The Chicago Cubs head into the upcoming 2024 baseball season with one of the strongest farm systems in the league, receiving high praise from both Baseball America and ESPN.
ESPN ranks them second, while Baseball America places them fourth, attributing this positive evaluation to the presence of multiple Cubs prospects within their respective Top 100 players lists.
This marks a significant improvement for the Cubs, as last year they held the 17th spot in Baseball America’s farm system rankings. The climb in rankings has been steady, with the Cubs ranking 15th in 2022, 22nd in 2021, 21st in 2020, and 29th in 2019. ESPN also witnessed a similar ascent, ranking the Cubs 24th in 2020 and rising to second place after the reevaluation following the MLB Draft and trade deadline last year.
The driving force behind these impressive rankings is the Cubs’ inclusion of several players in the Top 100 prospects of both evaluators. Notable names include outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, right-handed pitcher Cade Horton, shortstop Matt Shaw, third baseman Michael Busch, and outfielder Owen Caissie.
While there is a slight disparity between the evaluators regarding left-handed pitcher Jordan Wicks’ placement, with ESPN ranking him at 41, the overall consensus is that the Cubs’ farm system is flourishing. Wicks and Crow-Armstrong, despite making their MLB debuts last season, are still considered prospects due to their limited experience.
The Cubs’ achievements in the farm system are highlighted in the overall rankings, placing them fourth in Baseball America’s list and second in ESPN’s rankings. This places them in esteemed company, with only the Baltimore Orioles, Milwaukee Brewers, and Texas Rangers ahead of them in Baseball America’s rankings, and the Baltimore Orioles leading the way in ESPN’s empirical surplus dollar values. The Cubs’ commitment to developing their farm system bodes well for the team’s future success in the major leagues.
‘It’s not easy growing older’: Jon Lester reflects on his time with the Red Sox and Cubs, as well as his potential induction into the Hall of Fame.
Jon Lester, who retired from an illustrious career two years ago, boasting three World Series rings and five All-Star appearances, intends to make a spring training visit to his former teams.
However, he currently has no inclination to officially join any team, expressing disinterest in coaching or assuming a formal role. While he maintains a closer connection to the Chicago Cubs due to friendships within the organization, Lester admits that his passion for the Cubs has diminished somewhat following the departure of manager David Ross, a former teammate and close friend. Understanding the team’s decision, he acknowledges the sting of seeing a friend lose their job.
Despite this, Lester remains emotionally invested in the Boston Red Sox, where he secured two World Series titles. He notes the challenges faced by his former teammate, Craig Breslow, who now serves as the team’s GM, and expresses confidence that the Red Sox, known for their strategic prowess, won’t stay down for long.
Currently residing in Brookhaven, Georgia, Lester’s primary interest lies in coaching his sons’ baseball teams.
While he acknowledges the possibility of someday taking on a coaching or advisory role, his focus is on enjoying the competitive spirit and camaraderie that baseball offers, reminiscing about the experiences, flights, and banter that accompanied his playing days.
Looking ahead, Lester anticipates being on the Hall of Fame ballot in three years, with an impressive career record of 200-117, a 3.66 ERA, and 2,488 strikeouts.
Despite the anticipation surrounding potential induction, he emphasizes that his motivation to play was driven by a desire to win, and any Hall of Fame recognition would be a gratifying addition to the privilege he enjoyed during his playing career.
Lester shares a unique connection with his friend Adam Wainwright, both retiring with exactly 200 victories, a milestone he finds remarkable and believes few will achieve in the future.
While he acknowledges the challenges of aging, Lester remains content coaching his son and cherishing the memories created during his baseball journey.
Leave a Reply