Chicago Cubs Minor League Pitchers of the Month - July 2025

[Andrew Wright]

Image courtesy of © Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

We just recently looked at the top three pitchers of the month of July for the big league club, so it is now time to dive into the farm system and look at some of the same stats. July was full of stellar starting pitching and has given Cubs fans hope for the future of the pitching staff. Here are the top three Chicago Cubs minor league pitchers for July 2025.

#3 - Brandon Birdsell - 5 GS, 23 IP, 3.52 ERA, 9 BB, 21 K (Triple-A Iowa)
Birdsell had his busiest month of the season after missing the first part of the campaign due to an injury. He did struggle a bit with command, as shown by the nine walks in just 23 innings. That was to be expected with Birdsell being a bit rusty after returning from an extended hiatus, but he was extremely solid on the mound otherwise, and his last start showed exactly what Cubs fans have come to expect of the right-hander. Birdsell went six innings, allowing just two hits, no runs and striking out six. The potential for starts like that on a consistent basis will be the reason that Birdsell is fighting for a roster spot next year in spring training.

#2 - Tyler Schlaffer - 5 GS, 26 IP, 2.42 ERA, 9 BB, 20 K (Double-A Knoxville)
Schaffler is not as well-known of a name as a Birdsell or Jaxson Wiggins, however, he is a solid arm in Double-A for the Knoxville Smokies. He spent the first two months in South Bend, going 3-1 with a 4.10 ERA before being promoted to Double-A to begin July. He made the most of the opportunity, going 2-1 in his five starts and showing flashes of potential. Schaffler allowed seven home runs in 12 starts with South Bend, but has not yet surrendered one with Knoxville. He does struggle a bit with command as well as swing and miss stuff, as shown by the nine walks compared to just 20 strikeouts in 26 innings. A true put-away pitch mixed with better command of his offerings would elevate him to the next tier of pitching prospects.

#1 - Jostin Florentino - 4 GS, 21 IP, 0.43 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, 6 BB, 26 K (Low-A Myrtle Beach)
Florentino was at the center of headlines in mid-July when he was one of two Myrtle Beach pitchers to combine for a nine-inning no-hitter.

 

He walked just one batter and struck out nine in six solid innings of work in that start, and that has really been the theme all month. He sits around 89-91 mph with his fastball, but it is the secondary mix of his cutter, slider, changeup that helps his fastball play up a bit. His command is also stellar, as shown by just six walks and a 0.86 WHIP in 21 innings pitched. Florentino struck out four-plus batters in each of his four starts, and his 22% strikeout rate thus far should lead to more excellent starts the rest of the season.

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What do you think of our list? Are there any other Cubs MiLB pitchers who you think deserve recognition for their performances in July? Let us know in the comments!

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