Cubs Minor League Report Card: Shortstops

Hernandez is a promising shortstop prospect for the Cubs

by Dustin Riese - Senior Writer - Fri Oct 04 09:00:02 GMT-05:00 2024

As we continue to move across the Cubs Minor League system, we reach the left side of the diamond and move to the shortstop position. This has always been an area of strength for the Cubs and their system, and with so many shortstops to account for, it is impossible to grade all of them, given their wide range in playing time.

Instead of doing that, we will grade the three most prominent shortstops as these were the guys who generated the most playing time and have the best chance to contribute to this team long-term. For that to happen, some moves need to be made, but it is always nice to have some internal options that could help you long-term.

Luis Vazquez

Everyone expected the Cubs to call up some of their prospects this season, but to see Luis Vazquez called up was a massive surprise. However, the more you think about it, the more it makes sense, as the 2017 14th-rounder was already in AAA, filled an area of need with Dansby Swanson hurt, and is the most reliable defender in the system.

Those areas alone made him a no-brainer, and kudos to him for picking up his first career MLB hit in the season finale after going 0-11 to start his career in what was limited playing time at best. Before that, Vazquez was putting together an excellent MiLB season to the point where you had to wonder if he would get a look at third.

His .263 average was well above his career .242 mark, and he finally started to show some of the power some thought he had, connecting for eight homers and driving in 24. He also continued to offer gold glove defense, which is why the Cubs are still very high on his future.

Season Grade B-: Vazquez was called up before finishing what looked to be a great minor league season. During his time in the Minors, Vazquez did appear destined to put together his best overall season. Now that he got called up and saw some MLB time, will the Cubs give him a shot at a bench role next season, or will he become trade bait to get a shot elsewhere? That will be one of the questions this team will need to address.

Cristian Hernandez

It wasn't all that long ago when Cristian Hernandez was not only the top International pick of his class but also the Cubs' top prospect. Three years later, Hernandez has fallen down the list, but as a top-15 prospect, he still has a high upside and is starting to make his way through the system.

After a rough showing at Myrtle Beach in 2023, Hernandez returned to the Beach in 2024 and eventually got promoted to South Bend, where he should start the year next season. You began to see him figure things out this season as he combined to hit .261 across two levels with an impressive 75BB and 114K. He also connected for five homers, 59 RBIs, and 44 stolen bases this season, showing all the attributes of his game.

This is another highly regarded prospect who is good enough to impact this team shortly but doesn't have a spot right now. Keep an eye on him as the offseason unfolds to see what his future holds.

Season Grade B+: Hernandez had a great season last year and started to show why he was the top International Prospect in his class. There is a reason why he was compared to Manny Machado and Alex Rodriguez when the Cubs signed him, and depending on who you ask, some feel he still has some of the highest upside in this organization.

2025 will be a massive season for Hernandez. He will start the season in high-A, but should he find a way to reach AA or even AAA, the clock starts on what to do with him. Hernandez is still a borderline top-100 guy who could climb back into the mix soon.

Jefferson Rojas

Every season, prospects come out of nowhere to make an impact and put themselves on the map. 19-year-old Jefferson Rojas was one of those guys this season, emerging as one of the Cubs' best infielders and earning top-100 recognition already.

An international pickup in 2022, Rojas has steadily been climbing the system for the past two seasons and reached High-A this season. A .263 career hitter, Rojas has struggled a little bit since arriving stateside, but his .245 average with South Bend is promising, considering how young a player he is.

He did that while drawing 35BB/64K, an impressive line for a young player, and swiping 21 bases. Rojas also connected for six homers, nearly as many as his eight career homers, and drove in 47. Those aren't superstar numbers, but for a 19-year-old, those are good numbers that should only get better.

Season Grade B: Rojas is the biggest mystery in the Cubs system, as no one knows the type of player he will become. Looking at his overall numbers, you see a guy with plenty of potential but plenty of holes in his game. From an age side of things, Rojas is so young that he is still figuring out the MiLB game, and that alone is worth noting when discussing the type of player he can become. The future is bright in Chicago and Rojas will play a role in some form.