Chicago Cubs Announce 2023 Organization All-Stars
The Chicago Cubs have announced their 2023 Organization All-Stars, recognizing the top performers in their farm system. Each offseason, MiLB.com goes position by position across each organization to honor the players who had the best seasons, regardless of age or prospect status.
Leading the way for the Cubs is catcher Moises Ballesteros, who had an impressive first full season. Ballesteros displayed an advanced approach and impressive bat-to-ball skills, particularly after his promotion to High-A. He finished fourth among Chicago’s full-season qualifiers in batting and caught 25 runners stealing.
First baseman Haydn McGeary also had a standout season, rising quickly through the ranks since being drafted last year. McGeary proved ready for a promotion to Double-A after just 20 games and maintained an impressive on-base percentage and power throughout the season.
Matt Shaw, the Cubs’ second baseman, hit the ground running after being selected with the No. 13 overall pick in July. He eventually secured the final out of Tennessee’s Southern League championship and finished with the second-most total bases among 2023 draftees.
BJ Murray Jr., the third baseman, showed off elite strike zone awareness and was one of 18 Minor Leaguers with at least 70 RBIs, 80 walks, and an OBP better than .380 this season. Shortstop Luis Vazquez enjoyed his best professional season, reaching career highs in almost every offensive category.
In the outfield, Owen Caissie overcame a slow start to become the Cubs’ Hitting Prospect of the Year. He led Cubs qualifiers with a 144 wRC+ and was fourth in OBP, SLG, and OPS. Pete Crow-Armstrong displayed his five-tool talent and was one of three players in the Minors with at least 20 homers, seven triples, and 35 stolen bases.
Yonathan Perlaza, who reached Triple-A for the first time, set career highs in doubles and RBIs while leading the Cubs’ system in total hits, doubles, and runs. However, Perlaza elected free agency this week.
On the pitching side, right-hander Cade Horton was a finalist for MiLB Pitching Prospect of the Year in his first professional season. He was mostly dominant throughout the year, making two hitless starts and 11 in which he did not allow an earned run.
Left-hander Jordan Wicks also had a strong season, going 7-0 with a 3.55 ERA. He showcased his skills at both Double-A and Triple-A and recorded 99 strikeouts in 91 1/3 innings.
Overall, the Cubs’ farm system had a successful season, with their Triple-A team finishing with a record of 82-65 and their Double-A team winning the Southern League championship. The organization’s midseason farm system rankings were also impressive, coming in at No. 4.
The Chicago Cubs are excited about the talent and potential within their farm system and look forward to seeing these players continue to develop and contribute to the organization in the future.Chicago Cubs Announce 2023 Organization All-Stars
The Chicago Cubs have announced their 2023 Organization All-Stars, recognizing the top performers in their farm system. Each offseason, MiLB.com goes position by position across each organization to honor the players who had the best seasons, regardless of age or prospect status.
Leading the way for the Cubs is catcher Moises Ballesteros, who had an impressive first full season in the organization. Ballesteros, ranked as the Cubs’ No. 7 prospect, displayed an advanced approach and impressive bat-to-ball skills. He finished fourth among Chicago’s full-season qualifiers in batting, including a .300/.364/.463 line in 56 games at High-A South Bend. Ballesteros also caught 25 runners stealing and played 26 games at first base.
At first base, Haydn McGeary stood out as the top performer. The Division II legend rose quickly through the ranks after being drafted in the 15th round last year. McGeary proved ready for a promotion to Double-A after just 20 games, maintaining an impressive on-base percentage (.382) and hitting for power (19 homers) in the Southern League. He finished with the most RBIs in the Cubs’ system.
Matt Shaw, the Cubs’ No. 6 prospect and MLB No. 96, shined at second base. Shaw hit the ground running after being selected with the No. 13 overall pick in July and eventually secured the final out of Double-A Tennessee’s Southern League championship. He batted .393 with a 1.082 OPS at High-A South Bend and finished with the second-most total bases among 2023 draftees.
BJ Murray Jr. was recognized as the top third baseman in the organization. The native of the Bahamas represented Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic and showed off elite strike zone awareness. Murray finished with 16 homers, 74 RBIs, and 82 walks in Double-A.
Luis Vazquez had a breakout season at shortstop, reaching career highs in almost every offensive category. Vazquez, who was added to the 40-man roster, maintained a .381 OBP with 20 extra-base hits and 40 RBIs in Triple-A.
In the outfield, Owen Caissie and Pete Crow-Armstrong were recognized for their outstanding performances. Caissie overcame a slow start and was named the Cubs’ Hitting Prospect of the Year. He led Cubs qualifiers with a 144 wRC+ and was fourth in OBP, SLG, and OPS. Crow-Armstrong displayed his five-tool talent and was one of three players in the Minors with at least 20 homers, seven triples, and 35 stolen bases.
Yonathan Perlaza rounded out the outfield All-Stars, reaching Triple-A for the first time in his seventh Minor League season. Perlaza set career highs in doubles, RBIs, and runs while leading the Cubs’ system in total hits, doubles, and runs.
Overall, the Cubs’ 2023 Organization All-Stars showcase the depth and talent within their farm system. These players have had outstanding seasons and are poised to make an impact at the Major League level in the near future.