Trading an ace didn’t get the Cubs any Baseball America Top 100 prospects, Monday’s rankings confirmed.
The magazine released its preseason prospect rankings Monday, and two Cubs made the list: pitcher Brailyn Marquez (No. 52) and outfielder Brennen Davis (No. 72). By contrast, the Padres led Major League Baseball with seven Top 100 prospects. This marked the fourth straight year that San Diego has boasted at least six Top 100 prospects.
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The strength of the Padres’ farm system opened the door for a series of win-now moves in recent months, including a trade for Cubs ace Yu Darvish. The Cubs sent Darvish and catcher Victor Caratini to San Diego for right-hander Zach Davies and four prospects: infielders Reginald Preciado and Yeison Santana, and outfielders Owen Caissie and Ismael Mena.
None of the four made Baseball America’s Top 100, but that’s no surprise considering their youth. Santana, 20, is the only one over 18 years old.
“Their time horizon is not our time horizon,” Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said, pushing back on the idea that their ages hinted at a timeline for the Cubs’ competitive window, “but I think they really do help to jumpstart our farm system.”
After Davis, the next three top Cubs prospects are catcher Miguel Amaya, shortstop Ed Howard IV and pitcher Adbert Alzolay.