Get ready for a deep dive into the Cubs' future stars, as we unveil the top five prospects in their minor league system for 2026. But here's the twist: we're counting down in reverse order, keeping you on the edge of your seat. And this is the part most people miss: the journey to the majors is filled with surprises, setbacks, and triumphs. Let's begin!
5. Kevin Alcántara: This 23-year-old outfielder, acquired in a 2021 trade with the Yankees, is a tantalizing talent. Standing at 6'6", 188 lbs, Alcántara boasts plus raw power, speed, and defensive skills. However, his struggle with consistent contact, especially against breaking pitches from right-handers, has been his Achilles' heel. After a promising major league debut in 2024, Alcántara faced a setback in 2025 due to a sports hernia, posting a .266/.349/.470 line with 17 home runs. But here's where it gets controversial: despite his tools, Alcántara's high strikeout rate (29.8% in Iowa) and increasing ground ball rates raise questions about his future. Will he become the Cubs' right fielder of the future, or is he destined for a fourth outfielder role? The Cubs have granted him an extra option year, providing a crucial development window.
4. Ethan Conrad: The Cubs' 2025 first-round pick from Wake Forest is an exciting prospect, yet to make his professional debut due to a shoulder injury. Conrad's resume is thin on high-level competition, but his performance in the Cape Cod League (.385/.433/.486) hints at his potential. With above-average contact skills, power, and speed, Conrad projects as a 20-25 home run hitter with strong defense in right field. The million-dollar question: Will his shoulder injury linger, affecting his swing and overall development? If healthy, Conrad could be the Cubs' number-one prospect next year, but it's a gamble worth watching.
3. Jefferson Rojas: This 20-year-old shortstop from the Dominican Republic had a breakout 2025 season in South Bend (.278/.379/.492, 11 HR) before struggling in Double-A Knoxville (.164/.279/.205). Rojas' above-average contact skills, growing power, and smart baserunning make him an intriguing prospect. Defensively, he has the tools to stick at shortstop, but may eventually move to third base. The catch: Rojas' poor performance in Knoxville raises concerns, but his youth and overall development trajectory suggest he's on the right track. If he bounces back, expect him to be a top 100 prospect by next year.
2. Jaxon Wiggins: A hard-throwing right-handed starter, Wiggins dominated three levels in 2025 (2.19 ERA, 97 K in 78 IP) despite limited innings due to arm fatigue. With a fastball touching 100 mph, a plus cutter/slider, and a solid changeup, Wiggins has front-of-the-rotation potential. However, the elephant in the room: his injury history (Tommy John surgery in 2021) and control issues (4.2 BB/9) make him a high-risk, high-reward prospect. If he stays healthy, Wiggins could be a fixture in the Cubs' rotation by late 2026.
1. Moisés Ballesteros: The undisputed top prospect, Ballesteros is a hitting machine. In 2025, he posted a .316/.385/.473 line in Triple-A and an impressive .298/.394/.474 in the majors. With excellent bat-to-ball skills and a level swing, Ballesteros projects as a high-average, slightly above-average power hitter. The glaring issue: his defense behind the plate is a liability, and his body may not hold up to the rigors of catching. Will the Cubs find a way to get his bat in the lineup regularly, perhaps as a designated hitter or first baseman? Ballesteros' hitting prowess makes him a cornerstone of the Cubs' future, but his defensive limitations spark debate. What's your take on his optimal role? Let the discussion begin!
