Here’s a bold prediction: the Chicago Cubs might just have their next breakout star in the making, and his name is Juan Cabada. But here’s where it gets controversial—while many prospects fizzle out before reaching the Majors, Cabada, a 17-year-old Dominican sensation, is already turning heads with his advanced plate discipline and lightning speed. Could he be the one to defy the odds? Let’s dive in.
Predicting the rise of young talent in baseball is no small feat. For every player who steps onto the Major League field, countless others never make it. That’s why teams like the Cubs invest heavily in scouting and development, knowing full well that the path to stardom is anything but linear. Take last January, for instance, when the Cubs signed three middle infielders from the Dominican Republic—Wilfri De La Cruz ($2.3 million), Juan Tomas ($1.1 million), and Juan Cabada ($1.5 million). All three are shortstops, a position that can seamlessly transition to second base. But the harsh reality? Odds are, at least one of them won’t make it to the big leagues.
Recently, MLB.com identified a breakout candidate for each organization in 2026, and for the Cubs, the spotlight fell on Cabada. Ranked as the team’s 14th-best prospect, he’s the highest-rated among the trio. But what makes him stand out? On the surface, his debut in the Dominican Summer League (DSL) was solid—a .287/.429/.426 slash line with three home runs and 29 RBIs. Not mind-blowing, right? Wrong. Dig deeper, and you’ll find a player with an ‘advanced’ plate approach, according to MLB scouts, who also praise his above-average speed (20 stolen bases with only three caught stealings).
And this is the part most people miss: Cabada’s scouting grades hint at even greater potential. On the 20-80 scale, he scores a 55 for hitting, running, and arm strength, with power lagging slightly at 45. At 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds, he has plenty of room to grow—both physically and in terms of power. Scouts project him as a 15-to-20 home run hitter in the Majors, and he’s already versatile, listed as both a second baseman and third baseman.
So, where does Cabada go from here? The Cubs won’t rush his development. While some players spend multiple seasons in the DSL, Cabada’s advanced approach and work ethic could fast-track him to the Arizona Complex League, where he’ll face tougher pitching. If he thrives there, a 2026 breakthrough becomes not just possible, but probable—a win for both him and the Cubs’ future.
But let’s spark some debate: Is Cabada truly the Cubs’ next big thing, or is the hype premature? With so many variables in player development, can we ever truly predict who will break out? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going.
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