The Chicago Cubs are coming off a series win over the Los Angeles Dodgers and sit 8.5 games out of the division and 5.0 games out of the wild card with a 75-71 record. Although most of the attention on the franchise sits at the MLB level, there are a lot of happenings in the pipeline as well.
The Cubs' prospect pool is rather notable. Six top 100 prospects, all at the Triple-A Iowa level, are generating plenty of buzz with the offseason on the horizon. However, one prospect is really garnishing a lot of attention. On the other hand, another prospect simply can't catch a break.
Cam Smith Is On Fire
The Cubs drafted Cam Smith with the 14th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. The Florida State product had a fantastic final season, posting a .387/.488/.654 slash line along with 16 home runs, 22 doubles, and 57 RBIs in 66 games. That performance convinced the Cubs to invest first-round capital into the third baseman.
Smith began his minor-league career with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans at Low-A. Although he had a slower start, but caught fire by hitting six home runs in six consecutive games. The power streak was enough for the Cubs to move Smith up to High-A South Bend after just 15 games.
Smith appeared in 12 games for the South Bend Cubs before the High-A season concluded. A .333/.421/.500 slash line, one homer, nine RBIs, and three doubles made for an impressive start at the next level. As the season ended, the Cubs were confident enough to promote Smith to Double-A Tennessee to finish out the season there.
In two games with the Smokies so far, Smith already has three hits, two runs scored, two triples, and three RBIs. At this pace, Smith very well may begin the 2025 minor-league season at Double-A.
Without a doubt, Smith might be one of the most exciting prospects the Cubs have had since Pete Crow-Armstrong. Although the Cubs have seven (Smith has since become the 100th-best prospect in baseball) top 100 prospects, Smith is generating the most noise as he cruises through the first three levels in the minor-league system.
Brennen Davis Is Hurt... Again
Talk about a player who simply can't catch a break. On Tuesday night, Davis was carted off the field in the Iowa Cubs contest. Following tests, it was determined that Davis broke his leg, adding to the laundry list of freak injuries the once-top prospect has experienced.
Davis legitimately cannot catch a break. He experienced insane injuries involving his abdomen and back and now adds a broken leg to the list. Davis is a damn good baseball player, that is no question. Sadly, he cannot stay on the field long enough to make a difference. It feels like Davis' career is continuing to fizzle out because of these injuries.
Rooting for Davis is a natural feeling at this point. Hopefully he gets a go anywhere, even if not with the Cubs, but these injuries continue to get in the way.
