Teams will ask about these young Cubs in trades

CHICAGO -- With the Trade Deadline fast approaching, the Cubs are looking to add talent for the final two-month sprint to the postseason, and they already started by swinging a deal with the Blue Jays for Kevin Gausman on Sunday night. While fans are focused on who else Chicago’s front office might reel in ahead of Monday's 5 p.m. CT buzzer, there is also the reality that acquiring impact players often costs young talent.

“It’s kind of [a] risk for the organization in terms of the future and now,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said recently. “Players don’t like talking about the future. Fans don’t like talking about the future. But [president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer] has a responsibility for the future. I think that’s one of the hardest parts about that job.”

Let’s run through some of the young players with the Cubs and down on the farm who will surely be asked about in trade talks:

THE GRADUATES

Matt Shaw, INF: The 24-year-old Shaw spent the bulk of last season as the Cubs’ third baseman and, while on the injured list right now due to a left hand sprain, he has been a super utility man this year in the Majors. Shaw is no longer a prospect, but Chicago’s 2023 first-rounder is under control through 2031 and does not have a positional home right now for the North Siders. Teams looking for an MLB-ready fit for second or third base would certainly ask about Shaw.

Pedro Ramírez, INF: Ramírez, 22, has been used at multiple positions similar to Shaw since the latter has been on the IL. The versatile switch-hitter has strong bat-to-ball skills, with decent speed and a solid glove. And Ramírez has looked right at home with the Cubs, hitting .319 (.832 OPS) through 38 games. He showed a big jump in power in the Minors this season before getting the call to Chicago in late May. That promotion led to Ramírez graduating from Pipeline’s rankings.

Moisés Ballesteros, C: One of the best pure hitters in the Cubs’ system, the 22-year-old Ballesteros was the system’s No. 1 prospect and on the Top 100 list to begin this year. The lefty-swinging catcher made the Cubs’ Opening Day roster as a designated hitter and part-time catcher, but struggles through May and June led to a trip back to Triple-A Iowa. Ballesteros has made strides defensively and still has strong offensive upside, making him an intriguing trade chip even as the numbers have lagged in 2026.

Kevin Alcántara, OF: Acquired from the Yankees in the Anthony Rizzo trade at the 2021 Deadline, the 24-year-old Alcántara has posted great offensive numbers in his time with Triple-A Iowa, with mixed results in a few stints with the Cubs. He remains an intriguing, toolsy player with the potential to hit for power with solid speed and defense, but there just isn’t room for him in Chicago’s outfield at the moment.

THE '26 STANDOUTS

Owen Ayers, C: Ayers (No. 3 on Chicago’s Top 30 Prospects list) rocketed to Triple-A Iowa after beginning this season with High-A South Bend. The 19th-round pick in the 2024 Draft has been a breakout offensive performer in the Cubs’ system, hitting .322 with 23 homers, a 1.051 OPS and 173 wRC+ through 88 games. Teams seeking a catcher near MLB readiness will be checking in on the 25-year-old Ayers.

Josiah Hartshorn, OF: The Cubs gave the 19-year-old Hartshorn a $2 million signing bonus as a sixth-rounder in the 2025 Draft, believing in his potential as a switch-hitter with real power potential. Well, Hartshorn has flown to No. 1 on Chicago's top prospects list and No. 60 in baseball with a breakout season between Single-A and High-A. Through 92 games, he was hitting .279 with 16 homers, 86 RBIs, a .907 OPS and 136 wRC+, while displaying great plate discipline.

Mason McGwire, RHP: The 22-year-old McGwire was unranked on the Cubs’ Top 30 before the season, but is currently No. 19 after a great showing this season. The right-hander made the All-Star Futures Game and was promoted to High-A South Bend after starting at Single-A. McGwire -- the son of legendary slugger Mark McGwire -- has a 3.64 ERA with 72 strikeouts in 59 1/3 innings through 18 games (11 starts) this season.

Kane Kepley, OF: A second-round Draft pick in 2025, the 22-year-old has put up some wild numbers to date for High-A South Bend. Through 91 games, he had 50 steals to go with 94 walks and 105 runs scored, posting an .858 OPS carried by a .438 on-base percentage. Kepley is currently No. 5 on the Cubs’ Top 30 list.

THE TOP PITCHING PROSPECT

Jaxon Wiggins, RHP: The Cubs’ system lacks a surplus of pitching prospects, but the 24-year-old Wiggins entered this year as a Top 100 arm who looked poised for his MLB debut. The hard-throwing righty then missed time between April and June with a shoulder issue and has struggled since returning to Triple-A Iowa. Wiggins has fallen out of the Top 100 list and is currently No. 6 on the Cubs’ Top 30. A second-rounder in the 2023 Draft, Wiggins still has plenty of stuff and upside. If teams insist on pitching being in a trade package, Wiggins will be on the asking list.

OTHERS WORTH NOTING

Double-A shortstop Jefferson Rojas (the Cubs' No. 2 prospect) is No. 63 on the Top 100 list and spent time as Pipeline’s top Cubs prospect this year before Hartshorn soared to the top spot. … Outfielder Ethan Conrad (Cubs No. 4) was the Cubs’ first-round Draft pick (No. 17 overall) in 2025. He missed time earlier this season with a back issue but is now with Single-A Myrtle Beach. … Double-A righty Brooks Caple (Cubs No. 8) has been one of the system’s standout starting pitchers. … Infielder James Triantos (Cubs No. 11) has strong contact ability and has recently been getting a taste of the big leagues on Chicago's bench.