Inside The Cubs

Chicago Cubs Farm System Given Surprising Spot in Latest MLB Rankings

The Chicago Cubs were given a surprising spot on MLB's preseason farm system rankings recently released.

Kade Kistner

Chicago Cubs Farm System Given Surprising Spot in Latest MLB Rankings
Chicago Cubs Farm System Given Surprising Spot in Latest MLB Rankings /
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The Chicago Cubs are hoping to contend during the 2023 MLB season, even after a big offseason of spending, their farm system will play an important role in accomplishing their goal.

A robust farm system that can contribute at the MLB level is the hallmark of any true and healthy contender. In terms of where the Cubs organization stands compared with the rest of the MLB was answered recently when MLB.com came out with their preseason farm system rankings. 

While most outlets this time of year release rankings, it's MLB.com's that holds most of the weight. Their top-100 prospects list as well their organizational rankings are the most referred to. 

In their latest rankings, MLB has the Cubs at number 12 in terms of farm system strength. It's headlined by Pete Crow-Armstrong, Kevin Alcántara, and Brennan Davis, all outfielders. 

This time last year the Cubs were ranked 13 of 30, and last season at the midway point they were also listed at 12. 

It's a bit surprising they remain at 12 heading into the 2023 season as their pitchers have excelled this spring and are poised to contribute to both the rotation and bullpen this season. The addition of Hayden Wesneski alone should have propelled Chicago a few spots in the rankings. None of that mentions the acquisition of Ben Brown from the Philadelphia Phillies at last season's trade deadline. 

Either way, the Cubs farm system should be rated a least a little higher than 12th, especially considering the MLB contributions they are projected to receive this season alone. 

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Cubs. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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