Wrigleyville Prospect Weekly: Futures Game Ripples Through the Pipeline, Murray and Ayers Stay Hot, MLB Draft Overview
By Reed Kubiak ·
Hartshorn’s Futures Game Blast Radius
Josiah Hartshorn (A+, OF, Rank: 15) spent the first half turning High-A box scores into something that looks a lot like a big league audition tape. The week that capped his Futures Game nod fit cleanly with that story: damage in the air again, another cluster of extra-base hits, and more evidence that his power is arriving in games rather than living as a scouting note. His seasonal line has pushed into true middle-of-the-order territory, with a slugging percentage that lives in the .500s and enough walks to avoid the empty-power tag that drags on so many corner bats at this stage.
While his season stats have been impressive, Hartshorn has cooled off over the past month. During the last 30 days, he has recorded a 102 WRC+ and a slash line of .239/.336/.478. This performance, while not poor, doesn't stand out. His home run production remains consistent, with six homers and 20 RBIs in the same period. This gives us a clearer picture of Hartshorn's capabilities when not on a hot streak, which was never expected to last indefinitely. If he can maintain this level of performance with occasional hot streaks, he remains a compelling prospect. It will be exciting to watch him garner national attention at the Futures Game.
Mason McGwire’s Inning-by-Inning Audition
Mason McGwire (AA, RHP, Rank: 11) does not have the surface stat sizzle that grabs Futures Game headlines, but his week looked exactly like what the Cubs need to see from an upper-level starter candidate. He stacked another five-plus inning turn with punchouts in the double digits per nine and walk totals that stayed in a range you can live with in Double-A. The fastball sat in the mid-90s, the breaking ball missed enough bats to finish at-bats, and the pitch count never spiked into the kind of inefficiency that has followed him in the past.
This stretch matters because it gives the organization another firm datapoint on whether McGwire can be part of the long-term rotation picture behind Jaxon Wiggins rather than just a bullpen contingency. He is at the stage where command trends carry as much weight as raw stuff, and weeks like this push his file closer to “could hold a spot every fifth day” than “maybe a two-inning middle guy.” If he keeps logging clean, 90–95 pitch outings with strikeout rates north of a batter per inning and walks in check, he turns into a legitimate internal option for 2027 rotation innings, which has direct implications for how aggressively the front office has to shop for mid-rotation help in free agency.
Owen Ayers Quietly Builds a Catching Solution
While Hartshorn and McGwire grab Futures Game headlines, Owen Ayers (AA, C, Rank: 13) spent the week doing the thing that actually stabilizes big league roster math: stacking multi-hit games from behind the plate. His latest run in Double-A included another string of two- and three-hit nights, with doubles mixed in and strikeout totals that remained tolerable for a catcher with real defensive responsibilities. The slash line has crept up into “above league-average” territory, and the contact rates look stable rather than fluky.
The broader story here is that Ayers is inching toward that valuable bucket of catchers who do not force a club to choose between defense and offensive relevance. If he finishes the year with an OPS in the mid-.700s while maintaining his current receiving and throwing reputation, he gives the Cubs a plausible internal bridge option behind the plate for the next 12–18 months. That matters in a world where veteran catchers are expensive and often short-term solutions. A Double-A catcher who can actually hit enough to sit in the bottom third of a big league lineup allows the front office to spend resources elsewhere, and Ayers’ week nudged him closer to that kind of conversation.
BJ Murray's Rising Performance
BJ Murray (AAA, 1B/3B, Rank: 40) has consistently showcased his talent, making a case for potential big league action this week. His offensive performance this week is outstanding, with a .450 batting average, a 1.372 OPS, and a 241 WRC+. Over the past month, Murray has maintained a 217 WRC+ and a 1.267 OPS, highlighting that this isn't just one hot week; it has been a hot month. His OPS ranks fourth among all qualified AAA batters during this month.
For the year, Murray's accomplishments include 11 home runs, 46 RBIs, and a .333 batting average. His strikeout rate has improved, dropping to 21%, reflecting better plate discipline. His speed is also noteworthy, with 8 stolen bases this season, although that might not translate to the Major League level.
