Don’t forget to pick up your copy of the The 2023 Prospect Digest Handbook here!
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1. Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 50/60 | 50/55 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 70 |
Background: Baseball is a romantic game. A game shared between fathers and sons, like Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. or Bobby and Barry Bonds, or brothers like Matty, Felipe, and Jesus Alou, or in place of absent fathers, mothers and sons, like the Alomars, who learned the game from their mother because their father, Sandy, was always on the road. Bloodlines run as deep as the game’s history. But sometimes, though, those bloodlines briefly intersect with the game away from the diamond. Like, for instance, Pete Crow-Armstrong’s mother, Ashley Crow, who starred in the childhood classic Little Big League as Billy Heywood’s mother. (Also worth noting: Crow-Armstrong’s father, Matthew John Armstrong, has worked in the film industry as well. Originally taken by the Mets in the middle of the first round three years ago, Crow-Armstrong got off to a scorching start to his career the following season as he bashed .417/.563/.500 before a torn right labrum issue knocked him out after just six contests. Despite sitting on the disabled list and accruing a week’s worth of game’s on his professional resume, the Cubs’ front office honed in on the high upside outfielder during their fire sale two years ago as they looked to jumpstart their rebuild. The pried him away from the Mets for All-Star infielder Javier Baez, right-hander Trevor Williams, and cash. Last season, his first full campaign in the Cubs’ farm system, Crow-Armstrong was extraordinary as he split time between Myrtle Beach and South Bend. He finished the year with an aggregate .312/.376/.520 slash line with 20 doubles, 10 triples, 16 homeruns, and 32 stolen bases (in 43 attempts). Per Weighted Runs Created Plus, his overall production surpassed the league average threshold by a whopping 44%.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only three hitters met the following criteria in any High-A league (min. 275 PA): 120 to 130 wRC+, a 23% to 25% strikeout rate, and a sub-7.0% walk rate. Those three hitters: Carlos Gonzalez, Thomas Saggese, and – of course – Pete Crow-Armstrong.
One of the purest hitters in the minor leagues, Crow-Armstrong’s sweet lefty swing is geared towards future batting titles, line drives, and 25 homeruns. He grinds out at bats, making the opposition throw pitch after pitch. His walk rate plummeted during his extended stint in High-A last season, but it should hover near the league average, maybe a tick better, in coming years. No platoon splits, above-average power, plus speed, and a potential plus hit tool. Crow-Armstrong also was solid in centerfield last summer as well. In terms of big league ceiling, think: .310/.370/.490 with 25-homer / 25-stolen base potential.
Ceiling: 6.0-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2024
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2. Kevin Alcantara, CF
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 50/55 | 50/60 | 50/40 | 55 | 55 | 60 |
Background: I’ve written, ad nauseam, how the Cubs’ World Series winning team was built upon the backs of young hitters, particularly power-hitters. The front office had the recipe for success, but they deviated in recent years as they targeted soft-tossing, crafty, low-ceiling / high-floor pitchers in the draft. Two years ago, though, the organization refocused their efforts on high upside hitters, acquiring the likes of Pete Crow-Armstrong, Alexander Canario, and Kevin Alcantara in various trades. Chicago sent three-time All-Star first baseman Anthony Rizzo to the Yankees in exchange for right-hander Alexander Vizcaíno and Alcantara. Last season the 6-foot-6, 188-pound centerfielder made the leap up to full season action for the first time in his career. And he shined – brightly. Appearing in 112 games with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the young Dominican prospect mashed .273/.360/.451 with 19 doubles, six triples, 15 homeruns, and 14 stolen bases. According to Weighted Runs Created Plus, his overall production topped the league average mark by an impressive 24%.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only five 19-year-old hitters posted a 120 to 130 wRC+ in any Low-A league (min. 350 PA): Michael Burgess, Josh Morgan, Eddinson Paulino, Carson Williams, and – of course – Kevin Alcantara.
One of the more underrated prospects in the game. Alcántara owns a very loud, yet somewhat raw, toolkit. Plus-power potential. Above-average glove at a premium position. Above-average speed. The young centerfield takes a patient approach at the plate and, despite his massive frame, owns decent contact rates. Best power in the Cubs’ system. Still believe there’s superstar potential here. In terms of big league potential, think: .290/.370/.500 with 30-homer potential. A move to a corner outfield spot is a real possibility.
