Cubs Minor League Report Card: Outfield Part 2 |
As we continue to hang around the Cubs Minor League system, we have reached the final position grades before we touch on the starting pitching. Once again, the outfield will be the topic, as this is part two of the outfield grades.
Part one focused on the outfielders everyone knows, Owen Caissie, Kevin Alcantara, and Alexander Canario. Today, we look at three players who are often overlooked when discussing the Cubs system but who had arguably some of the better overall seasons. Most of these players will be traded eventually, but that could be good for the Cubs and their future. The better they perform from year to year, the more valuable they become, which leads to better trade returns to help this roster long term.
One of the most overlooked names in the Cubs system is Felix Stevens, and that continues to be the biggest shock. Standing at 6-4 and 225 pounds, Stevens draws a ton of comparisons to a young Jorge Soler, and when you watch him play, you can see the similarities. A 1B first when he broke into the league, Stevens moved to OF, where he established himself as a solid corner outfielder. Coming off a monster 2023 showing in which Stevens belted 27 homers and drove in 73 runs, Stevens opened the 2024 campaign in South Bend before getting the bump to AA Tennessee. Across 115 games with both teams, Stevens struggled to hit the ball at times, with a .237 average, but with 20 homers and 73 RBIs, he continued to be one of the more consistent run producers in the system. Season Grade B-: Had his average been higher, Stevens would've been sitting close to a B+, if not a B -. You can't argue with the overall production, as Stevens has emerged as one of the Cubs' most consistent run producers, which is why he has risen into the top 20 regarding Cubs prospects. If the Cubs are going to make a trade this offseason, Stevens is a name to watch, given his value at the plate. Look for 2025 as his best year yet, as he could lead the Cubs system in homers next season.
South Bend OF Andy Garriola is another player who is overlooked and coming off a great season. Taken in the 17th round of the 2022 MLB draft, Garriola followed a similar path to Stevens, starting his career as a 1B before shifting to OF permanently this season. Despite hitting just .225 for the Pelicans during his rookie season in 2023, Garriola did flash plenty of potential as he led the Pelicans with 12 homers and drove in 60. This season was a step in the right direction as he crushed the ball with the Birds and continued to produce once he was promoted to South Bend. Across 107 combined games this season, you could make the case that Garriola was the Cubs' best overall run producer, which is saying something when you look at the Cubs system. His .246 average was a massive improvement, but his .271 showing with South Bend stands out as he got better with better competition. As expected, Garriola started to tap into his power this season, finishing with 21 homers and driving in an organization-best 83 runs. Eighteen of those homers and 72 RBIs came in Myrtle Beach, but he continued to flash his potential once he reached high-A. Season Grade A-: Unless you follow the Cubs system in depth, not many realize the type of season Garriola had. Although he isn't a big name when you talk about the Cubs top guys, he performed like a top guy as his offensive performance was better than most of the players inside the organization. It will be interesting to see how the Cubs view him beyond this season, as he could soon become a highly coveted bat.
Like Garriola and Stevens, Alfonsin Rosario was an overlooked OF name this season, but one who went on to put up big numbers. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2023 MLB draft, Rosario played in just nine games as a rookie in Arizona before starting the season with Myrtle Beach this year. Rosario stayed in Myrtle Beach all season, unlike some other Pelicans hitters. He was one of the best hitters on the team and formed a terrific 1-2 combo with Garriola this season. He went on to play in 109 games this season, hitting .230 and connecting for 16 homers and 73 RBIs. The 16 homers were second to Garriola, but his 73 RBIs led the team and went to show the type of potential he has. Season Grade A-: You never know what to expect from a first-year pro, but even the Cubs couldn't have predicted what Rosario did. Sure, he took his lumps this season at times and will continue to take some along the way, but there is no reason to believe that he won't get better from here. Rosario could be one of the biggest X-Factors in the Cubs system, which is saying something.Felix Stevens
Andy Garriola
Alfonsin Rosario
