As the Chicago Cubs gear up for a promising 2026 season, it's easy to focus on the big names and World Baseball Classic participants. However, there are some under-the-radar prospects in the Cubs' system who could make waves this year. Let's dive into three intriguing players who could contribute to the Cubs' success.
RHP Jack Neely
Jack Neely has been turning heads since joining the Cubs at the 2024 trade deadline. Despite a rocky stint with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs last year, where he posted a 6.23 ERA, Neely has shown flashes of brilliance this spring.
Before being cut from the roster, he delivered four scoreless outings, striking out seven and allowing no hits. Standing tall at 6'8", Neely's fastball-slider combo is formidable, and he's known for racking up strikeouts-100 in 2023 across High-A and Double-A.
Neely's potential as a bullpen asset in high-pressure situations is undeniable. Although he won't start the year in the majors, he's likely to be one of the first called up if injuries strike.
His main challenge has been controlling his walk rate, but if he can overcome this, he could follow in the footsteps of Daniel Palencia, who emerged as a closer last year. Keep an eye on Neely as the season unfolds.
LHP Riley Martin
Riley Martin, like Neely, is a high-strikeout reliever poised to make an impact in the Cubs' bullpen. At 28, Martin is slightly older but retains all his minor league options, which might see him promoted before Neely.
Last season, Martin impressed with a 2.69 ERA over 63 2/3 innings and an 80/35 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Drafted 184th overall in 2021, Martin is ready for his big-league opportunity.
His challenge, much like Neely's, is controlling walks, with a career 14% walk rate in the minors. Martin's arsenal includes a mid-90s fastball and a deceptive power curveball. These tools make him a valuable depth option for the Cubs, and he could solidify his role in 2026.
RHP Connor Noland
Connor Noland is a steady presence on the mound, having logged consecutive 130+ inning seasons. While not overpowering, his repertoire of off-speed pitches and consistent performance make him a reliable starter. Noland is set to anchor Iowa's rotation, but his path to the majors is less clear due to the Cubs' depth in starting pitching.
The Cubs' recent moves-trading for Edward Cabrera, re-signing Colin Rea, and bringing back Shota Imanaga-along with the return of Justin Steele, place Noland lower on the depth chart. However, his solid performance could make him a valuable trade asset come deadline time, especially for a team eager to bolster its roster for a playoff push.
As the Cubs aim for postseason glory, these prospects could play pivotal roles, whether stepping up in the majors or being part of strategic trades. Keep these names in mind as the season progresses-they might just be the difference-makers the Cubs need.