Chicago Cubs Minor League Pitchers of the Month: June 2026

Another month, another test of the Cubs' organizational pitching depth that underscores the need for development on the farm. One returning name and three new ones found their way into this month’s edition of MiLB pitcher of the month consideration, including a couple at the higher levels.

Ranking Cubs' Best Minor League Pitchers in June

Honorable mentions

Will Sanders - RHP - Iowa
Sanders struggled in Iowa before hitting the IL mid-April, but upon his return, he was really good in 4 starts in June. He allowed just 6 runs over 21 innings, going at least 5 innings in each start. He had a 28% strikeout rate and a 5% walk rate and allowed a .185/.270/.354 slash line. With the amount of injuries the Cubs have been through, Sanders will be in Wrigley before long, if he keeps up what he did in June.

Pierce Coppola - LHP - Myrtle Beach
Coppola was my runner-up in May after a quality debut, and he was just as good in June. Over 4 starts he allowed a .179/.292/.232 slash line, with a 29% strikeout rate. He lowered his walk rate for the second straight month, this time to 12%. I would imagine a move to South Bend is right around the corner for the big lefty.

Runner-up

Jace Beck - RHP - Knoxville 
Jace Beck was drafted in the 22nd round of the 2019 draft by the Mets. That's a round that no longer exists. He spent 6 seasons (7 years, if you count 2020) in the minor leagues for the Mets, but never made it to Double-A. You don’t see that often! He elected free agency after last season, and the Cubs scooped him up and sent him to Knoxville. While he was solid in April and May, he found a new level in June. He made 5 multi-inning appearances, including 3 starts, and allowed just 1 run over 19 innings with a 47% (!!!) strikeout rate. He finished the month with back-to-back starts of 5 innings and 10+ strikeouts.     

Winner

Jackson Brockett - RHP - South Bend
Jackson Brockett was a 4-year starter at Nebraska, but he went undrafted last summer before signing a free agent deal with the Cubs before spring training this year. He was incredible in June for South Bend, allowing a .136/.149/.167 slash line to opposing hitters with a 27% strikeout rate and a walk rate barely over 1%. To put those numbers in perspective, over five multi-inning outings in the month, he allowed one walk and just 2 extra-base hits to the 67 batters he faced. Across two levels, he has a 1.29 ERA in 49 innings backed up by a 25% strikeout rate and a 6.5% walk rate. Brockett is certainly opening eyes, even if he'll have to work hard to prove he's more than an org guy.