These players stood out in Cubs’ farm system in ‘26

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.

CHICAGO -- One of the success stories within the Cubs’ season in 2026 was the way Pedro Ramírez forced his way into the picture for the ballclub. It began with an impressive Spring Training both on the field and behind the scenes, and ended with the infielder playing a key role for the North Siders in a playoff chase.

It was the latest example of how important it is -- beyond all the headline-grabbing trades and blockbuster signings -- for a team to develop players from within. Ramírez went from a standout in the Minors to a bench candidate to a player getting regular chances in the Cubs’ starting lineup.

With that in mind, let’s run through some of the developments in the Cubs’ farm system from this last season:

3: Players who forced their way onto the radar in ‘26

Owen Ayers, C: Following the Minor League season, the Cubs had Ayers (MLB Pipeline’s No. 2 Cubs prospect and No. 88 on the Top 100 list) spend time with the MLB team to see how things worked behind the scenes. It was a clear indication that the 25-year-old catcher is very much on the radar for ‘27 for the North Siders.

Ayers flew up the system in ‘26, appearing in 125 games across High-A South Bend, Double-A Knoxville and Triple-A Iowa. The switch-hitting catcher posted a .289/.403/.526 slash line with 25 homers, 29 doubles, 82 RBIs, 82 walks and 80 runs scored, while earning praise from the Cubs’ development staff about his defensive work as well.

Brooks Caple, RHP: The Cubs went heavy on pitching in their ‘26 Draft class due to the thin nature of that part of the farm system. This past season, the 24-year-old Caple (No. 9 on the Cubs’ Top 30 list) emerged as the best overall performer on the mound. If he keeps rising, the Majors may not be out of reach in ‘27.

A ninth-round pick in the ‘24 Draft, Caple posted a 3.09 ERA with 108 strikeouts against 31 walks in 107 2/3 innings between High-A and Double-A. That included a 3.24 ERA in 17 games with Knoxville. The righty boasts a high-spin fastball that sits around 94 mph, but can touch 98, and has a bevy of secondary offerings (notably, a sweeping slider).

Josiah Hartshorn, OF: The 19-year-old Hartshorn (No. 1/No. 35) was easily the Cubs’ player of the year down on the farm in ‘26. A sixth-round pick in the ‘25 Draft, the switch-hitting outfielder soared through Single-A Myrtle Beach, High-A and had a stint with Double-A before the end of the year.

Hartshorn hit .284/.407/.518 with 23 home runs, 26 doubles, five triples and 17 stolen bases in 125 games across the three levels. He piled up 112 RBIs, drew 91 walks and scored 90 runs along the way. The 2028 season might be more realistic for Hartshorn’s arrival to Chicago, but it’s maybe ‘27 should not be ruled out with how he cruised up the ladder this year.

2: Breakout candidates to watch in 2027

Ethan Conrad, OF: The Cubs’ first-round pick in ‘25, the 22-year-old Conrad (No. 3 on the Cubs’ Top 30) saw his professional debut delayed until late June due to a back issue. He then started off slow (.679 OPS through July) before turning a corner in August (.917 OPS). Conrad slashed .304/.381/.536 in 15 games in August, and he will definitely be a player to watch in Chicago’s system next season.

Cade Townsend, RHP: The Cubs selected the 21-year-old Townsend with the 23rd overall pick in the ‘26 Draft. Rather than jumping right into games, the righty spent time with the team’s development staff in Arizona to work on his delivery and repertoire. As the Cubs look to improve their pitching development, Townsend will very much be in the spotlight for the organization when he makes his pro debut next year.

1: Big question for ‘27

Will Jaxon Wiggins bounce back from his tough year?

There were lofty expectations for the 25-year-old Wiggins (No. 6 on the Cubs’ Top 30) going into this past season after his breakout showing (2.19 ERA) in 2025. Injury issues cost Wiggins much of his campaign and the righty struggled with command when he returned in July. He posted a 7.83 ERA with 41 strikeouts and 31 walks in 33 1/3 innings overall for Triple-A Iowa, ending the year as a reliever.