Ethan Conrad Could Be the Next Big Name in the Cubs’ Farm System
As the Chicago Cubs look ahead to 2026, there’s a noticeable shift happening in their prospect hierarchy. Owen Caissie, who’s held the top spot in the organization’s farm system for most of 2025, is on the brink of making a full-time jump to the big leagues - likely as either an outfielder or a designated hitter. That means the Cubs will soon be looking for a new face to lead their next wave of talent.
And they won’t be short on options.
Right-hander Jaxson Wiggins just wrapped up a strong season that saw him reach Triple-A Iowa. Jefferson Rojas, only 20 years old, tore through High-A pitching. And second-round pick Kane Kepley made a loud entrance into pro ball, lighting up the minors after joining the system.
But the name that’s starting to generate real buzz heading into 2026? First-round pick Ethan Conrad.
A Prototype for the Cubs’ Draft Strategy
Conrad fits the mold the Cubs have leaned into in recent years: polished college hitters with upside. Drafted 17th overall out of Wake Forest, Conrad was a bit of a question mark to some after a shoulder injury ended his season early.
But before that, he was absolutely raking - slashing .372/.495/.744 in just 97 plate appearances. That kind of production, even in a small sample, turned heads.
He also impressed on the Cape Cod circuit, hitting .385/.433/.486 - numbers that carry weight with front offices, especially those like the Cubs who value Cape performance as a key data point. The fact that Chicago still took him in the first round despite the injury speaks volumes about their confidence in his medicals and long-term potential.
Now, with his recovery seemingly on track - he was swinging and working with Cubs coaches late in the year - Conrad is poised to start his pro career in Myrtle Beach or South Bend in 2026. If he’s healthy and performs the way many expect, a quick jump to Double-A Knoxville isn’t out of the question.
A Familiar Blueprint for Success
This isn’t new territory for the Cubs. In recent drafts, they’ve leaned heavily on college bats early - Cam Smith in 2024, Matt Shaw in 2023, and Jordan Wicks in 2021 (though a pitcher, he fits the older, more developed profile). Jed Hoyer and his front office have clearly prioritized players who are closer to MLB-ready, and Conrad is the latest example of that philosophy.
Should Conrad develop as projected, he’d be a timely addition to a system that’s about to see several of its top names graduate. Caissie, along with Moises Ballesteros and Kevin Alcantara, are all expected to lose prospect status early in 2026. That’s three of the Cubs’ top five prospects, per MLB Pipeline, moving on - a significant turnover.
And if the Cubs make another major move this offseason - something on the scale of their Kyle Tucker blockbuster - it could mean parting with even more top-tier minor-league talent.
That’s why Conrad’s emergence is more than just a feel-good story about a first-rounder bouncing back from injury. It’s a critical piece of the puzzle for maintaining a strong pipeline of talent - something the Cubs have quietly done well in recent years, even as the big-league roster continues to evolve.
What’s Next?
If Conrad stays healthy and performs, don’t be surprised to see him leapfrog his way up the rankings - possibly even claiming that No. 1 prospect title by midseason. He’s got the hit tool, the track record, and the organizational backing.
For a Cubs team that’s trying to thread the needle between contending now and staying stocked for the future, Conrad could be the next name fans should get familiar with - and fast.