The Cubs Could Have Four Top-100 Prospects In 2020

You already know the top two guys in the Cubs farm system, Nico Hoerner and Miguel Amaya. Both of them were top-100 prospects in MLB Pipeline's top-100 rankings back at the start of 2019 and after strong finishes to their respective seasons both should be back on that list next year too.

Then, there's left-handed starting pitcher Brailyn Marquez. He had a rough patch in late May and early June, but the 20-year-old pitcher got back on track and finished 2019 by allowing only 10 earned runs in his last 10 starts. That included four consecutive scoreless starts and a stretch of just two earned runs allowed in six starts, covering 32.1 innings.

Oh and during the middle of that incredible stretch, Marquez went three straight starts allowing only one hit combined in 17 innings.

Marquez struck out 128 batters and moved from South Bend up to advanced A-Ball at Myrtle Beach. He had a 3.13 ERA in 22 starts overall, including a 1.71 ERA in five starts with the Pelicans to finish the season. Right now you can make an argument that he has the highest ceiling out of any Cubs pitching prospect.

He's gotta be a lock to be a top-100 prospect come 2020.

And then there's the wild card. The big "could be" a top-100 prospect. That's 19-year-old outfielder Brennen Davis, who would have had an even bigger 2019 season if it wasn't for getting hit twice on the hand.

Davis was drafted in the second round by the Cubs in 2018 out of high school and after a revamped swing the tall, right-handed hitter turned heads in 2019.

In 50 games with the South Bend Cubs, Davis slashed .305/.381/.525, with eight home runs, nine doubles and three triples. He struck out 38 times, but walked 18 times too. He missed two weeks in July after getting hit, came back for three games and went back on the injured list after getting hit on the wrist again.

Davis finally returned from his second injured list trip and picked up right where he left off a couple days ago.

It's been a breakout season for him and maybe Davis sneaks in right at the end of the top-100 rankings. Even if he's not, though, 2019 has been a great stepping stone for Davis.

The Cubs continue to be ranked near the bottom of MLB in farm systems, but they definitely have plenty of talent down in the minors. It's been a slow rebuild down on the farm after the big wave last graduated to the majors, but the next wave is gaining momentum.