Chicago Cubs: 3 prospects earn big-time recognition as majors-ready talent

The Chicago Cubs seem to be set for this year, at least that’s what they’re hoping. The acquisition of free agent third baseman Alex Bregman answers the last real question among position players and the addition of Edward Cabrera should round out the starting rotation nicely. The team also restocked the depleted bullpen.

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But what about down the line? Will there be some major league help coming from the farm system? In the immediate future, the answer seems to be “yes.”

There are three prominent Cubs named in the MLB Pipeline list of top 10 prospects at three key positions– one who is likely to start the 2026 season with the big league squad and two who are predicted to make their big league debut in 2026. All three are 24 years of age or younger.

Moises Ballesteros, advanced hitting earns recognition

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Listed as MLB Pipeline’s No. 6 catching prospect, the ranking is a bit misleading. Ballesteros’ future is as a DH, not as a catcher, where his defense is still spotty. With the Cubs, specifically, he’s unlikely to get any innings behind the plate, unless they’re as an emergency fill-in behind Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya.

The 22-year-old, who is now listed as the no. 1 prospect in the Cubs organization, performed well enough in his role as designated hitter in two major league stints last year to enter spring training as the favorite to win that position the coming season.

In 66 plate appearances, the left-handed hitting Ballesteros hit .298 with 2 home runs and 11 RBIs while posting a superb .394 on base percentage. His poise at the plate and ability to get solid hacks at just about everything bodes well for his big league future, despite his defensive flaws.

A hitting phenom at every level he’s played since making his pro debut at 18, the Venezuelan has earned MLB Pipeline’s recognition as the top hitter on their list of 10 catching prospects, alongside the Royals’ Carter Jensen.

Jaxon Wiggins: Power pitcher with major upside

Listed as the no. 1 pitching prospect in the Cubs’ system and the no. 2 prospect overall, the 24-year-old Wiggins is ranked as the No. 9 RHP prospect in all of baseball by MLB Pipeline.

A power pitcher by nature, the 6-foot-6 righty is one of just a handful of pitching prospects to get a 70 rating for his fastball.

Last season, in only his second full year as a pro, Wiggins moved up from A-ball to Double-A and finally to Triple A, posting a combined 2.19 ERA in 78 innings with 97 total strikeouts and showcasing an aggression and power game that projects well into the majors. It projects so well, that many believe he’ll get the Cubs call-up at some point next season and get the chance to try and be the Cade Horton of 2026.

Jonathon Long rakes at the plate, may be stuck in the minors

The 23-year-old first baseman was not considered an elite-tier prospect when he was drafted by the Cubs, but he’s succeeded at every level he’s reached and has advanced with each step forward.

Long was listed as the no. 6 first base prospect in all of baseball by MLB Pipeline, based on his high-end hitting ability and a solidifying defensive game.

Last year at Triple-A Iowa, the right-hander hit .305 with 20 home runs and 92 RBIs. He absolutely crushed the ball, too, with a 47.1% hard-hit rate (MLB league average is 35%) and a 90.9 mph average exit velocity (MLB average is 88%).

The problem with Long is that, as a first baseman with some third base ability, he finds himself behind Michael Busch and Alex Bregman at the major league level. Efforts have been made to introduce him to outfield play and, if he isn’t used as trade bait, 2026 may be spent with him learning a corner outfield spot in Iowa. With left fielder Ian Happ and right fielder Seiya Suzuki qualifying for free agency at the end of 2026, an outfield-bound Long could give the Cubs an option in replacing either veteran, although there are questions regarding his defensive capabilities.

All in all, having Ballesteros, Wiggins, and Long as high-end prospects gives the Cubs some added options heading into a season where big things are expected.

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-top-prospects-ballesteros-wiggins-long-2026