Ceiling: 4.0-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2024/2025
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3. Kevin Made, 3B / SS
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 50/55 | 50/55 | 40 | 30/40 | 60 | 60 |
Background: High profile international free agent that joined the franchise for a massive $1.7 million in 2019. Made had to wait two years before making his debut. And despite making the leap from amateur pitching to Low-A hurlers as an 18-year-old in 2021, Made held his own in 58 games with Myrtle Beach. He batted .272/.296/.366 with 13 doubles, three triples, one homeruns, and a pair of stolen bases. Last season, after his solid – albeit short – debut in Low-A, the front office sent the 5-foot-10, 160-pound infielder back to the Pelicans for additional seasoning. And the results were certainly improved. Made slugged .266/.354/.451 with 14 doubles and nine dingers in only 57 games. The organization bumped the promising youngster up to High-A in late July, but Made promptly struggled as he hit a lowly .162/.267/.246. He finished the season with an aggregate .227/.322/.375 slash line with 20 doubles, one triple, 10 homeruns, and a trio of stolen bases. His overall production, which was dragged down considerably by his High-A work, was 4% below the league average mark. Made’s start to the year was slowed significantly due to “elbow soreness”, causing him to miss for a couple weeks.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only three 19-year-old hitters posted a 118 to 128 wRC+ with an 18% to 20% strikeout rate and 9% to 12% walk rate in any Low-A league (min. 250 PA): Logan Morrison, Eddinson Paulino, and – of course – Kevin Made.
There aren’t too many turnarounds like Made’s approach at the plate from his first to second seasons. After walking just six times in 243 plate appearances (just 2.5% of the time), the Dominican shortstop walked 46 times in only 408 plate appearances between his stints with Myrtle Beach and South Bend (11.3% of the time). Some of the best bat speed in the minors, Made owns above-average power potential – despite being a wispy 160 pounds. If everything breaks the right way, he could have 55-grades on the bat and power. His defense is some of the best at the position in the minors. He could be a special player with a ceiling as a .280/.370/.480 hitter with Gold Glove defense. He could pop in a big way in 2023. Remember the name. +
Ceiling: 4.0-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2024/2025
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4. James Triantos, 3B
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 50/55 | 50/60 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 55 |
Background: After drafting Kansas State University ace left-hander Jordan Wicks with the 21st overall pick, the front office circled back around and selected James Madison High School slugger James Triantos in the second round. Triantos signed with the club for nearly twice the recommended slot bonus that summer. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound infielder turned in a rock solid debut in the Complex League, mashing .327/.376/.594 with seven doubles, one triple, six homeruns, and a trio of stolen bases. Last summer the organization assigned him to Myrtle Beach. And the Virginia-born prospect responded well. In 113 games with the Pelicans, Triantos batted .272/.335/.386 with 19 doubles, six triples, seven homeruns, and 20 stolen bases (in 23 total attempts). Per Weighted Runs Created Plus, his overall production topped the league average production line by 2%.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only five 19-year-old hitters met the following criteria in any Low-A league (min. 350 PA): 97 to 107 wRC+, 6.5% to 8.5% walk percentage with a 14% to 18% strikeout rate. Those five hitters: Nick Gordon, Miguel Andujar, Jamie Westbrook, Edinson Rincon, and – of course James Triantos.
After having Triantos split time on both sides of the keystone during his debut, the front office pushed the former second rounder to the hot corner last season. Like a lot of the Cubs’ Baby Bashers, he’s still figuring out how to tap into his impressive power potential. Lighting quick bat that projects for at least an above-average hit tool and power. He’s still learning the finer nuances at third base, but he should be at least an average defender. Triantos is poised to be one of the bigger breakouts in 2023.
