Get Ready for Excitement: 5 Cubs Prospects Poised for a Major League Debut in 2024!

Addressing Team Needs: 5 Cubs Prospects Poised for a Breakthrough in 2024

Every team has gaps to fill, and the Chicago Cubs might find solutions from within. Five standout prospects from the Cubs’ farm system could make their MLB debut in the upcoming 2024 season, offering a potential boost to the team. While the Cubs have explored various player options, some of their needs could be met by tapping into the talent of their prospects, even if only for a brief period during the season.

With one of the most promising farm systems in baseball, the Cubs boast an array of talented players across different positions. This list exclusively focuses on prospects who have yet to experience the big leagues, omitting players like Pete Crow-Armstrong, Alexander Canario, and Matt Mervis.

Prospects to Watch:

1. Ben Brown, Right-Handed Pitcher
Ranked as the Cubs’ No. 5 prospect, Ben Brown is on the 40-man roster for the 2024 season. Standing at 6’6 and weighing 210 pounds, Brown, acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022, demonstrated his prowess in Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa. With a fastball reaching the upper-90s, Brown could serve as the fifth starter or contribute as a mid-to-late-inning reliever, providing the Cubs with the pitching strength they need.

Ben Brown, back to dialing up zeros.

The fourth-ranked @Cubs prospect ties a season high with 11 strikeouts over six scoreless for the @IowaCubs, giving him 13.5 K/9 this year: pic.twitter.com/bdk8qLDbch

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) June 14, 2023

2. Haydn McGeary, First Base
Hailing from Colorado Mesa University, Haydn McGeary, a Division-II prospect drafted in the 15th round in 2022, has quickly climbed to the 17th rank in the Cubs’ prospect list. Although not on the 40-man roster, McGeary’s impressive performance in High-A and Double-A, with 19 home runs and 88 RBIs, makes him a potential solution for the Cubs’ first base position. While the call-up may not be immediate, injuries during the season could open the door for McGeary to showcase his skills.

3. Luis Vasquez, Shortstop
As the Cubs’ 21st-ranked prospect, Luis Vasquez, drafted in the 14th round in 2017, spent his 2023 season split between Double-A and Triple-A. Possessing a powerful bat with 20 home runs and 80 RBIs, Vasquez’s defensive prowess at shortstop, boasting a 60-grade arm and minimal errors, positions him as a valuable asset. While shortstop and second base are secured, the third base position presents an opportunity for Vasquez to make an impact, especially considering his impressive fielding skills.

4. Bryce Windham, Catcher
Despite not ranking among the top 30 prospects, Bryce Windham, drafted in the 32nd round in 2019, has showcased potential, particularly in Triple-A Iowa. With a batting average of .290 and an OPS of .743, Windham’s ability to avoid strikeouts and hit for average makes him an intriguing option. As the Cubs currently have only two catchers on the 40-man roster, Windham could be a valuable addition, providing depth and competition for playing time.

Practice 12 to 3 o’clock.

Bryce Windham, Cubs AAA – recovers this sac bunt with a nice side arm flick. pic.twitter.com/r63sCtXxJZ

— Tyler Goodro (@goodrocatching) July 21, 2023

5. Cam Sanders
Another player outside the top-30 prospects, Cam Sanders, drafted in the 12th round in 2018, exhibited promise as a reliever in Triple-A Iowa during the 2023 season. Sanders’ transition to the bullpen resulted in increased strikeouts, boasting a 13.5 K/9. While not on the 40-man roster, Sanders’ impressive performance in limiting opposing hitters to .172 in 2023 positions him as a potential asset for the Cubs’ bullpen. However, his command issues need improvement for him to secure a spot in the big leagues.

As the 2024 season unfolds, these prospects could play pivotal roles in addressing the Cubs’ needs and contributing to the team’s success. Keep an eye on their development, as they aim to make a lasting impact in the MLB.