Baseball’s top prospects aren’t just names on a list… they’re ticking clocks. The “On the Verge” series shines a spotlight on players in the RotoPrpspects fantasy baseball Top 700 Prospect Rankings who are on the cusp of breaking through to the majors. Whether they’re red-hot at Triple-A or pushing past long-term development hurdles, these are the names who are right on the edge of changing everything—for their team, and for themselves.
If you thought the Cubs’ system was barren of impactful prospects—think again. Owen Caissie, Chicago’s top-rated farmhand and one of baseball’s most exciting young bats, has been on fire since early July—and now the big question is: when will he debut with the Cubs?
From Canada to San Diego to the Cubs’ flagship prospect
Caissie’s journey began when the Padres drafted him 45th overall in 2020, making him the highest‑selected Canadian outfielder at the time. He was soon shipped to Chicago in the famed Yu Darvish trade and began to climb the ladder quickly.
- 2021: Debuted with a .923 OPS and seven home runs in 54 games across the Arizona Complex League and Low-A Myrtle Beach
- 2022: Advanced to High-A South Bend — .254/.349/.402, 11 HR, 11 SB in 105 games
- 2023: Breakout in Double-A Tennessee — slashed .289/.398/.519 with 22 HR and 84 RBI over 120 games, earning multiple All-Star nods
- 2024: At Triple-A Iowa, hit .278/.375/.472 with 19 homers and 11 steals across 127 games; added to Cubs’ 40-man roster to protect him from Rule 5 selection
- 2025: Optioned back to Iowa; this season he’s added polish—and power—in a major way
Caissie’s most electrifying trait remains his elite raw power—he routinely ranks near the top in exit velocity within the Cubs system and across Triple-A levels. Scouts peg his skill set as: Hit: 45 | Power: 60 | Speed: 55
Huge July numbers put him “On The Verge”
Caissie’s July was nothing short of explosive. Over 23 games that month, he slashed .323/.417/.675 with 10 doubles, 9 home runs, and 27 RBIs. His 1.092 OPS for the month was one of the highest in all of Triple-A, fueled by his increased lift and pull tendencies that translated into a near-.300 ISO.
While the approach did bump his strikeout rate into the 29–30% range, the tradeoff was more than worth it—every ball he barreled had a chance to leave the park, and pitchers had no safe way to attack him. Scouts raved not just about the raw numbers, but about how Caissie was creating damage across different pitch types, from punishing fastballs up in the zone to turning on breaking balls down and in.
He reached major milestones, like his first five-hit game on July 22. A highlight film-worthy two-run homer that same day marked his 20th of the season, reaffirming the power that scouts rave about.
Trade deadline buzz—and the Cubs opt to stand firm
As July drew to a close, Caissie’s name was heating up the rumor mill:
- Multiple outlets listed him among the prospects most likely to be moved.
- The Athletic reinforced that while Caissie was on the table, any deal would need serious long-term value—no rentals.
- Rumors even connected him with trades for starters like Mitch Keller or MacKenzie Gore.
- And in Miami, fans reported that the Marlins had a wish-list centered on Caissie—and fellow Cubs prospect Jaxon Wiggins—for Edward Cabrera.
Yet, when the dust settled, the Cubs kept their slugger. The decision speaks volumes—Chicago clearly sees him as a near-term contributor, perhaps even a September call-up candidate, rather than a trade chip to cash in for pitching help. In an era when power-hitting corner outfielders with plate discipline are at a premium, Caissie’s profile is simply too valuable to give up unless the return is overwhelming.
Since the deadline—still raking
If there was any question about how he’d handle the uncertainty, Caissie answered quickly. Since the deadline, he’s picked up right where he left off, posting three multi-hit efforts in his first eight August games. The power remains, but so does his patient approach, as he’s drawn multiple walks in key spots and continued to drive the ball to all fields.
His steady production post-deadline reinforces the idea that he’s mentally equipped for the big stage—able to block out noise, stick to his process, and deliver results regardless of off-field speculation.
What’s next for Caissie and the Cubs
The Cubs are still very much in the hunt for both the NL Central crown and a Wild Card spot. While there’s no guarantee Caissie gets the call this year, his readiness is becoming harder to ignore—especially if an injury or prolonged slump opens a roster spot.
Even if his debut waits until 2026, Caissie has positioned himself as a key piece of Chicago’s future core. And for now, his blend of power, patience, and athleticism continues to be one of the most exciting daily shows in the minors—a perfect fit for our On The Verge watch list.
About the “On the Verge” series
These prospects are pounding on the door to The Show. Some might be just one swing, one hot week, or one roster shake-up away from a call-up. Others could be key pieces in deadline deals that change the balance of a pennant race. This On The Verge series captures those players in that exact moment, when potential meets opportunity, and the trajectory of a career—and maybe a franchise—hangs in the balance.