Ceiling: 3.5-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2024
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5. Jordan Wicks, LHP
| FB | CB | SL | CH | Command | Overall |
| 55 | 50 | 55 | 70 | 60 | 55 |
Background: The Cubs have dipped into the waters of the Kansas State baseball program via the midsummer draft just four times in their storied history. The first was all the way back in 1970 when the snagged second baseman William Huisman in the 13th round. The second time happened two years later with the selection of outfielder Bill Droege in the eighth round. Then the Wildcats experienced a 25-year Chicago draught before the organization grabbed the immortal Todd Fereday in the 36th round in 1997. And it took nearly that long before the Cubbies would select another KSU alum, though, this time it would be in the opening round. Taken with the 21st overall pick two years ago, Wicks was a consistent force atop the school’s rotation as he averaged 10.2 strikeouts and just 2.6 walks per nine innings across 34 career starts. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound changeup artist would make four brief appearances with South Bend during his debut, fanning five and walking three in 7.0 innings of work. Last season, the southpaw returned to High-A for a longer look, but after (mostly) dominating for 16 starts, the front office deemed him ready to take on the minors’ toughest test – Double-A. He would continue to miss bats at an impressive clip with the Smokies. Wicks would finish the year with 94.2 innings, posting a 121-to-28 strikeout-to-walk ratio with a 3.80 ERA.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, there have been eight 22-year-old hurlers that posted a 29.5% to 31.5% strikeout percentage with a 4% to 6% walk percentage in any High-A league (min. 50 IP): Eric Lauer, Tarik Skubal, Brandon Pfaadt, James McDonald, Jared Shuster, Ben Lively, Brett Conine, and Jordan Wicks.
I caught a couple of Wicks’ starts throughout the year last season, and each time I came away thinking he was better than I originally thought. Low 90s, above-average fastball that he – generally – commands well. He’ll mix in a rare, get-me-over curveball that has some shape and depth. He’ll add and subtract on his above-average slider, morphing it from a more traditional cutter all the way down to a slurvy-type breaking ball. His plus-plus changeup is a game changer, one of the best offspeed pitches in the minor leagues. Wicks isn’t your traditional crafty southpaw, though he does command the zone well. The ceiling isn’t overly big as he’s still tracking like a #4-type arm. But he’s safe and likely to be with the Cubbies in 2023.
Ceiling: 2.5- to 3.0-win player
Risk: Low to Moderate
MLB ETA: 2023
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6. Cade Horton, RHP
| FB | CB | SL | CH | Command | Overall |
| 60 | N/A | 70 | 45/50 | 50 | 60 |
Background: A highly touted two-way player coming out of Norman High School. Perfect Game and Prep Baseball Report ranked the infielder / right-hander as the second best prospect in the state of Oklahoma. Both outlets also ranked him as the 14th and 34th overall player in the country as well. On the gridiron the 6-foot-2, 190-pound quarterback passed for more than 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns during his senior season, rushing for an additional 1,149 years and 15 TDs. The 2020 Oklahoma Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year committed to the University of Oklahoma as a two-sport athlete (he agreed to be a walk-on for the football team). But before his freshman baseball season could kickoff, Horton torn his UCL and missed the year rehabbing from the subsequent Tommy John surgery. Finally healthy in 2022, the hard-throwing right-hander made 14 appearances for the Sooners, 11 of which were starts, throwing 53.2 innings with 64 strikeouts and just 15 walks. He compiled a 4.86 ERA. Horton also batted .235/.323/.324 as the team’s third baseman / shortstop. The Cubs took a surprising gamble on the righty in the opening round, 7th overall, and signed him to a deal worth $4.45 million, saving the club more than a million dollars – most of which went to their second pick (Jackson Ferris).
Scouting Report: My pre-draft write-up:
“Consider the following:
- Since 2015, only five Big 12 pitchers averaged between 10.25 and 11.5 K/9 and between 2.25 and 2.75 BB/9 in a season (min. 50 IP): Jordan Wicks, Jake Irvin, Micah Dallas, Kyle Tyler, and Cade Horton.
Horton’s season ended on a bittersweet note as he struck out 13 batters, a College World Series final record, in a loss to Ole Miss. Filthy arsenal highlighted by a mid- to upper-90s fastball and an 86- to 90-mph wicked slider, with the latter being his best pitch – a plus, plus offering. Horton will mix in a decent, reluctant changeup. He also did away with his curveball at some part in the latter half of the college season as well. The lack of a consistent third option and the recent Tommy John surgery are the only things keeping him away from being the first pitcher chosen in the 2022 draft. ELECTRIC.”
Ceiling: 4.0-win player
Risk: High
MLB ETA: 2025
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7. Owen Caissie, LF / RF
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 45 | 40/60 | 40/30 | 55 | 50 | 55 |
Background: Before the front office held their midseason Fire Sale in 2021, which featured the departures of the core of the club’s 2016 World Series title (Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez, and Kris Bryant), Chicago lit the tinder box with the Yu Darvish deal with San Diego in December of 2020. The North Siders packaged Darvish and Victor Caratini for veteran hurler Zach Davies, Ismael Mena, Reginald Preciado, Yeison Santana, and Owen Caissie. Drafted in the second round out of Burlington, Ontario-based Notre Dame High School, Caissie would make his professional debut in the Cubs’ organization two years ago. He would split the year between the Complex League and Low-A, hitting a rock solid .302/.434/.489 between both stops, though the majority of the damage was done in the rookie league. Despite his lackluster showing in 22 games with Myrtle Beach in 2021, the front office aggressively shoved the 6-foot-4, 190-pound corner outfielder straight up to High-A. And Caissie acquitted himself nicely. Appearing in 105 games with the South Bend Cubs, he slugged .254/.349/.402 with 21 doubles, one triple, 11 homeruns, and 11 stolen bases (in 17 attempts). Per Weighted Runs Created Plus, his overall production surpassed the league average threshold by 13%. He also appeared in 16 games with the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League as well, batting .220/.270/.356 with five doubles and a dinger in 63 plate appearances.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, here’s the list of 19-year-old hitters that posted a wRC+ total between 108 to 118 in any High-A league (min. 350 PA): Rafael Devers, Starlin Castro, Dylan Carlson, Orlando Arcia, Cristian Pache, Matt Dominguez, Daniel Fields, and Owen Caissie. Now the bad news: only two of those aforementioned hitters whiffed in more than 27% of their plate appearances – Daniel Fields and Owen Caissie.
Equipped with some of the best bat speed in the minor leagues, Caissie uncorks a vicious left-handed swing that projects – at least – 30 homeruns at maturity. The former second round will draw his fair share of walks, but it’s going to come down to his ability to make consistent contact – he posted a whiff rate of nearly 29% in 2022. He’s just scratching the surface of his prodigious power. The hulking 6-foot-4, 190-pounder is surprisingly nimble on the base paths and in the field, where he’ll be no worse than an average defender.
Ceiling: 3.0- to 3.5-win player
Risk: Moderate to High
MLB ETA: 2024
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8. Brennen Davis, OF
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 45 | 50/60 | 40 | 55 | 50 | 55 |
Background: Everything came up aces for the former 2018 second round pick in 2021. Davis, who showed some offensive promise during his 50-game stint in Low-A in 2019, rocketed through three levels during his breakout two years ago, slugging .260/.375/.494 with 25 doubles, 19 homeruns, and eight stolen bases in 100 games of work split between South Bend, Tennessee, and Iowa. He was viewed as the face of the organization’s rebuild, a potential above-average regular with plenty of tools that could lead the Cubs back to relevance. But everything that went well for Davis in 2021 went wrong last season. The front office sent the promising outfielder back to Iowa for additional seasoning. Davis started the year off frigid, going 0-for-10 across his first four games and batting a lowly .195/.286/.299 across his first 22 contests. He hit the disabled list in early May and eventually underwent a surgical procedure on his back that removed a “vascular formation that was impacting nerves and causing pain in his legs”, according to report by Sahadev Sharma on The Athletic. Davis eventually made it back to Triple-A in late-August but continued to struggle at the plate. The franchise sent the former second rounder to the Arizona Fall League where his bat showed a heartbeat in five games with the Mesa Solar Sox, batting .278/.381/.667.
Scouting Report: It was – in every sense of the word – a lost season for Davis. Nothing good came from it. And it remains to be seen as to how his nerve issue will impact him moving forward. The hit tool may never creep into average territory, and he’s still learning how to fully tap into his plus-power potential. Davis has spent time in left and centerfields, but he’s destined for the former. He’s still a risky bet. And that’s before considering he’s reached 100 games just once in his career. He could very well end up as a fourth or fifth outfielder.
