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Cubs’ No. 1 prospect could reach the big leagues sooner than expected
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The Chicago Cubs are facing a lot of uncertainty heading into the 2027 season. But uncertainty is not always necessarily a bad thing.
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Amid bold-faced questions regarding starting pitching, the bullpen, both corner outfield positions, and catcher, there’s at least one possible good-news unknown on the radar for 2027—Josiah Hartshorn.
The 19-year-old sixth-round draft pick dominated in his first season of professional ball, moving up three levels and earning his way to recognition as the Cubs’ overall top prospect. Through Single-A Myrtle Beach, High-A South Bend, and Double-A Knoxville, Hartshorn slashed a combined .284/.407/.518 with 23 home runs and 112 RBIs through 125 games.
A Gold Glove for Josiah Hartshorn
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Beyond offense, the young talent has also firmly established himself as a top-tier defender. This was confirmed by the minor league Gold Glove recently awarded to him.
However, he got the award for his work at first base, not in the outfield where he’s received his most acclaim as a future major league impact player.
“Hartshorn recorded 440 total chances in 58 games at first base for Single-A Myrtle Beach, High-A South Bend, and Double-A Knoxville, posting 407 putouts and 28 assists while committing just five errors for a .989 fielding percentage. He also helped turn 36 double plays.
During his time with the South Bend Cubs, Hartshorn posted an impressive .992 fielding percentage in 48 games at first base. In 404 innings, he recorded 375 total chances, including 351 putouts and 21 assists, while committing just three errors. He also had a hand in 27 double plays.”
He also proved himself to be an elite defender in the outfield, where he went without committing a single error over 58 games at right field and center field throughout three levels.
There’s a lot worth noting when it comes to the Cubs’ No. 1 prospect. Brett Taylor of Bleacher Nation, for example, thinks that it’s entirely possible that a 20-year-old Hartshorn could actually find himself playing with the big league Cubs as soon as mid-2027.
Per Taylor:
“With the bat clearly being advanced for his age, and with him being close to physically maxed, it’s not impossible that Josiah Hartshorn could work his way up to the big leagues as soon as mid-2027, when he’ll be just 20 years old. I don’t know that I’d put that expectation on his schedule, but I’m just saying, it’s pretty obviously plausible.”
Finding a spot on the Cubs roster
His ability to play a sterling first base as well as top-notch defense in the outfield gives him additional entry spots to the big league roster. As a switch-hitter, he has about the same batting average against lefties and righties, but he hits with significantly more power versus righties (22 of his 23 combined home runs came against right-handed pitching).
So, could he find his way to the majors in a platoon with Michael Busch? Could he simply move into one of the corner outfield spots left behind by Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ?
There are options with Hartshorn and he seems to be developing at a quicker rate and younger age than anyone had anticipated. It wouldn’t be absolutely unprecedented for a 20-year-old to earn his way to the major league roster. Jackson Chourio and Ethan Salas both made their big league debuts at the age of 20.
The Cubs will certainly have the roster spots open for Hartshorn when/if he’s deemed ready.
The post Cubs’ No. 1 prospect could reach the big leagues sooner than expected appeared first on ChiCitySports.
