Chicago Cubs High 10 Prospects for 2023 Fantasy Baseball
5 min read
Hey Chicago, whaddya say?
Mervis is gonna mash immediately!
1. 1B Matt Mervis | 24 | AAA | 2023
The 6’4” 225 lb Mervis hit 36 dwelling runs in 137 video games throughout three ranges and retains on hitting them within the Arizona Fall League, the place he’s obtained 5 homers in 13 video games. He has struck out and walked thrice a chunk, persevering with the case of the disappearing strikeouts after Okay-ing in simply 14.6 p.c of his Triple-A plate appearances. Ought to open 2022 within the main league lineup.
2. OF Pete Crow-Armstrong | 21 | A+ | 2024
The shock prize of the Javy Baez commerce, Crow-Armstrong encompasses a fast however easy stroke in a 6’0” 184 lb body. PCA is a double-plus defender who simply posted 16 dwelling runs and 32 stolen bases in 101 video games throughout two ranges the place he was youthful than the league common. He chipped in 20 doubles and 10 triples, slashing .312/.376/.520 on the season. The facility has been a pleasant bonus, contemplating the profile isn’t dependent upon it.
3. OF Brennen Davis | 23 | AAA | 2023
Powerful stretch for Brennen Davis, who this week was shut down with one other again harm sustained throughout Arizona Fall League play. Experiences counsel it’s not associated to the harm that value Davis the 2022 season, however that doesn’t simply cross the laymen odor check. Unhealthy backs are kinetic chain points incarnate. On the sphere, Davis stays a double-plus athlete with straightforward energy and pace, even when I get Corey Patterson-style, might’ve-been-a-contender vibes from the waterfront we’ve traveled to this point.
4. OF Kevin Alcantara | 20 | A | 2024
Alcantara is a uncommon athlete, inside shouting distance of the opposite too-tall unicorns dominating their ranges. He was steadily productive in Low-A all through the season however went out on a excessive notice, slashing .333/.398/.487 with three dwelling runs and three stolen bases over his last month (20 video games). He graduated the extent with an exclamation mark and will pressure his approach to Double-A earlier than he turns 21 on July 12.
5. OF Alexander Canario | 22 | AAA | 2024
Canario is likely to be increased on this record if not for a damaged ankle with a facet of shoulder harm suffered within the Dominican Winter League final week. The timing is somewhat demoralizing as a result of Canario broke out in 2022, slugging 37 dwelling runs in 125 video games throughout three ranges. Like Mervis, he improved his plate abilities each step of the way in which, decreasing his strikeout fee from 35 p.c in Excessive-A to 25 p.c in Triple-A and bumping his stroll fee from 10 p.c to fifteen.5 p.c within the course of. The outfield in Chicago is a bit crowded, however the group ought to prioritize discovering at bats for a wholesome Canario each time he makes it again.
6. SS Cristian Hernandez | 19 | CPX | 2026
Hernandez may find yourself one of the best quantity six prospect on these lists by this time subsequent season, however he didn’t hit all that properly this season, placing out 30.3 p.c of the time and slugging .357 in 44 video games within the advanced league, the place he was nearly two years (1.7) youthful than the typical participant. It’s extra noise than sign at this level, because the 6’2” 175 lb Hernandez has one of many prettiest right-handed swings you’ll see and may completely launch the ball when he connects. I’ve at all times been comparatively low right here, although, for what it’s price. Don’t have him on any groups. Wouldn’t commerce for him, most likely, however that’s as a result of the hype on him obtained loud early, and I are likely to prioritize near-term rotisserie factors.
7. RHP Hayden Wesneski | 25 | MLB | 2022
Wesneski pitched properly this season, particularly throughout his 33 main league innings, producing a glowing 2.18 ERA and 0.94 WHIP. He’d most likely should pitch his manner out of the opening day rotation at this level, if that’s even potential. Wesneski presents a singular look with plus extension on his launch. It’s a bit reliever-y at a look, however Wesneski repeats the supply properly and tunnels his divergent array of fastballs (sinker, four-seam, cutter) to maintain hitters off steadiness. He throws the slider greater than any pitch (31.9 p.c), and it’s devastating, particularly combined in along with his heaters and the occasional changeup.
8. 3B James Triantos | 20 | A | 2025
If I might put emojis right here, I’d be tempted to only submit an enormous ole tree and leaf it at that. I’m unsure what to say about Triantos. He demonstrated nice plate abilities in a league the place he was youthful than the typical participant, however he didn’t precisely seem like a fantasy piece, slugging .386 with seven dwelling runs in 113 video games at Low-A. He chipped in 20 steals, however he’s not particularly quick and appears unlikely to contribute in that space on the highest stage. On the flip facet, he’s obtained loads of time, and his elite hand-eye abilities will at all times comprise upside past the numbers.
9. SS Pedro Ramirez | 19 | A | 2026
Ramirez brings a well-rounded, contact-oriented sport and plus pace. Within the pre dead-ball period, I’d be dashing him the record as a result of he matches a prototype that usually pops for fantasy. He’s simply 5’9” and 165 lbs although, and I’m extra apprehensive about small guys than ever in the mean time. Positive, we’ve obtained a bunch of them crushing on the highest stage (Betts, Ramirez, Altuve, and many others.), nevertheless it feels overly aggressive to count on somebody to develop into that sort of outlier in an period the place the ball simply isn’t carrying prefer it used to. Ramirez can be a reasonably shift-proof switch-hitter: one other trait which may develop into much less worthwhile within the new paradigm of a shift-governed 2023. Lotta variables right here, however the backside line is I just like the participant. He’ll flip 19 on April 1 and can seemingly spend a lot of the season in Low-A.
10. OF Yonathan Perlaza | 24 | AA | 2023
Perlaza must be added to the 40-man roster or let go this winter, and I’m guessing he’ll be added. No purpose to show him to the Rule 5 draft when he might conceivably assist the membership in 2023 if they provide him the prospect. At 5’11” 170 lbs, he’s a swap hitter who does injury from either side of the plate. From August onward (39 video games), Perlaza slashed .276/.383/.559 with 9 dwelling runs and eight stolen bases with out getting caught. You don’t should be MC Escher to know that provides as much as a monster fantasy season.
Thanks for studying!
I’m @theprospectitch on Twitter.
