideki Matsuyama

Trending In Right Direction For Masters
Valeri Nichushkin

Nicolas Roy Available Tuesday
Cale Makar

Expected to Miss More Time
Matthew Tkachuk

Sits Out Tuesday's Game
Cade Horton

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
De'Von Achane

Not Present for Start of Voluntary Workouts
Malik Nabers

Present for Start of Offseason Program
NFL

Fernando Mendoza Not Planning to Attend the NFL Draft
Tommy Fleetwood

a Contender if his Putter Cooperates at The Masters
Nikita Kucherov

Nets 400th Career Goal
Evander Kane

Unlikely to Play Tuesday
Kevin Lankinen

Won't Dress on Tuesday
Morgan Barron

Considered Week-to-Week
Pontus Holmberg

Suffers Upper-Body Injury Monday
Jacob deGrom

Pitches Through Knee Issue on Monday
Dalton Rushing

Smacks Two Homers in Rout of Blue Jays
Max Scherzer

Dealing With Forearm Tendinitis, Expected to Make his Next Start
Collin Morikawa

Vegas has Lost Confidence in Collin Morikawa Ahead of Masters Tournament
Ludvig Aberg

One of the Top Plays For This Week's Masters Tournament
Rory McIlroy

Set to Defend his Long-Awaited Masters Victory
Bryson DeChambeau

Looks to Finally Claim a Green Jacket
Patrick Cantlay

Needs Plenty to Go Right at Augusta
Harris English

Playing Solid Golf Heading to Masters
Sam Burns

Bouncing Back Nicely After Slow Start to 2026 Season
Corey Conners

Quietly Putting Together A Strong 2026 Season
Russell Henley

Looks to Bounce Back At Masters
Mike Trout

Held Out of Series Opener Against Braves
Alejandro Kirk

to Undergo Thumb Surgery on Tuesday
Juan Soto

Mets Place Juan Soto on 10-Day Injured List
Matthew Boyd

Cubs Putting Matthew Boyd on 15-Day Injured List With Biceps Strain
Mickey Moniak

Goes Yard Twice Against his Old Team
Brent Rooker

Homers Twice, Drives in Six in Win Over Astros
Mike Trout

Considered Day-to-Day With Hand Contusion
Chris Duncan

Suffers Second-Round Submission Loss
Renato Moicano

Gets Back In The Win Column
Tabatha Ricci

Gets Outgrappled
Virna Jandiroba

Bounces Back
Brendson Ribeiro

Suffers First-Round Submission Loss
Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev

Earns First-Round Submission Win
Rafael Estevam

Suffers His First Loss
Ethyn Ewing

Dominates At UFC Vegas 115
Mike Trout

Exits Early After Getting Hit by Pitch
Pete Fairbanks

Serving as Opener Before Going on Paternity List
Chris Duncan

Set For UFC Vegas 115 Main Event
Renato Moicano

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 115
Tabatha Ricci

Set For UFC Vegas 115 Co-Main Event
Virna Jandiroba

Looks To Bounce Back
Brendson Ribeiro

In Desperate Need Of Win
Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev

Looks To Remain Unbeaten
Ethyn Ewing

Set For His Second UFC Bout
Rafael Estevam

Looks To Remain Undefeated
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF