John Sickels’ released his mid-season list of the top 75 prospects in the game Monday, and Sickels put the Cubs’ Kris Bryant at the top spot in his ranking. Six of the best young players in the Cubs’ system found their way on Sickels’ list: Kris Bryant (1), Addison Russell (5), Javier Baez (15), Jorge Soler (24), Arismendy Alcantara (34) and Albert Almora (57).
Due to promotions, several players were no longer eligible to be included on Minor League Ball’s list. Kris Bryant moved up from 12th to take the top spot, while Addison Russell retained his pre-season ranking. Javier Baez slipped from 10 to No. 15 and Jorge Soler moved up from No. 62 to 24. Arismendy Alcantara was No. 87 on the pre-season list and Albert Almora dropped 25 spots from 32 before the season.
Baseball America released its ranking of the top prospects in the game last week. The top minor league system in the game, according to Baseball America, placed four players in BA’s top 50: Kris Bryant (2), Addison Russell (5), Javier Baez (7) and Arismendy Alcantara (33).
Baseball Prospectus also posted its list of the top 50 prospects in the game a week ago. The Cubs landed five players in BP’s top 50: Kris Bryant (3), Javier Baez (5), Addison Russell (6), Arismendy Alcantara (18) and Albert Almora (37).
John Sickels indicated C.J. Edwards, Pierce Johnson and Billy McKinney were also under consideration based on pre-season rankings. Edwards (42), Johnson (114) and McKinney (106) were ranked in his pre-season top 150 prospects in the game.
John Sickels did not include players that were recently drafted or international signings.
Prospect rankings are just that, rankings and should be treated as such. Prospects are currency in baseball. It is always good to read other perspectives about the system and see how the Cubs’ young players stack up with the rest of the best talent in minor league baseball.
- Cubs Land Four Players in Baseball America’s Top 50 Mid-Season Prospect List
- Baseball Prospectus Ranks Five Cubs in Mid-Season Top 50 Prospect List