Looking ahead, the 24-year-old Murray seems poised for a significant role. As he continues to refine his skills, he has the potential to become a key player, though whether that will be with the Cubs is uncertain. The Cubs are considering being buyers, and Murray could be included in a deal this trade deadline. The primary concern with Murray's game is his lack of defensive skills, which significantly lowers his value, although his bat is expected to surpass that of typical prospects.
With ongoing development and consistency at the plate, BJ Murray's recent success could be just the beginning of a remarkable career. If he maintains this level of performance, his future major league potential appears promising, and he could immediately contribute as a well-developed bat upon his call-up.
MLB Draft
The Cubs hold the 23rd pick in the upcoming draft this Saturday, marking an important opportunity for the organization. There's a significant gap in their farm system, particularly in pitching. Historically, the Cubs' development team has struggled to cultivate effective pitchers, opting for college bats with their last three first-round picks. This draft presents a chance to venture beyond their usual strategy and select a promising college pitcher. There are numerous options available, and a college arm could be the key to strengthening the organization. Who might the Cubs consider for their selection?
Mason Edwards
Age: 20, Position: LHP
Mason Edwards has emerged as a leading left-handed pitcher in the draft class. His 2026 season was exceptional, finishing with a sub-2.00 ERA and leading the nation in strikeouts. His four-seam fastball sits comfortably in the low-to-mid 90s, complemented by a hard slider and a deceptive changeup. Scouts praise his athletic frame and smooth delivery, projecting him as a potential mid-rotation starter.
Strengths: Lively fastball, advanced pitchability, and solid command
Weaknesses: Consistency of secondary pitches
Cameron Flukey
Age: 21, Position: RHP
Cameron Flukey stands out with his impressive frame and electric fastball that can touch 98 mph. His development trajectory has been significant, showcasing a deep arsenal that includes a curveball and slider. Flukey’s command has improved dramatically, making him a strong candidate for a mid-rotation role in the majors.
Strengths: Elite fastball-curveball combination, postseason performance
Weaknesses: Development of changeup
Logan Reddemann
Age: 21, Position: RHP
Logan Reddemann has made a name for himself with a mid-90s fastball and a plus changeup. His command and control have been exceptional, as evidenced by a low walk rate and high strikeout percentage in college. Reddemann’s ability to pitch effectively against advanced hitters positions him well for a future in the rotation.
Strengths: Strong strike-throwing ability, solid four-pitch mix
Weaknesses: Inconsistency in breaking pitches
Taylor Rabe
Age: 21, Position: RHP
Taylor Rabe has experienced a surge in his draft stock, showcasing a fastball that can reach 99 mph. With a deceptive delivery and a promising cutter, Rabe has shown he can dominate hitters. His secondary pitches are still developing but have the potential to become viable weapons as he matures.
Strengths: High-velocity fastball, strong recent performances
Weaknesses: Development of off-speed pitches
Zion Rose
Age: 21, Position: OF
Zion Rose is an exciting outfield prospect with a strong hit tool and developing power. His athleticism enhances his base-running capabilities, adding to his overall value. Although his defensive skills require improvement, Rose has the potential to become an everyday player with a robust offensive profile. While the Cubs might not prioritize college bats, Zion Rose could still be the best option.
Strengths: Contact ability, speed
Weaknesses: Defensive consistency
As the Cubs aim to strengthen their roster, these players offer a blend of potential and performance that could align well with the team's future goals. While I believe a college pitcher is the best option, it will be intriguing to see their draft choices.
Quick Hits
Jaxon Wiggins (AAA, RHP, Rank: 4) sharpened his pitch mix again, with another start where the fastball command held and the slider/changeup pairing generated both whiffs and soft contact. The stat line still reads like a pitcher ironing out the final wrinkles, but his innings and strikeout totals now clearly belong to a guy sitting one phone call away from Wrigley, not a long-term project.
Dominick Reid (A, RHP, Rank: 14) logged a clean pro workload week, stretching past the five-inning mark with the changeup again functioning as his best pitch. The Cubs are letting him prove whether the starter look is real, and each outing with 3+ strikeouts and limited free passes nudges his evaluation away from “relief-only” territory.
Kaleb Wing (R, RHP, Rank: 26) finally stacked back-to-back appearances where his strike-throwing looked more like the draft report than an Arizona box score experiment. Early velocity readings are in line with expectations, but the more relevant data point is his walk rate dipping into a range that allows the player dev group to treat him as a starter in the near term.