Chicago Cubs Minor League Hitter of the Month: August 2026

[Jason Ross]

Image courtesy of © Michael Clubb/South Bend Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

August always marks the last "full" season of the minor leagues. Some teams like the Triple-A Iowa Cubs will wrap up their year on September 18th (as they have not had a good enough season to quality for the International League playoffs), whereas others such as the Double-A Knoxville Smokies will add a few postseason games to their schedule. Regardless, the season is wrapping up for the Cubs' up-and-coming youngsters. So, as we get ready to put the MiLB season to bed soon, let's look at who had big offensive months in August.

Ranking Cubs' Best Minor-League Hitters In August

Honorable Mention - James Triantos, Triple-A Iowa Cubs

James Triantos was called up to the MLB side of things at the end of July and spent a cup-of-coffee with the parent club on the bench. As the 26th man, he wasn't used often and as such, was sent back to Iowa midway through August. Since his return to Triple-A, the utility infielder has been on fire, posting a 143 wRC+, hitting two home runs, and walking seven times in just 39 PAs. Had this been a full-month's worth of plate appearances, he'd be higher than this, but he deserves a mention here for how good he's been since returning. 

Honorable Mention - Kane Kepley, Double-A Knoxville Smokies

Kane Kepley got promoted (finally) from South Bend to Knoxville at the start of the month. On the surface, the outfielder's .206 batting average since his promotion may scare you off; but the good news is that it's hiding some underlying data that's pretty positive. Since getting to Knoxville, Kepley has walked (19 times) more than he's struck out (13 times), and has seven extra-base hits, including three home runs. His 135 wRC+ tells a far different story than the batting average. Obviously, it's best when these things work in tandem, but even so, his positive start despite the talent jump deserves an honorable mention.

Third Place - Angel Cepeda, High-A South Bend Cubs

Angel Cepeda may have finally seen it "click" for him at the plate at High-A. Cepeda, a former high-profile IFA signing out of Venezuela, has always oozed potential but has yet to fully break out for the organization. Posting a 116 wRC+ on the year last season (with a similar late-season breakout at Myrtle Beach), the hope was that would continue into 2026. While he hasn't been bad, he's flown a bit under the radar as "just good enough." Lately, however, that's changing. While his 114 wRC+ in August is right at his season's number, over his last 45 PA's of the month the shortstop posted a 145 wRC+, highlighted by six long balls. And while I didn't consider it for this list, it's probably important to note that he smashed two more on September 1.

Second Place - Ariel Armas, Double-A Knoxville Smokies

Ariel Armas is a very good defensive catcher; this much has been known dating back to his days in college when he won an NCAA Gold Glove award for his work behind the dish. Because of his position and defensive acumen, the bar for Armas to clear offensively to remain interesting is very low. The good news for the Cubs is that the 23-year old may be in the midst of a late-season breakout of his own, landing him into the top three for this list. Hitting .289 and four home runs has given the backstop a very promising 121 wRC+ over the month of August, a significant improvement over his 72 wRC+ prior to that. 

First Place - Josiah Hartshorn, High-A South Bend Cubs

Another month and another award for the Cubs' top prospect (ho-hum). Hartshorn has just been amazing this season and better than anyone would have expected. He hit a little bit of a snag for a brief spell in July, but August was a return to form for the Cubs' burly outfielder. Hitting .333, smacking six bombs, and walking 19 times while only striking out 23 times (good for a a 164 wRC+) is a recipe for another award. One more thing; just like Cepeda, Hartshorn went and homered in his first game in September, as well; there's no stopping the guy. There just aren't enough good things or superlatives to lay at his feet. He's probably one of only two hitters system-wide who can even be considered for MiLB hitter of the year (with Owen Ayers) and months like this are exactly why.

View full article