Cubs On Deck

On this week's episode with Greg Huss and Bryan Smith, the guys evaluate the start of the year for 15 Cubs prospects and determine whether their hot starts AND cold starts are legit or if they will regress to the mean.Hot Bats: Owen Ayers, Cole Mathis, Ty Southisene, Brett BatemanCold Bats: Kade Snell, Ariel Armas, Alexey Lumpuy, Jonathon LongHot Arms: Mason McGwire, Dominick Reid, Marino SantyCold Arms: JP Wheat, Jackson Kirkpatrick, Erian Rodriguez, Nazier Mule

Greg Huss is joined by Iowa Cubs broadcaster Jason Kempf! Topics include:What coaches think about Pedro Ramirez's breakoutHas BJ Murray Jr. been just as impressive as Pedro?Why is Jonathon Long struggling so much at the plate?How does Kevin Alcantara fit on the MLB roster?James Triantos is doing typical James Triantos thingsIs Brett Bateman the (second) most patient hitter in all of baseball?An insane revolving door of pitchers on the Iowa rosterWhy veteran pitchers continue to re-sign with the Cubs to play in Des Moines

We all know the top pitching prospect in the Cubs organization is Jaxon Wiggins. But after him, who are the top arms in the system? Greg Huss and Bryan Smith make the case for a handful of arms: Kaleb Wing, Dominick Reid, Brooks Caple, Brandon Birdsell, Mason McGwire, and Pierce Coppola

Greg Huss is joined by Greg Zumach on this live version of the podcast to talk:Brooks Caple and Mason McGwire's mini-breakoutsDraft approach to catchersIs the organization's catching the best it has been in the last decade?Untouchable prospects in trades

Greg Huss and Bryan Smith spend the entire episode talking about one player: Pedro Ramirez. The infielder has quickly put himself on the national prospect radar with an unbelievably hot start in Triple-A. The guys talk about how he got to this point in his career, what he's doing so well this season, and how he fits into the Chicago Cubs' plans - both this season and into the future.

Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and new voice of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Joey Robertson:Joey's career journey to Myrtle BeachHitting prospects Cole Mathis, Josiah Hartshorn, Michael Carico, Jose Escobar, and othersPitching prospects Dominick Reid, Mason McGwire, Hayden Frank, and others

This is your prototypical episode with Greg Huss and Bryan Smith. Topics include:Josiah Hartshorn popping onto Top 100 radarsOwen Ayers continues his Arizona Fall League hot streak to the regular seasonCole Mathis providing he doesn't belong in Myrtle BeachGrant Kipp nearly perfect to start the seasonBJ Murray Jr. proving himself at Triple-APedro Ramirez showing powerJace Beck looking like a potential breakout bullpen arm

In this episode, Greg Huss sits down pregame with 3 members of the South Bend Cubs:Outfielder Kade Snell talks about his added strength and experience in big league Spring Training gamesOutfielder Kane Kepley breaks down his hair-on-fire play style and what he's learned with each jump in competition level.Hitting coach Nate Spears discusses his time in the organization as a player following his involvement in the Corey Patterson trade and how it compares to the impact he makes on players now that he's a coach. He also talks about how the Cubs development team coordinates teaching hitting at the various levels of the system.

Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Greg Zumach:Affiliate assignments that stand out like Cole Mathis to Myrtle BeachRiley Martin's promotion to Chicago and MLB debutThere seems to be a new pitching development strategy, with almost all of the Cubs' lower level pitchers going multiple inningsKevin Alcantara's hot startJosiah Hartshorn's impressive pro debutJames Triantos back on track

Two big-time segments on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Bryan Smith:The first 40 minutes is spent making the hottest takes this podcast has ever seen (even if that's a very relative statement). From Jefferson Rojas making the bigs this year to Will Sanders' most important pitch and eating crow on Pedro Ramirez, the guys react to the first weekend of I-Cubs games and Spring Training.The back-end of the show is the guys making their annual predictions for what Cubs prospects make their MLB debut in 2026. Jaxon Wiggins seems like an absolute lock to make it to Chicago, but when will it happen? And three-plus more guys that could make the leap.

Hosts Greg Huss, Bryan Smith, and Greg Zumach once again compete in the yearly nerdy tradition of drafting teams full of Cubs prospects. They each select seven pitchers and twelve position players to fill out their rosters. They begin with the big three of Jaxon Wiggins, Moises Ballesteros, and Jefferson Rojas and finish by going 57 names deep.

