Uncover the rising stars making waves in the Cubs' farm system, from power-hitting outfielders to scorching infielders dominating the minors.
The Minor League season is in full swing.
However, most Chicago Cubs fans are just focused on the Major League team. Not many fans are likely paying close attention to which Cubs prospects are playing well down in the Minors. That’s just the reality for many.
Still, it’s important to know which prospects might be making a name for themselves down in the farm system. So, here are three Cubs prospects who are currently off to a strong start in the Minor Leagues.
Kevin Alcantara
Cubs’ No. 3 prospect Kevin Alcantara did not make the team’s Opening Day roster, but he’s showing his full potential down in Triple-A to begin the 2026 season. Alcantara has a .990 OPS to go with eight home runs, 15 RBI, and two stolen bases across 18 games.
Alcantara’s power has been on full display with the Iowa Cubs early on. He had a multi-homer game against Triple-A Columbus earlier this week and hit a home run in three straight contests earlier this month. His eight home runs are the third-most at the Triple-A level so far.
Although Alcantara is posting elite home run numbers, there are still some concerns about his bat. Both his strikeout rate (37.5%) and whiff rate (41.1%) rank poorly. He’ll need to improve in those two areas before the Cubs call him up.
Pedro Ramirez
The most impressive prospect in the Cubs’ system to start the season has been infielder Pedro Ramirez. The Cubs’ No. 8 overall prospect has been on fire with his bat in his first 19 games with the Iowa Cubs.
Ramirez is currently slashing .316/.379/.595 with five home runs, seven doubles, 19 RBI, and eight stolen bases across 79 plate appearances. He has simply been the best hitter for the Iowa Cubs this season. His .316 average, 974 OPS, 19 RBI, seven doubles, and eight stolen bases all rank in the top three on the team.
There are not a lot of weaknesses to Ramirez’s game right now. He has a 49.1% hard-hit rate, a 15.9% whiff rate, and a 92.4 mph average exit velocity. The problem, though, is that there is nowhere for him to play in the big leagues. He is blocked by Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, and Alex Bregman.
Josiah Hartshorn
The Cubs selected outfielder Josiah Hartshorn in the sixth round of the 2025 MLB Draft. After not debuting in the Minors last year, Hartshorn has started his Minor League campaign on a high note.
The Cubs’ No. 7 prospect is off to a nice start at Single-A Myrtle Beach. He is batting .319 with two home runs, three doubles, one triple, nine RBI, and two stolen bases across 13 games. Hartshorn has also drawn 16 walks and struck out only six times in 63 plate appearances.
It might be a few years until Hartshorn actually debuts for the Cubs. He just turned 19 years old in February and is only at Single-A right now. However, he’s a prospect to watch over the next few years. He has the talent and hit tools to be a stud.