Davis, new additions lead '22 Cubs top prospects lists originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The Cubs bolstered the lower levels of their farm system in the past calendar year-plus via a flurry of trades, draft selections and international signings.
And based on their 2022 Cubs top prospect lists, outlets including MLB Pipeline and Baseball America seem to like the job Jed Hoyer has done when he's made moves.
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Pipeline unveiled its top 30 Cubs prospects for 2022 this week, with outfielder Brennen Davis, and infielders Cristian Hernandez and James Triantos ranked Nos. 1-3.
Davis, who's expected to make his big-league debut this summer, is 1-for-5 with a three-run home run this spring training. He's the No. 15 overall prospect in baseball, according to Pipeline.
Of the next seven prospects in Pipeline's top 10, the Cubs acquired four in recent trades, and three more trade additions land in the top 30:
- Right-hander Caleb Kilian (No. 4) and outfielder Alexander Canario (No. 18) — acquired for Kris Bryant last summer
- Outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (No. 6) — acquired for Javy Báez last summer
- Outfielder Kevin Alcantara (No. 7) — acquired for Anthony Rizzo last summer
- Outfielder Owen Caissie (No. 8) and infielder Reggie Preciado (No. 11) — acquired for Yu Darvish in December 2020
- Right-hander Daniel Palencia (No. 27) — acquired for Andrew Chafin last summer
The top 10 also includes 2021 first-round pick Jordan Wicks (No. 5), and lefties DJ Herz (No. 9) and Brailyn Márquez (No. 10).
Márquez, who was considered the organization's top pitching prospect the last three years, including their top prospect overall in 2020, missed all of last season after a serious bout with COVID-19 and a shoulder injury.
Also represented in Pipeline's rankings are recent first-round picks Ed Howard (No. 14) and Ryan Jensen (No. 17).
Top catching prospect Miguel Amaya, who missed most of last season and underwent Tommy John surgery in November, is No. 13. Nelson Velazquez, the 2021 Arizona Fall League MVP, is No. 16.
There is some discrepancy, based on how they evaluate prospects, in Pipeline and Baseball America's rankings. Among the biggest differences, Márquez is the Cubs' No. 3 prospect, Kilian No. 7 and Triantos No. 11, according to Baseball America.
Davis (No. 1), Hernandez (No. 2), Crow-Armstrong (No. 4) and Wicks (No. 5) round out the top 5 on Baseball America's ranking.
Check out Pipeline and Baseball America's full rankings.
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