After 1st 2 MLB starts, here's what Cubs have to say about Skenes
CHICAGO -- The Cubs got MLB’s first crack at Paul Skenes when he made his big league debut against them in Pittsburgh last week. And although they had some success against the No. 1 pick in the 2023 Draft, they also acknowledge the obvious. You can see something special in
Four! Prospect Brennen Davis homers in fourth straight game
Just two years ago, Brennen Davis was the star of the Cubs’ farm system and one of the most highly regarded prospects in all of baseball. But it’s been a difficult couple of years for Davis, whose career stalled was slowed by injuries and inconsistencies. That makes his current hot
Here are the top 10 prospects in the Complex leagues
The Rookie-level Arizona Complex and Florida Complex leagues began play last Saturday, a month earlier than they did a year ago. The changes mean that the circuits will be populated more by players making the jump from the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League the season before and less by guys coming
‘Development is No. 1’ for prospect Horton at Triple-A
This story was excerpted from Jordan Bastian’s Cubs Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
Long Island native Brown relishes dream at Citi, if not the outcome
NEW YORK -- Cubs right-hander Ben Brown saw his wish come true on Thursday afternoon. The Long Island native and No. 9 prospect in the organization pitched at Citi Field for the first time in a 7-6 loss to the Mets in 11 innings. Brown, who entered the day having
Cubs promote No. 2 prospect Horton to Triple-A
NEW YORK -- Right-hander Cade Horton, the No. 2 prospect in the Cubs organization according to MLB Pipeline, is a step closer to the big leagues. He was promoted from Double-A Tennessee to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday. The news was first reported by the Des Moines Register. Horton, 22, dominated
Cubs rookies get ‘surreal’ Green Monster experience
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Crow-Armstrong's 1st hit? A go-ahead two-run blast
CHICAGO -- As Pete Crow-Armstrong sprinted and shouted his way around the basepaths on Thursday afternoon, Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson headed up the dugout steps to await the rookie’s return. When the kid arrived, the veteran embraced him in a hug amid the roar from the Wrigley Field crowd. The
PCA embracing ‘bigger picture’ in return
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Cubs keep up winning ways after putting Bellinger (rib fracture) on IL
CHICAGO – Cubs center fielder Cody Bellinger was feeling positive on Tuesday night when X-rays on his right side came back negative for anything alarming after he ran into Wrigley Field's brick wall trying to make a catch. He even maintained his sense of humor after departing the game early.
Alcántara, Triantos lead homer barrage on blustery night at Double-A
Madison, Alabama, is a long way from the Windy City. But the wind was blowing out on Tuesday night, and several players expected to play big parts in Chicago’s future took full advantage. Powered by a whopping seven homers, Double-A Tennessee bashed its way to a 10-4 win over Rocket
'He's dialed in': Taillon impressed by this top prospect's makeup
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10 rookies off to the best starts so far
It's nearly a month since the 2024 season opened in South Korea, so it's time to take a look at the campaign's early top rookie performers, also known as the April edition of MLB Pipeline's Rookie Hot List. Each month, MLB.com will look at which rookies performed best over the
Mervis getting his mojo back in Triple-A
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Brown cruises through 'pretty peaceful' first career start
SAN DIEGO -- After tasting the Majors for the first time in Texas in the first series of the season, Cubs rookie Ben Brown was going over an appearance that went awry in a hurry. As the young righty talked things over with pitching coach Tommy Hottovy, lefty Justin Steele
Fans' Guide to MiLB Opening Day
Triple-A Opening Day arrived across the country -- from Syracuse to Sacramento and many stops in between -- last Friday. Now the Double-A, High-A and Single-A levels will begin play. In other words, the season is in full swing. As is tradition around these parts, let’s get you ready for
How a pregame convo sparked PCA's 1st homer of 2024
Heading into Thursday night, Pete Crow-Armstrong had yet to hit a home run in 2024, a streak spanning Spring Training, Minor League games on the back fields and Triple-A play. Despite the lack of power display, the 22-year-old felt no pressure over his home run drought. However, a chat with
Here's where the Cubs' Top 30 prospects are starting the season
With the Minor League season opening this week, here's where the Cubs' Top 30 prospects are projected to start: 1. Pete Crow-Armstrong (MLB No. 16), OF -- Iowa (Triple-A) 2. Cade Horton (MLB No. 25), RHP -- Tennessee (Double-A) 3. Owen Caissie (MLB No. 45), OF -- Iowa (Triple-A) 4.
PCA highlights Cubs' loaded system
CHICAGO -- Craig Counsell had heard plenty about the Cubs’ improved farm system, but Spring Training really gave the manager an opportunity to see it for himself. What jumped out to Counsell was the volume of potential impact prospects steadily climbing up the organizational ladder and approaching the big leagues.
'I belong here': Brown eager to thrive after long journey to bigs
ARLINGTON -- Ben Brown allowed himself a moment to reflect on his path to the Majors when he was en route to Texas on Saturday morning. Sitting next to his wife on the flight, the Cubs rookie pulled up some pictures from when his professional journey began. “The guy who
Little locks up first career Opening Day roster spot
MESA, Ariz. -- After Luke Little exited his outing against the Mariners on Sunday afternoon, he was informed that Cubs manager Craig Counsell wanted to have a word with him. Little prepared himself for both possible outcomes as he approached the manager. “I was like, ‘This is either going to
Ben's Biz: 2024 Double-A promotional night highlights
This is an excerpt from the latest edition of the Ben's Biz Beat Newsletter, bringing Minor League Baseball business and culture news to your inbox each and every Thursday. Check out the full newsletter HERE. Last week, I provided a rollicking round-up of notable 2024 Triple-A promotions. Today, we’ll gingerly
Wicks, Assad round out Cubs' homegrown rotation
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Jordan Wicks was summoned to the office of Cubs manager Craig Counsell earlier this week and learned he would begin the season in the Opening Day rotation. Javier Assad received the same news on Thursday morning. “It’s something I don’t take lightly,” Wicks said. “I’m super appreciative,
3 things we've learned about Cubs' pipeline this spring
This story was excerpted from Jordan Bastian's Cubs Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
Busch embracing athleticism at first base
This story was excerpted from Jordan Bastian’s Cubs Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.