Cubs Pitching Prospects Hot Sheet: 3 Arms Setting the Early Tone

RHP Brooks Caple (South Bend Cubs)

How He Got Here:
A ninth-round pick in the 2024 draft, Caple worked through a full season in 2025 before moving into a larger role at South Bend. Early in 2026, he's already picked up a Pitcher of the Week honor, a sign that his progress is being noticed.

Hitting the Hot Button:
Caple has taken a clear step forward to open the season, posting a 2.89 ERA across 18 2/3 innings, with 24 strikeouts against just three walks. The improved control has allowed him to work cleaner innings while still missing bats. Opponents are hitting .179 against him, and he has done a strong job keeping runners off base and avoiding big innings.

RHP Grant Kipp (Knoxville Smokies)

How He Got Here:
Kipp returned to Double-A after logging over 100 innings at the level last season, entering the year with a focus on tightening his approach. That work has already paid off, earning him multiple Pitcher of the Week honors along with a non-roster invite to big-league camp.

Hitting the Hot Button:
Kipp has looked more settled at the Double-A level, putting together 18 1/3 innings with a 2.45 ERA while striking out 21 and walking five. The strikeout ability has held steady, and the reduced walks reflect an improved ability to work ahead in counts and limit extended innings. Opponents are hitting just .175 against him, reflecting how well he has managed contact.

LHP Jackson Brockett (Myrtle Beach Pelicans)

How He Got Here:
Signed to a minor-league deal in February, Brockett jumped straight into his first professional assignment with Myrtle Beach and has worked primarily in a multi-inning relief role.

Hitting the Hot Button:
Brockett has made an immediate impression in his first taste of pro ball, tossing 14 2/3 scoreless innings while holding hitters to a .109 average. He has struck out 15 along the way, and just as importantly, he's kept contact to a minimum while working efficiently through his outings. While the sample is still building, it's an early return worth following.

Final Thoughts

It is still early, but this group offers a snapshot of how the Cubs’ pitching pipeline is beginning to take shape. Caple’s early step forward, Kipp’s continued progress at Double-A, and Brockett’s fast start in his first pro action highlight the range of development across the system. If these trends hold, the Cubs could soon have multiple arms pushing into bigger conversations as the season takes shape.

Interested in learning more about the Chicago Cubs' top prospects? Check out our comprehensive top prospects list that includes up-to-date stats, articles and videos about every prospect, scouting reports, and more!