Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Building the Future: The Chicago Cubs 2023 Farm System All-Stars

In the heart of Wrigleyville, where the ivy covered walls of Wrigley Field have bared witness to over a century of rich baseball history, the Chicago Cubs are preparing for a new era of greatness. While the winds of change sweep through Wrigley Field, the Cubs' farm system holds strong as a beacon of great hope and anticipation. Fans watch the farm system hoping that new new crop of young talent will take center stage and rival the great core from 2016.

I will highlight the standout prospects from the 2023 Minor League Baseball season, specifically for the Chicago Cubs. One prospect from each position will be honored as we catch a glimpse into who just could be part of the next great Cubs team. 

Catcher - Moises Ballesteros, Tennessee Smokies (AA)

Stats for 2023: (117 Games) .285/.375/.449/.823, 64 runs, 27 doubles, 14 home runs, 64 RBI, 63 walks, 78 strikeouts

 

First Base - Matt Mervis, Iowa Cubs (AAA)

Stats for 2023: (100 Games) .282/.399/.533/.932, 77 runs, 23 doubles, 22 home runs, 78 RBI, 67 walks, 100 strikeouts
 
Mervis is still mashing, even after a quick send down back to the minors following a short stint with the big league club in May.


 

Second Base - Yonathan Perlaza, Iowa Cubs (AAA)

Stats for 2023: (121 Games) .284/.389/.534/.922, 100 runs, 40 doubles, 23 home runs, 85 RBI, 76 walks, 119 strikeouts
 
Putting a player in his secondary position is probably cheating, but with the year Perlaza put up he needed to sneak in. The highlight of this year would be his 23 home runs on the season, which is the most of any player in the farm system.

Third Base - James Triantos, Tennessee Smokies (AA)

Stats for 2023: (83 Games) .287/.364/.391/.755, 45 runs, 15 doubles, 4 home runs, 48 RBI, 35 walks, 39 strikeouts
 
Triantos had one of the more underrated and overlooked years in the minors. In reponse to that, the young infielder made sure his name was known by winning the Arizona Fall League Offensive Player of the Year. 


Shortstop - Matt Shaw, Tennessee Smokies (AA)

Stats for 2023: (38 Games) .357/.400/.618/1.018, 27 runs, 9 doubles, 8 home runs, 28 RBI, 9 walks, 25 strikeouts
 
Shaw had one meteoric rise through the minors after being drafted in the first round in 2023. This continues the Chicago Cubs' long ling of success with drafting bats right out of college, including the likes of Kyle Schwarber and Ian Happ.


Left Field - Owen Caissie, Tennessee Smokies (AA)

Stats for 2023: (120 Games) .289/.399/.519/.918, 77 runs, 31 doubles, 22 home runs, 84 RBI, 76 walks, 168 strikeouts

Center Field - Pete Crow-Armstrong, Chicago Cubs (MLB)

Stats for 2023: (107 Games) .283/.365/.511/.876, 98 runs, 27 doubles, 20 home runs, 82 RBI, 46 walks, 129 strikeouts.






While his hitting numbers are great, they are not why he is on this list. It's all about his high-level defense that he showed off in his short stint in the majors.

Right Field - Kevin Alcantara, Tennessee Smokies (AA)

Stats for 2023: (102 Games) .284/.345/.465/.810, 71 runs, 26 doubles, 13 home runs, 71 RBI, 36 walks, 105 strikeouts



Designated Hitter - Ezequiel Pagan, Tennessee Smokies (AA)

Stats for 2023: (99 Games) .298/.378/.401/.779, 58 runs, 20 doubles, 5 home runs, 37 RBI, 39 walks, 66 strikeouts


Pitcher - Cade Horton, Tennessee Smokies (AA)

Stats for 2023:  (21 Games) 4-4, 2.56 ERA, 88.1 innings pitched, 27 walks, 117 strikeouts

Strikeouts. That is what Horton has been known for over the course of the season, putting up 117 strikeouts in just over 88 innings pitched. This should come as no shock given the many 6 to 7 strikeout games he put up.


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