Another prospect that is playing well, but is running under the radar is Mark Zagunis. He is 22 in high A ball, which is right on par with normal - and not being "ahead" in terms of age is probably why he isn't getting as much love from the ratings. But, he is top 10 in the carolina league in hits, runs, doubles, HR - leads the league in walks and OBP, 5th in OPS, can play all 3 OF positions (likely more of a corner guy when he makes it up, though) decent arm and decent range and he isn't slow, has 11 steals.
I would not be surprised to see him hitting in Wrigley by the end of 2017. And, if you made me do one of those bold predictions things, would say he has the ability to be a better player than Billy McKinney - he has more pop, more speed and his plate discipline is only slightly worse, if at all.
Another guy to keep your eye on is Jeimer Candelario. He was promoted to AA about a month ago, will not turn 22 until after the season - in his first 16 games in AA, OPSing at .885 with 6 XBH in 60 at bats. He plays 3B, but not the best fielder - he would probably be roughly Bryant-esque in the field, maybe a little better. But, at 21 right now, he has a chance to start next year at AAA - his biggest problem is our log jam at 3B, we have Villanueva and Olt already in AAA, who are both at or close to MLB ready and not likely going anywhere next year barring a trade - then we have the issue of who plays in the field next year. If we assume this is our starting lineup next year:
C - Montero
1B - Rizzo
2B - Russell/Baez
SS - Castro/Russell
3B - Bryant
LF - Schwarber
CF - FA/Mendy/Cogs
RF - Soler
Bench - Olt/Cogs/Baez/Mendy/Ross
Not sure where Villanueva falls - he is on the 40 man roster, so he isn't going anywhere, but not sure where his path goes. Same for Olt. Unless, the Cubs can figure out how to play Soler in CF or determine that they can keep Schwarber at C and free up LF for Bryant and let Olt or Villanueva try 3rd next year. But, I think I would rather Montero in the lineup than either of those guys, as of now - especially with his game calling.
Knowing that the Cubs will go big trying to fill that 5th starter role on Price, Cueto, Greinke, Kazmir or (potentially) Shark - trying to figure out what offensive FAs they will go after. Seems like they are content to let their young guys grow into their roles, but we are going to need another 3 players for next year (assuming we don't keep Herrera, which we shouldnt) - Players almost guaranteed to be here next year are - OF under contract are Soler/Cogs - IF under contract are Rizzo/Russell/Castro/Montero/Ross - Flex roles Bryant/Schwarber - that means we need likely 3 more players, have to figure Baez and Olt will be given a strong chance to be two of them, then we have Mendy/Villanueva/Sczcur that will be in camp with a shot for the last, with Mendy likely being Maddons favorite to be the super sub that he is using Cogs in now. Assuming Olt and Baez are the other two, looking at the FAs left, we should be looking at an outfielder that can play CF - and probably not a top player available (Heyward, Upton, Cespedes, Parra), but someone in the middle that we can sign for 1-2 years, but has the upside that he could win the CF job and be a solid player for us. The real options are:
Chris Denorfia - we know him, pretty sure everyone think he is more of a 4th OF option, but has been playing well, and will likely get himself low starter money, will probably be too rich for our blood for what he is
Austin Jackson - should be cheap, but people could overpay for potential and his performance from 4+ years ago - guessing he gets a 4 year deal, and it may be too much for us.
Dexter Fowler - will be looking for a big contract, not sure we will pay for what his performance has been this year, guessing he is going to be looking for 4-5 year deal at $10+ million - probably too much, unless he really liked playing here and want to stay for less
Colby Rasmus - took a one year deal last year with houston and has played better than Fowler, has an up and down history, Epstein was interested last year, but did not want to pay the $8 million for him, could still a solid option at 2/$15, if he takes it and doesn't have a better option (which he might)
Drew Stubbs - Really shocked at his falloff this year, especially in Coors, its weird - thinking this could allow us to snag him for a cheap 1 or 2 year deal, has a ton of potential, but also resembles this cubs team, aggressive on the base paths, lots of pop, but lots of Ks - would be happy with him at 1/$4 deal
Denard Span - he could probably be put in the top guys category, because he will be looking for a big deal, and we won't go there, but if he slips, would be perfect at the top of the lineup for us, good speed, good OBP - but that is likely what gets him a long term deal
Rajai Davis - he would only be signed if we were looking for a 4th OF option (Denorfia style), as his best years will be behind him - would be cheap though
Other non-CF options
Alex Gordon - Epstein wanted him last year, had a trade on the table of Gordon for Mendy with some extras, but he is likely way out of our price range, unless we say that Schwarber will be our full time C, and we have a guaranteed open OF spot
Matt Joyce - struggled mightily this year, but Maddon knows him and got a lot out of him, should be pretty cheap, but at 31, pretty much no chance he plays CF - thinking we only bring him in if we think Mendy can lock down CF
I'm guessing we go the same route as last year and look for a starting CF and have one of Bryant/Schwarber starting in LF, Soler gets another year in RF, but we need an option to spell him or replace him if he is terrible again - so I would think we end up with either Rasmus, Jackson or Fowler who can cover all the OF options and can start and be solid, but may take a 2 year deal - but no chance we overpay after giving whichever pitcher we sign $20+ per year.