Ceiling: 3.0-win player
Risk: Moderate to High
MLB ETA: 2023
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9. Ben Brown, RHP
| FB | CB | SL | Command | Overall |
| 60 | 50 | 55 | 55 | 50 |
Background: Five years after originally trading for righty David Robertson near the deadline, the Phillies once again set their sights on the veteran reliever midway through the 2022 season. The price: former 33rd round pick Ben Brown. A product of Ward Melville High School, located in Setauket, New York, Brown lost a couple seasons of precious development time. First Tommy John surgery knocked him out of commission for the 2019 season then the pandemic kept him away from an affiliated mound the entire 2020 season. Then he would miss all but seven games in 2021. Finally healthy last season, the 6-foot-6, 210-pound right-hander quickly made up for lost time as he tossed 104.0 innings between the Phillies’ High-A and Cubs’ Double-A affiliates. He averaged an impressive 12.9 strikeouts and 3.1 walks per nine innings. He finished the year with an aggregate 3.37 ERA and a 3.20 FIP.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only three 22-year-old hurlers posted a strikeout rate between 34.5% to 36.5% strikeout percentage in any High-A league (min. 70 IP): Dean Kremer, Nick Nastrini, and – of course – Ben Brown.
Brown owns the rare distinction, at least among viable starting pitching prospects, to not throw a changeup or split-change / splitter. Instead, the former late round flier features a fastball / slider / curveball combo. Easy, easy plus velocity on the explosive, late-lifed heater. His slider will flash plus on occasion, though it’s rare. And he’ll also throw a spike / knuckle-curveball as well. Brown commands the zone surprisingly well considering his lack of mound-time between 2019 and 2021 (he tossed just 29.2 affiliated innings). There’s backend starting potential here with the floor of a seventh or eighth inning guy. In terms of ceiling, think: 9 K/9 and 3.2 BB/9 – if everything breaks the right way. The 2023 season will go a long way towards proving (A) he can stay healthy and (B) he can repeat his level of dominance.
Ceiling: 2.5-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2023
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10. Alexander Canario, OF
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 40/45 | 60 | 60 | 50 | 55 | 50 |
Background: You’ve likely heard this before – at least a few times – but the Cubs acquired the promising, toolsy outfielder as part of their midseason fire sale two years ago. Chicago shipped off fan favorite Kris Bryant to the Giants of San Francisco for right-hander Caleb Kilian and Alexander Canario, the key to the deal. Signed out of Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic during the summer of 2016, Canario rocketed up prospect lists after a phenomenal showing in the old Northwest League in 2019 as he slugged .301/.365/.539 as a 19-year-old. But his prospect status took a significant hit during the 2021 season as he batted a lowly .230/.300/.431 between both organizations. Last season though, the 6-foot-1, 165-pound outfielder reemerged as an intriguing weapon. Splitting time between the club’s High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A affiliates, Canario slugged .252/.343/.556 with career highs in doubles (26), homeruns (37), and stolen bases (23). Per Weighted Runs Created Plus, his overall production topped the league average mark by an impressive 33%.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only three 22-year-old hitters met the following criteria in a Double-A season (min. 300 PA): 120 to 130 wRC+, a double-digit walk rate, and a 25% to 27% strikeout rate. Those three hitters: Isan Diaz, Troy Stokes, and Alexander Canario.
While the Tennessee Smokies’ home ballpark will boost homeruns, Canario’s prodigious homerun pace with the club’s Double-A affiliate was more than just a favorable environment. He slugged 24 dingers in only 81 games (as well as 18 doubles and a pair of triples). However, the toolsy power-hitting outfielder, who can aptly handle all three outfield positions, still has some swing-and-miss issues to his game. Easy plus power. Solid patience at the plate. Great bat speed. Above-average glove and speed. It’s going to come down to his hit tool. It’s currently a 45-grade weapon, but if it jumps up to average he has the tools to be a franchise cornerstone. Currently tracking like a .250/.300/.500 hitter.
Ceiling: 2.5-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2023/2024
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All statistics were provided via the following website: Baseball Reference, FanGraphs, TheBaseballCube, BaseballProspectus, ClayDavenport.com, and Baseball America.