Greg Huss is joined by Iowa Cubs broadcaster Jason Kempf to preview the talented I-Cubs roster for 2026. Players mentioned in this episode include:Jaxon Wiggins, Connor Noland, Will Sanders, Riley Martin, Jack Neely, Jonathon Long, James Triantos Jr., Hayden Cantrelle, Pedro Ramirez, BJ Murray Jr., Kevin Alcantara, Brett Bateman, Ben Brown, Jordan Wicks, Ethan Roberts, Luke Little

Greg Huss is joined by South Bend Cubs broadcaster Brendan King as the two preview the 2026 season for two different Cubs affiliates: the High-A South Bend Cubs and Double-A Knoxville Smokies. Players of note:South Bend: Nazier Mule, Dom Hambley, Koen Moreo, Ethan Flanagan, Jostin Florentino, JP Wheat, Jake Knapp, Pierce Coppola, Tyler Ras, Logan Poteet, Cameron Sisneros, Owen Ayers, Cole Mathis, Ty Southisene, Matt Halbach, Angel Cepeda, Yahil Melendez, Kade Snell, Leonel Espinoza, Kane Kepley, Jose EscobarKnoxville: Grant Kipp, Nick Dean, Tyler Schlaffer, Erian Rodriguez, Yenrri Rojas, Nick Hull, Evan Taylor, Evan Aschenbeck, Jackson Kirkpatrick, Luis Martinez-Gomez, Jefferson Rojas, Ariel Armas, Edgar Alvarez, Carter Trice, Jordan Nwogu

Myrtle Beach broadcaster Luke Moehle joins host Greg Huss to preview the Pelicans' 2026 campaign. Players of note:Kevin Camacho, Alfredo Romero, Hayden Frank, Eli Jerzembeck, Dominick Reid, Jairo Diaz, Justin Stransky, Alexis Hernandez, Ludwing Espinoza, Alexey Lumpuy, Eli Lovich, Ethan Conrad, Josiah Hartshorn

In this episode, Greg Huss goes solo on the live stream to dig into many of the nearly 40 prospects that have appeared in Spring Training games so far, with special attention paid to the 10 non-roster invitee prospects invited to Big League camp. Throughout the episode, he answers questions from listeners about some of your favorite prospects!

In this episode, Greg Zumach plays host, asking Greg Huss and Bryan Smith about their brand new Cubs prospect lists. The trio talk about the identical top 5 of Jaxon Wiggins, Moises Ballesteros, Jefferson Rojas, Kevin Alcantara, and Jonathon Long before continuing down their rankings all the way to the 30th best prospect in the system.

Cubs prospect Owen Ayers joins Greg Huss and Bryan Smith to talk about...His roundabout journey to pro ballDefensive work behind the plateAn absolute breakout performance in the Arizona Fall LeagueHitting intricaciesWhether or not players pay attention to prospect rankings

Cubs pitching prospect Jackson Kirkpatrick joins Greg Huss to talk about a number of topics:Tread Athletics pro dayGetting signedDeveloping his pitch mixHow training is different with the Cubs than with TreadWhat offseason training looks likeDynamic of struggling in college vs. struggling as a proChris Clarke's impact on him

Greg Huss and Bryan Smith break down the recent Cubs trade as they acquired Edward Cabrera from the Marlins for Owen Caissie, Cristian Hernandez, and Edgardo De Leon. The guys break down what the Cubs lost in each player they dealt away and also break down the state of the system post-trade.

In this episode, Greg Huss provides prospect profiles for the clear-cut top 3 prospects in the Cubs organization: Jaxon Wiggins, Moises Ballesteros, and Owen Caissie. He walks through each player's strengths, weaknesses, potential outcomes, and timeline to consistent Major League roles.

Greg Huss is joined by former Cubs prospect and recent draft pick of the Texas Tailgaters from the Banana Ball League, Chris Clarke. He spent six seasons in the Cubs organization and gives the lowdown on what it was like during his time in the system. - Favorite parts of each affiliate - Playing with and then playing for Pelicans manager Yovanny Cuevas - How he completely turned around the Myrtle Beach Pelicans season - How pitching development has changed during his time in the org - How pitch counts and innings limits impacted his development - What it was like being drafted in the MLB Rule 5 Draft - How he found himself trying out for the Savannah Bananas

Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Cubs prospect Hayden Cantrelle:An impressive college careerStarting his own sandlot league during COVIDSpending time in 4 different organizationsPlaying 6 different positions last yearsThe intricacies of switch hitting and how to trainAn impressive performance in Las VegasHis take on the ABS challenge systemWhy he started a YouTube channel and why he still does itHayden's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@5Guyy

Today, we're joined by Cubs 5th round pick and current prospect Kade Snell. He talks with Greg Huss about... - Growing up an Auburn fan and committing there to pitch - Transitioning to a two-way players in junior college - Transferring into Alabama and becoming captain of their team in a short time - Draft day experience and who else he was almost selected by - His insane summer with lots of travel and even more baseball - Importance of the Strength and Conditioning team - Limiting strikeouts while adding power - Why he started stealing bases all the sudden

In this episode with Greg Huss and Greg Zumach, the guys run through nine prospects that might get added to the 40-man roster and protected from the Rule 5 Draft.Riley MartinJames TriantosJP WheatBrandon BirdsellErian RodriguezConnor NolandCristian HernandezPedro RamirezGrant KippThey end the show by making their predictions for who will be protected.

