Leaving the MLB All-Star break with a lead in the National League Wildcard race, Chicago Cubs prospects are likely on their way to the major league roster to help keep their lead. Relying on prospects would allow Chicago to keep and develop their talent, rather than trading them for a rental player like Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal. Given the inevitability of injuries and late-season call-ups, here are three Cubs prospects who will likely make their debuts this season.
The highest-ranked prospect on the list, Jaxon Wiggins, just returned to the AAA starting rotation after his injury in April. After recovering from elbow inflammation, Wiggins started a rehab stint in rookie league before making additional starts in A+ for the organization. With him now back in AAA and fully healed, he could be in line for a late-season call-up to the majors.
Throughout the 2026 season, Wiggins has started seven games across the three minor league levels. In his seven starts, he compiled a 4.95 ERA without recording a win or a loss. During the seven starts, Wiggins threw 23 strikeouts and walked 11 batters over 20 innings. The starter has struggled in his two seasons at AAA, with a 5.75 ERA and a 2:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
While Wiggins has been a starter as he worked his way through the minors, if he is called up this season, it will likely be from the bullpen. This would give Chicago another high-leverage reliever while also allowing them to manage his workload. A spot in the bullpen would also make sense due to his current command issues, allowing him to use his mid-to-upper 90s fastball in short, effective bursts.
MLB Pipeline Chicago Cubs Prospects Rank: 3
Estimated MLB Debut: September
A recent surge in hitting and consistency has catapulted prospect Jonathan Long into the conversation for a late-season call-up. The natural first baseman has worked his way through the Cubs farm system before settling in at AAA in 2025 and now in 2026. Given his experience and production, the next logical step for Long is a major league roster.
After having a prolific first season at AAA in 2025, Long has seen a slight dip in his stats this year. In 85 games, he has hit ten home runs, driven in 54 runs, and scored 57 runs. While his .270 batting average is well below last season’s .305, he has been hot lately, culminating in a career-high five hits on July 9, 2026.
While Chicago already have a top-ten offense, Long could add extra competition to positions that have struggled in 2026. Although a natural first baseman, the 24-year-old has played games at third base and outfield during his time in the minors. The ability to play multiple positions would allows him to replace any talent from the major league roster that gets injured or involved in a trade.
MLB Pipeline Chicago Cubs Prospects Rank: 6
Estimated MLB Debut: September
One of the hottest hitters in the Cubs farm system is 25-year-old Owen Ayers. The catcher and first baseman has been rising through the minors for Chicago since being drafted in 2024 and has recently been promoted to AAA. After dominating at AA, Ayers will likely hit his way into the Cubs lineup in 2026.
During 2026, Ayers has played in 76 games across AA and A+ in the minor leagues. The fifteenth-round pick has hit 22 home runs and driven in 62 runs. He hit .315 with an OPS of 1.061. Ayers has also drawn 50 walks against 80 strikeouts in those games, sporting a 15.2% walk rate.
If Ayers continues his blistering pace at the plate in AAA, he could force Chicago to bring him up for much-needed offense. Given his ability to play first base or catcher, he is likely only an injury away from debuting in the majors. The Cubs’ current starting catcher, Carson Kelly, will be a free agent after the 2026 season. With several needs this offseason, resigning Kelly may not be a priority, opening the door for Ayers to compete for the starting job in 2027.
MLB Pipeline Chicago Cubs Prospects Rank: 8
Estimated MLB Debut: August
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The 2026 Cubs are currently on pace to make the playoffs as a wild-card team. Actually making the playoffs will likely require multiple Chicago prospects to make their major league debuts. With a highly rated farm system, the Cubs have plenty of talent waiting for their chance to showcase their belonging in the majors.
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