Most of the Cubs’ big guns have been called up to the big leagues and are contributing at a high level, but they still have a deep farm system behind them. Here are the top five guys ready to be reinforcements for the team in case the current club experiences problems in 2016 and beyond.
5. SP Duane Underwood
Getty Images2015 Stats: 6-3, 2.41 ERA, 78.1 IP, 54 strikeouts (Rookie ball, A). At just 21 years old, Underwood is establishing himself as the best starting pitcher in the Cubs' farm system. He certainly has the highest upside of any hurler in the system as he can get batters out in a number of ways. His power mixed with finesse is what makes him look dangerous going forward.
4. OF Albert Almora
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2015 Stats: .272 batting average, 6 HRs, 46 RBI, 8 SBs (AA). Almora is at least a year behind where the Cubs would like him to be right now, but he still has shown glimpses of why he's been one of the top prospects in the team's system for years. He's an excellent outfielder, but hasn't realized his potential at the plate. Still, he works good counts and gets on base consistently. This upcoming season is a make-or-break year for Almora.
3. RP Carl Edwards Jr.
Getty Images2015 Stats: 5-3, 2.77 ERA, 55.1 IP, 75 strikeouts, 6 saves (AA, AAA, MLB). Formerly known as C.J. Edwards, Carl excelled last season and reached the big leagues by the end of the year. Since his frame hasn't filled out yet, the Cubs appear ready to make him a late-innings relief pitcher starting next season. He has a power arm and could easily be a seventh or eighth inning guy for years to come.
2. SS Gleyber Torres
MiLB2015 Stats: .287 batting average, 3 HRs, 64 RBI, 22 steals (A, High-A). Many publications have Torres listed as the team's top prospect, but he hasn't proven himself consistently enough yet. Last season, though, he looked electric. Without power, he manages to still drive in runs and hit for a high average. He's also a speed demon on the base paths. If the Cubs can find a spot for him, he looks like he will be a star in Chicago eventually. If not, he will likely turn into a star somewhere else.
1. OF Billy McKinney
Getty Images2015 Stats: .300 batting average, 7 HRs, 64 RBI, .371 OBP. McKinney is the Cubs' most sure-thing prospect as he's a left-hander with some power upside. He hasn't hit for a ton of power in the minor leagues yet, but he has shown he has the full package. He gets on base and drives in runs as well as anyone in the system. The player who came along with Addison Russell in the 2014 Jeff Samardzija trade could end up being just as important within the next year or two.
