A top prospect poised for a significant role, Owen Caissie could unlock his immense power and become Chicago's next offensive star in 2026.
The Chicago Cubs will enter the 2026 season with some question marks on their roster. Kyle Tucker is expected to sign with another team this offseason, which leaves the Cubs with an open outfielder/designated hitter spot in their lineup.
That could give players like Owen Caissie and Moises Ballesteros more opportunities at the plate next season. Both prospects made their MLB debuts last year, but both saw limited plate appearances in their first season in the big leagues.
Well, that is expected to change for the 2026 campaign. Caissie and Ballesteros are expected to have bigger roles on this Cubs team, and the former has the potential to really set himself apart in Chicago’s lineup next year.
Caissie is currently one of the top prospects in baseball, coming in at No. 47 at MLB Pipeline’s rankings. He has above-average power, and his Minor League numbers prove he has nothing else left to show down in Triple-A.
Last season, the 23-year-old slashed .286/.386/.551 with 22 home runs, 28 doubles, 55 RBI, and five stolen bases across 99 games with the Iowa Cubs. While Caissie didn’t get too many chances to prove himself in the Majors last season, it was clear that the potential is there for him.
That’s why MLB insider Ken Rosenthal believes Caissie will break out in 2026.
Rosenthal went on Foul Territory and picked one hitter and one pitcher that he thought would break out next season. His pitcher selection was Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns, and his hitter selection was Caissie.
“It does not appear the Cubs are going to re-sign Kyle Tucker, and Owen Caissie should get his chance,” Rosenthal said on Foul Territory. “He’s a guy who’s been a top prospect. He has a great deal of promise, and he looks like he could be the next great Cubs hitter.”
It wouldn’t be shocking to see Caissie break out in 2026. With Tucker almost certainly gone, the Canadian native could be the team’s primary right fielder this upcoming season. That means he could see upward of 400 plate appearances.
Those extended plate appearances could result in solid all-around numbers for the outfielder. He had a 13.3% barrel rate and a 53.3% launch angle sweet-spot rate in his limited at-bats last year, and the talent is there for a player who hit over 50 extra base hits in each of his past three Minor League seasons.
If the consistent plate appearances are in fact there for Caissie this year, there is a real chance he breaks out for the Cubs.