Shaw leads top Cubs prospects' hit parade for Iowa
The next crop of Wrigley Field sluggers surged in unison Sunday. Matt Shaw, Owen Caissie, Moises Ballesteros and Kevin Alcántara contributed to nine of Triple-A Iowa's runs in a 17-10 loss to Louisville at Principal Park. The Top 100 prospects combined for 13 hits -- seven for extra bases --
Watch the introductory Minor League Big Inning on Tuesday night for FREE
We here at MiLB.com can never get enough Minor League Baseball. If you're reading this, we're guessing the same can be said for yourself. Now we've made it easy for you to take in four games at a time and up to eight games total, all from the comfort of
Former FSU teammates Smith, Tibbs III hit seminal homers on same night
Many miles separate the duo that used to hit back-to-back in the Florida State lineup, but their connection seems to extend beyond that. Cam Smith and James Tibbs III both knocked their first High-A homers -- and they both went to left-center field -- on Wednesday night. Tibbs' dinger for
Here are the 10 farm systems with the best outfield prospects
Last week, we looked at the top farm systems based on infield talent. This week, let’s go from the dirt to the grass. Below is a ranking of the top 10 organizations when it comes to those who patrol the outfield, using a combination of top-end Top 100 talent and
The best Minor League ballpark promotions happening in September
Welcome to Promo Preview, a monthly roundup of Minor League Baseball promotions to look forward to. The season ends in September (dates vary, depending on the level of play), so don’t delay. Get out to the ballpark today and take advantage of theme nights and giveaways such as these:
Cam you believe it?! Smith homers in sixth straight for Pelicans
Cam Smith did it again. The Cubs' 2024 first-round Draft pick continued the hotter-than-hot stretch of his early pro career by homering in his sixth consecutive game en route to Single-A Myrtle Beach’s 5-2 win over Charleston. Smith smashed a game-tying two-run homer off left-hander Dalton Fowler (Rays), sneaking it
Cam Smith sets Pelicans record with homers in 5 straight
Cam Smith watched his latest home run leave Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Ballpark and had just one thing to say to himself before running around the bases: “Wow.” The dinger extended his streak to homers in five consecutive games during his first full month as a professional with Single-A Myrtle
Here are 11 great ways to beat the heat with Minor League Baseball
Welcome to the dog days of summer. The races for postseason spots are coming into focus in the Majors. In the Minors, top prospects are eyeballing September roster expansions. Whether you're holding on tight to the long days and balmy nights or patiently waiting for the leaves to fall and
The weirdest, wackiest stats from the past month
Welcome to Crooked Numbers, a monthly column dedicated to Minor League Baseball on-field oddities and absurdities. The edition, rounding up the month of July, features intra-organizational no-nos, wild romps, unexpected mound dominance and, of course, much more. Keeping track of this type of thing is a team effort, so get
Road to The Show™: Trade Deadline lookback
Each week, MiLB.com profiles prospects by chronicling the steps they’ve taken toward achieving their Major League dream. For more stories about players on The Road to The Show, click here. The 2024 Trade Deadline is upon us, and with it comes a slew of deals that are sure to shake
The Show Before the Show: Episode 466
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
All-Star Futures Game, Skills Showcase FAQs
Forty-nine of MLB’s top prospects will compete at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday in the All-Star Futures Game. This year’s iteration, which marks the 25th anniversary of the contest, will feature the first-ever Futures Skills Showcase, a three-challenge event that will test participants’ precision and power at
The weirdest MiLB stats, plays from June
Welcome to Crooked Numbers, a monthly column dedicated to Minor League Baseball on-field oddities and absurdities. The June edition features a doubles deluge, oppositional surnames, way too many walks and, of course, much more. Keeping track of this type of thing is a team effort, so get in touch if
Road to The Show™: Cubs’ Caissie
Each week, MiLB.com profiles an elite prospect by chronicling the steps he's taken toward achieving his Major League dream. Here's a look at third-ranked Cubs prospect Owen Caissie. For more stories about players on The Road to The Show, click here. There’s not much more that the prospect experience has
Player of the Week Spotlight: Cubs' Shaw
The way Matt Shaw sees it, getting through the grind of the baseball season is all about building momentum each and every day. Show up to the park, stay focused, and get a little better each time out. If last week is any indication, the rest of the league may
I-Cubs celebrate camp for deaf on special night
Years ago, Dylan Heuer attended Iowa Baseball Camp for the Deaf and eventually became the bat boy for Triple-A Iowa. When he returned as team photographer for the Cubs affiliate and found out the camp no longer existed, he brought it back. He wanted others in the deaf community to
Ballesteros finds another gear to complete cycle
Moises Ballesteros has always dreamed about hitting for the cycle. On Friday night, it came to fruition. The Cubs’ No. 6 prospect stepped up to the plate in the top of the ninth inning with a single, double and home run to his name. Down to his last strike, Ballesteros
Brennen Davis flips power switch on for I-Cubs
Just two years ago, Brennen Davis was the star of the Cubs’ farm system and one of the most highly regarded prospects in all of baseball. But it’s been a difficult couple of years for Davis, whose career stalled was slowed by injuries and inconsistencies. That makes his current hot
Watch for these 10 Complex league prospects
The Rookie-level Arizona Complex and Florida Complex leagues began play Saturday, a month earlier than they did a year ago. The changes mean that the circuits will be populated more by players making the jump from the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League the season before and less by guys coming out
Cubs sending Horton to Triple-A Iowa
NEW YORK -- Right-hander Cade Horton, the No. 2 prospect in the Cubs organization according to MLB Pipeline, is a step closer to the big leagues. He was promoted from Double-A Tennessee to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday. The news was first reported by the Des Moines Register. Horton, 22, dominated
Alcántara, Triantos warm up for Windy City
Madison, Alabama, is a long way from the Windy City. But the wind was blowing out on Tuesday night, and several players expected to play big parts in Chicago’s future took full advantage. Powered by a whopping seven homers, Double-A Tennessee bashed its way to a 10-4 win over Rocket
Don't sleep on these loaded MiLB teams
Following last Friday’s second Opening Day, all four full-season levels of Minor League Baseball are officially playing their 2024 regular seasons. That has given us a few days to take in and digest rosters across Triple-A, Double-A, High-A and Single-A to determine the best of the best. Some are loaded
Crow-Armstrong mashes and dashes for I-Cubs
Heading into Thursday night, Pete Crow-Armstrong had yet to hit a home run in 2024, a streak spanning Spring Training, Minor League games on the back fields and Triple-A play. Despite the lack of power display, the 22-year-old felt no pressure over his home run drought. However, a chat with
Ben's Biz: 2024 Double-A promotional night highlights
This is an excerpt from the latest edition of the Ben's Biz Beat Newsletter, bringing Minor League Baseball business and culture news to your inbox each and every Thursday. Check out the full newsletter HERE. Last week, I provided a rollicking round-up of notable 2024 Triple-A promotions. Today, we’ll gingerly
Road to The Show™: Cubs’ Shaw
MiLB.com's Road to the Show Scouting Report series spotlights players who are just starting their professional careers, focusing on what the experts are projecting for these young phenoms. Here's a look at fifth-ranked Cubs’ prospect Matt Shaw. For more player journeys on The Road to The Show, click here. Matt