Cubs Roundup, Oct 26: Ayers' Rise, Abrams Trade Talk, Harvey Signing, Historical Disappointm

[North Side Baseball]

Here is some of the latest Cubs analysis and history from around the internet. The roundup covers Cubs prospect Owen Ayers' rise, a potential CJ Abrams trade, historical disappointments, and Hunter Harvey's underwhelming 2026 season.

• From High-A to Wrigley: A Cubs prospect's remarkable rise (MLB.com). Notes the rapid rise of Cubs prospect Owen Ayers, who moved from High-A to the MLB clubhouse in 2026, posting a .289/.403/.526 slash line, 25 home runs, and leading the Cubs' farm system in OPS (.929) and wRC+ (143) among players with at least 250 plate appearances.
• This CJ Abrams trade proposal could push Cubs into uncomfortable territory (Cubbies Crib). Notes a trade scenario where the Cubs could pursue CJ Abrams, arguing that while unlikely due to high cost and the Nationals' demand for pitching prospects, such a move could bolster their outfield depth if paired with aggressive free-agent spending on pitching.
• 25 biggest disappointments in Cubs history that still sting Chicago fans today (Cubbies Crib). Notes 25 disappointing moments in Cubs history, including a 40-year playoff drought, the 2024 near-miss, trading Rafael Palmeiro, the 2020 Wild Card loss to the Marlins, Sammy Sosa's corked bat incident, Corey Patterson's injury, the 2019 collapse that ended Joe Maddon's tenure, and the 2023 September collapse.
• A few thoughts about the Cubs and Hunter Harvey (Bleed Cubbie Blue). Argues that Hunter Harvey's 2026 performance with the Cubs was underwhelming, noting he recorded 12 outs in 18 batters faced across four games, costing the team $6 million, and advises Jed Hoyer to avoid similar signings.