Beyond the Spotlight: Unearthing the Next Wave of Cubs Talent for 2026!
While the spotlight often shines brightest on the top prospects, the Chicago Cubs' system is brimming with hidden gems who could very well surprise us all in 2026. Baseball America has already unveiled their elite Top 30 for the upcoming season, but what about the players just outside that coveted group? These are the individuals who might be flying under the radar but possess the raw talent and potential for explosive growth. Let's dive deep into the next 10 Cubs prospects to keep your eyes on, the ones who are poised to make a significant impact!
But here's where it gets interesting... these players are often overlooked, meaning they might offer incredible value for fantasy baseball managers or simply become fan favorites as they climb the ranks. Think of them as the "sleeper" picks, the ones you'll be glad you knew about early!
31. Ethan Flanagan, LHP
Drafted in the 17th round out of UCLA in 2023, Ethan Flanagan's journey has been one of resilience. He faced his second Tommy John surgery shortly after being drafted, a setback that delayed his professional debut until 2025. Despite this, Flanagan made a solid impression with 12 starts for Low-A Myrtle Beach after a brief stint in the Arizona Complex League. What's truly promising is his advanced pitchability and knack for throwing strikes. His arsenal includes an 89-91 mph fastball, a changeup in the low 80s, a curveball in the low-to-mid 70s, and a slider in the low-to-mid 80s. While his stuff might be considered below-average, his ability to consistently find the strike zone and get outs is a valuable asset.
32. Alexey Lumpuy, OF
Signed from Cuba in June 2023, Alexey Lumpuy quickly made his way stateside after debuting in the Dominican Summer League. In 2025, he spent the entire season with Low-A Myrtle Beach, showcasing a blend of plus athleticism, plus raw power, and above-average speed. He put up impressive numbers, hitting .209/.294/.364 with 11 home runs and 30 stolen bases. And this is the part most people miss... while his power and speed are undeniable, his significant swing-and-miss issues are a major concern. If he can't improve his contact rate, it could be a significant hurdle to his MLB aspirations. What are your thoughts on players with high power and speed but high strikeout rates?
33. Grant Kipp, RHP
Grant Kipp's path to professional baseball was unconventional. After a quiet final season at Yale, the Cubs signed him as an undrafted free agent, recognizing his advanced feel for spin. After three seasons of showing good stuff but lacking results, Kipp experienced a breakout in 2025. He made 26 appearances for Double-A Knoxville, boasting a 4.22 ERA and striking out 110 batters over 108.2 innings. His elite spin rates are a standout feature, particularly his low-to-mid-80s sweeper, which spins at an impressive 3,000 rpm range. This high spin is crucial for deception and effectiveness.
34. Jack Neely, RHP
Acquired from the Yankees at the 2024 trade deadline, Jack Neely is a right-handed reliever who saw some late-season action with the Cubs in 2024 but didn't return to the majors in 2025. He battled a lower-body injury but managed to return to Triple-A Iowa in September. Neely's arsenal features a 93-95 mph four-seam fastball, though its stock shape can lead to damage. His mid-80s slider (84-87 mph) is his most effective pitch, characterized by tight gyro spin. Neely is currently viewed as a low-leverage depth reliever.
35. Eli Lovich, OF
This outfielder was a significant international signing, inked for $650,000 in the 11th round out of his Kansas high school in 2024. Eli Lovich made his professional debut in the Arizona Complex League, spending a month with the Cubs affiliate before being promoted to Low-A Myrtle Beach. Despite a .214/.285/.280 slash line over 50 games, Lovich flashed encouraging exit velocity data and fringe-average plate skills. The jump to full-season ball proved challenging, but his underlying metrics suggest upside to rocket up this list.
36. Connor Noland, RHP
Selected in the ninth round out of Arkansas in 2022, Connor Noland has been a consistent, albeit unspectacular, performer over his three full professional seasons. He's consistently pitched over 100 innings each year, keeping hitters off balance with a diverse pitch mix. Noland boasts above-average command and excels at avoiding the "trouble spots" in the zone where his less-than-elite stuff might get hit hard. Long-term, he projects as an emergency depth starter.
37. Kade Snell, OF
A cost-effective senior sign from the SEC, Kade Snell was drafted in the fifth round for $200,000 after a stellar senior season at Alabama where he hit .363/.464/.575. He debuted with High-A South Bend post-draft but struggled, hitting .167/.268/.219 in 27 games. Much of his early struggles are attributed to bad batted-ball luck, as his zone-whiff rate was 13.6% with a 22.1% chase rate. As a bat-first corner outfielder, Snell will need to demonstrate improved hitting ability to secure his future.
38. Yahil Melendez, SS
This 2023 seventh-round pick from Puerto Rico spent parts of the last three seasons in the Arizona Complex League before making the jump to Low-A in May, spending most of his time with Myrtle Beach. Yahil Melendez displays plus underlying raw power, but his poor bat-to-ball skills have hindered his ability to tap into it. He possesses exciting tools, but significantly reducing his swing-and-miss is paramount for his success.
39. Brett Bateman, OF
While Brett Bateman might not be a home run threat, he perfectly embodies the bench outfielder profile. He's a plus defender in center field, capable of covering significant ground. At the plate, he consistently makes contact, gets on base at a high rate, and shows an aptitude for taking extra bases and stealing. With a 40-man roster decision looming next offseason, a strong 2026 season with Triple-A Iowa could solidify his place in the Cubs' major league depth chart. Do you think a player's defensive prowess and on-base ability can outweigh a lack of power in today's game?
40. Eli Jerzembeck, RHP
Eli Jerzembeck was a highly touted prospect in the 2022 draft class, ranked among the Top 250 before heading to South Carolina. After an impressive freshman year, he missed 2024 due to Tommy John surgery and 2025 with a stress fracture in his elbow. When healthy, Jerzembeck throws a low-90s fastball (up to 96 mph) and a high-spin breaking ball in the low 80s, exceeding 3,000 rpm spin rates. His health will be the key factor in unlocking his considerable potential.
These 10 players represent the depth and promise within the Cubs' farm system. Which of these prospects are you most excited to watch develop? Let us know in the comments below!
