This Chicago Cubs Prospect is Outshining Their No. 1 Guy at Triple-A

A different Chicago Cubs prospect has been performing better than their top prospect at Triple-A, sparking an interesting debate about their futures.

Mar 2, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Owen Caissie against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

When Cody Bellinger hit the open market this offseason, many expected that the Chicago Cubs' top prospect, Pete Crow-Armstrong, would take over the center field position as he's expected to own that position for the foreseeable future when he's ready.

The organization gave Crow-Armstrong a shot at the bigs last year, but he was clearly overwhelmed, going 0-14 with seven strikeouts during his limited action.

At this point in his career, he's much more of a defensive prospect despite posting some productive offensive numbers in the minors.

After Spring Training, the Cubs decided the 22-year-old needed some more time in their pipeline to continue developing so they started him at Triple-A.

Crow-Armstrong has showed well so far, recording eight hits out of 24 at-bats that include a homer, two doubles, and two triples, good for a slash line of .308/.357/.654.

However, it's Chicago's No. 3 prospect who is stealing the show offensively at Triple-A.

Owen Caissie started the year at that level for the first time in his career and has been turning heads. He's gotten nine hits out of his 23 at-bats with three of them being doubles and five runs driven in. That puts his slash line at .391/.481/.522.

This presents the Cubs with an interesting option.

Crow-Armstrong has Gold Glove potential in center field and projects to be in that role throughout his career because of his defense. But his viability will depend on how he hits at the next level.

Caissie is also an outfielder and is expected to be a much better hitter during his career, despite being one year younger than the top prospect.

Chicago likely gives Crow-Armstrong an opportunity in the MLB again before they call up Caissie, but with the way their No. 3 prospect is performing, they now have another option in the outfield when they look to promote some of their minor league players moving forward.