For years, the Chicago Cubs have prided themselves on building a strong farm system, hoping to develop homegrown talent that could sustain the franchise for years to come.
However, despite investments in scouting, analytics, and player development, the Cubs’ minor league pipeline continues to fall short of expectations.
While there have been bright spots, the system has struggled to produce impact players at the major league level in recent years.
What are the key factors behind these shortcomings, and what can the organization do to reverse the trend?
A History of Development Struggles
After the Cubs ended their 108-year championship drought in 2016, much of the core that led them to victory was assembled through a mix of savvy trades and top draft picks.
However, since that historic run, the farm system has not replenished the roster with sufficient young talent to keep the team competitive.
The front office’s efforts to rebuild the system after trading away top prospects in win-now moves have not yielded the expected results.
While the Cubs have occasionally produced solid contributors, they have largely failed to develop star-caliber players. Prospects such as Nico Hoerner and Justin Steele have carved out roles, but the system has yet to deliver the next Kris Bryant, Javier Báez, or Anthony Rizzo.
This inability to generate top-tier talent has forced the Cubs to rely more on free agency and trades, putting additional financial and roster constraints on the organization.
Drafting and Scouting Woes
One of the biggest issues has been the Cubs’ inconsistent track record in the MLB Draft.
While every organization misses on picks, the Cubs have had a particularly difficult time identifying and developing high-upside players, especially in the first round.
Since selecting Bryant second overall in 2013, they have struggled to land a true impact player through the draft.
For example, in 2018, the Cubs used their first-round pick on Nico Hoerner, a solid player but not a franchise-altering talent.
Meanwhile, other teams have unearthed superstars in the same draft class. This pattern has repeated itself multiple times, leading to a lack of elite homegrown talent.
Additionally, international scouting has been an area of concern. While the Cubs found success with players like Willson Contreras in the past, their ability to land and develop international stars has lagged behind rival organizations.
Teams like the Dodgers and Braves have continuously excelled in this area, leaving the Cubs playing catch-up.
Player Development Woes
Even when the Cubs have drafted highly touted prospects, their development process has often failed to maximize their potential.
Pitching development, in particular, has been a glaring issue. The Cubs have not produced a legitimate ace from their system in over a decade, forcing them to rely on free-agent signings and trade acquisitions to fill their rotation.
Young pitchers like Adbert Alzolay and Caleb Kilian have shown promise but have struggled with consistency. Meanwhile, other teams have routinely turned mid-round picks into frontline starters, highlighting the Cubs’ deficiencies in developing arms.
The organization’s reluctance to embrace modern pitching philosophies and biomechanics may be contributing to these struggles.
On the hitting side, the Cubs have also faced challenges. Many prospects show promise in the minors but fail to translate their success to the major leagues. A prime example is Brennan Davis, who was once viewed as a future star but has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency.
The Path Forward
To change course, the Cubs must revamp their approach to scouting and player development. This starts with overhauling their analytics department and ensuring they are at the forefront of player evaluation and training methodologies.
They should also prioritize hiring top-tier player development personnel who can better nurture young talent.
Investing more heavily in international scouting and player acquisition is another avenue for improvement.
Many of today’s top MLB superstars, such as Ronald Acuña Jr. and Juan Soto, came through international signings. If the Cubs can be more aggressive and strategic in this market, they may uncover hidden gems.
Lastly, the organization must show patience and a commitment to long-term success. The best farm systems do not improve overnight, but with the right changes, the Cubs can once again build a pipeline that consistently produces high-impact players.
The Cubs’ farm system still has potential, but significant changes are needed to ensure it becomes a true asset rather than a lingering weakness. The future of the franchise depends on it.