Welcome into another edition of the Chicago Cubs Prospects Award Show! This year, Greg Huss, Greg Zumach, and Bryan Smith hand out 20 awards and superlatives. Whether you are looking for the Hitter of the Year or the best fastball in the system, you can find it in this episode!

Greg Huss and Bryan Smith recap the seasons of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Knoxville Smokies, and Iowa Cubs by handing out an MVP, Cy Young, and Most Improved Player award at each of the affiliates that wrapped up or are wrapping up their seasons. Like last week with South Bend, the guys dig into plenty of players, with multiple guys making their case to bring home some hardware.

Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss:Running through the 7 players reportedly being assigned to the Arizona Fall LeagueRecapping the South Bend Cubs season by handing out MVP, Cy Young, and Most Improved Player awards (and the runners-up)Now that he has made it to Triple-A, how likely is it we see Jaxon Wiggins in Chicago this season?

Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Greg Zumach:Kane Kepley's outrageously hot stretchJust how impressive is Myrtle Beach's 2nd half?Cristian Hernandez stolen bases compared to John Andreoli and Tony CampanaBrandon Birdsell's elbow surgeryWho are the prospects we are glad the Cubs didn't trade?Comparing Cubs prospect rankings from preseason 2024 to now to explain why the system is down so much

Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Iowa Cubs broadcaster Jason Kempf:Iowa having a dedicated beat writerBiggest differences between working in Single-A vs. Triple-AThe vibes in the Iowa clubhouse during the trade deadlineThis season's progression of James Triantos and Kevin AlcantaraWho should win this year's Cubs minor league hitter of the year award? Moises Ballesteros, Owen Caissie, or Jonathon Long?The revolving door that is a Triple-A pitching staffSimilarities between Connor Noland and Will SandersImpact of veteran guys in the clubhouse like Carlos Perez, Dixon Machado, and Caleb Knight

Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Bryan Smith:Owen Caissie made his MLB debut. What does this stint in the bigs look like?Prospects that are most likely to be next up on an MLB Top 100 listListener questions about the pitchers that could help the MLB team next year, lower level pitching prospects, and hitters that could jump up multiple levels in the next year.

Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Bryan Smith:Ariel Armas is hotter than any hitter in affiliated baseballFirst impressions of Kade Snell in South Bend and Kane Kepley in Myrtle BeachFive hot Birds: Ty Southisene, Angel Cepeda, Matt Halbach, Alexey Lumpuy, and Christian OlivoWhat prospects should be promoted to end the season?A three-way battle between Owen Caissie, Jonathon Long, and Moises Ballesteros for Cubs minor league hitter of the year

Greg Huss goes solo immediately following the conclusion of the MLB Trade Deadline to react to the Cubs moves from a prospect perspective. He breaks down the four Cubs trades and analyzes the state of the system now that they are complete.Christian Franklin and Ronny Cruz for Mike SorokaWilfri de la Cruz for Andrew KittredgeIvan Brethowr for Taylor RogersRyan Gallagher and Sam Armstrong for Willi Castro

Greg Huss recently updated his Cubs Top 30 Prospects List, and Brendan Miller joins him on this episode to walk through the rankings, starting with Owen Caissie and Moises Ballesteros at the top.Find the full rankings here: https://outofthevines.wordpress.com/2025/07/17/updating-my-prospect-list-ahead-of-the-mlb-trade-deadline/

Join Greg Huss, Greg Zumach, and Bryan Smith as they run through each and every one of the Cubs' 20 draft picks from the 2025 MLB Draft and what they liked and disliked about the team's draft strategy.

Join Greg Huss and Greg Zumach as they preview the 2025 MLB Draft by first taking a look back on recent drafts the Cubs have completed under Dan Kantrovitz's team. The guys then detail 9 different players the Cubs could select in the first round and a few additional deep cuts for later rounds.

Greg Huss and Bryan Smith walk through 17 players on a midseason all-star team of Cubs prospects and tack on some honorable mentions for good measure. Lots of big names in this episode including Jaxon Wiggins, Owen Caissie, Cristian Hernandez, and Moises Ballesteros.

Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and South Bend Cubs broadcaster Brendan King:Ryan Gallagher's breakout to Top 20 prospectTyler Schlaffer's impressive runErian Rodriguez's return from injuryJaxon Wiggins' utter dominanceNick Dean's under-the-radar ascensionJefferson Rojas as the organization's top prospect?Cristian Hernandez's steady defenseCarter Trice's do-it-all performance

Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Bryan Smith:Jaxon Wiggins dominance and timeline to ChicagoNow that both Matt Shaw and Cade Horton have graduated from prospect status, who is the Cubs new #1 prospect between Wiggins, Moises Ballesteros, Owen Caissie, and Jefferson Rojas?Why people are experiencing prospect fatigue with Owen CaissieShoutout to lower level prospects Cameron Sisneros, Edgar Alvarez, Jackson Kirkpatrick, and Cole Reynolds

Greg Huss answers listener questions including:Who are the next best pitching prospects after Cade Horton?How does Jonny Long stack up against his draft mates?How high can Jefferson Rojas fly up rankings?Which Cubs pitching prospect could be a Top 30 Prospect in baseball?Lower-level breakout prospectImpact of no Short-Season ball?Which prospects could be traded?

NCAA Regionals are wrapped up and the MLB Draft is right around the corner.Greg Zumach answers listener questions and drops a five round Cubs mock draft.

Topic on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Bryan Smith:Moises Ballesteros' role as catcher in ChicagoJonny Long is mashing so when will he be called up to ChicagoBreakout pitchers from last year's draft class: Ryan Gallagher and Brooks CapleMovement in the battle for the third best pitching prospect in the system behind Cade Horton and Jaxon Wiggins: Brandon Birdsell, Will Sanders, and Erian Rodriguez

Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss:Will Sanders performance this week and this seasonOwen Caissie's strikeout rateKevin Alcantara against breaking ballsMoises Ballesteros' powerTop offensive performers including Lovich, Sisneros, Rojas, Murray, and LongIvan Brethowr, Jaxon Wiggins, Owen Ayers, and James Triantos

Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Bryan Smith:Cade Horton's MLB debutJaxon Wiggins strong (and unique) performance and why he's ready for a promotionJames Triantos positional versatilityJefferson Rojas and why he's a Top 100 prospectWho else is ready for a promotion throughout the system?

Greg Huss and Greg Zumach celebrate Episode 100 of the Cubs On Deck Podcast by hitting on a variety of topics!Cade Horton's potential promotion to ChicagoA look back at our prospect lists from November of 2022 when the show was first starting and many of the prospects that are currently near Chicago were first getting their start in the systemRunning through several listener questions including ones about Owen Caissie's power, our favorite prospects to cover the past few years, Jonny Long at third base, and what prospect is most likely to be traded at the deadlineThank you all SO MUCH for tuning in each week to hear us talk about Cubs prospects. It has meant so much to us over these last 100 episodes!

Players of note in this week's episode with Greg Huss and Myrtle Beach Pelicans broadcaster, Luke Moehle:Nazier MuleJP WheatEvan AschenbeckBrooks CapleBrayden RisedorphKevin ValdezOwen AyersAngel CepedaJose EscobarCole MathisMatt HalbachLeonel EspinozaAlexey LumpuyCameron Sisneros

Greg Huss and Bryan Smith spend the entire episode talking about one player: Moises Ballesteros. The guys talk about how he got to this point, what his strong season looks like so far, when and if we see him in Chicago this year, and what his future at the catcher position looks like.

Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Greg Zumach:How legit is Cristian Hernandez's breakout and when will he crack Top 100 listsWhat are the internal options for the Chicago Cubs pitching staff depth following Justin Steele's trip to the IL?Moises Ballesteros is starting to tap into that all-important powerAn exercise to predict which prospects will end the season with the highest OPSGame time! What minor league affiliates share a name with their parent club?

Hosts Greg Huss and Bryan Smith talk about the players that caught their eyes over the course of the first full weekend of the minor league season, as all four affiliates took the field for the first time!

Greg Huss details the newly released Double-A Knoxville Smokies roster in the team preview for the 2025 campaign:Rotation: Will Sanders and Sam Armstrong but no Jaxon Wiggins, Erian Rodriguez, Nick Dean, or Drew GrayBullpen: Nick Hull, Frankie Scalzo Jr, Zac Leigh, Mitchell Tyranski, Ben Leeper, and Robert KwiatkowskiInfield: Pedro Ramirez, Haydn McGeary, Hayden Cantrelle, BJ Murray, and Ed HowardOutfield: Felix Stevens, Jaylen Palmer, Jordan Nwogu, and Parker ChaversCatchers: Pablo Aliendo, Ethan Hearn, Casey Opitz

Topics on this week's episode with Greg Huss and Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register as the duo recaps opening weekend for the Iowa Cubs:Throwback to when Matt Murton and Eric Patterson were Cubs prospectsOwen Caissie is healthy and in the starting lineupJames Triantos and how his skillset might work in the bigsMoises Ballesteros hits the ball hard and the defense is better than it probably should beBen Cowles surprising earlyJonny Long following in Matt Mervis' footstepsConnor Noland's dominating Opening Night startDaniel Palencia throwing more gas