The Chicago Cubs have done well at identifying minor league talent and having them be part of the future of the team. With a lot of their top prospects expected to join the major league club in the next few years, there are also some who need more time to develop. Let’s take a look at one prospect who has some time to develop into a major leaguer, but is expected to have a breakout 2026 season.
Chicago Cubs prospect Juan Cabada is a breakout candidate in 2026
Sep 13, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Executive Chairman of the Chicago Cubs Tom Ricketts is seen prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
The Cubs have some prospects that are expected to make noise over the next few years. However, there is one that is not expected to be part of the team for another handful of years, who is projected to have a breakout 2026 season. The team’s 14th-ranked prospect second baseman/third baseman Juan Cabada was selected by MLB’s Jesse Borek, Sam Dykstra, and Ben Weinrib to be as one of the prospects who can have a breakout season. Below is the snippet the trio wrote about Cabada:
“Cabada was one of the Cubs’ biggest signings in the 2025 international class ($1.5 million) and immediately stands out for his advanced hitting ability. The left-handed-swinging infielder has quick wrists that enable a quality line-drive approach. He’s on the smaller size at 5-foot-10, 185 pounds, so there are questions about his power ceiling, but it’s easy to imagine his discerning eye helping him pick the right pitches to drive in the future. Most scouts don’t think he’ll stay at shortstop long term, in part because of the Cubs’ depth at the position on the farm, but his performance there bears watching.“
Cabada was one of three Dominican infielders the Cubs signed last January as international free agents. The 17-year-old infielder played rookie ball last season and finished with a .287/.429/.426 slashline with three home runs, 29 RBI, and 20 stolen bases in 42 games. He is not expected to make his MLB debut until 2030, so he has a lot of time to continue to develop and grow into his body. With a lefty bat and solid speed, he could be the player who eventually replaces Dansby Swanson as Chicago’s shortstop. It will be intriguing to keep an eye on him and if he can continue to sharpen his tools as he climbs the minor league rankings.
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