Cubs Farmhand Miguel Useche is Surging, Against All Odds

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Some prospects have flashy profiles, went to a college powerhouse like LSU, and have extensive reports written about them. Miguel Useche doesn’t have that kind of hype. He won't be topping any organizational prospect lists or making the global top 100 rankings. He's a great story, though, and he might yet turn out to be a good player, even in the big leagues. Let’s dive into one of the Chicago Cubs’ most underrated prospects, and why he may not be under the radar much longer.

Miguel Useche’s Background

Useche, 25, is a minor-league catcher in the Cubs system. He was born in Venezuela, but his family moved to Florida when he was a child; he went to high school in the Miami area. He wasn't a top prospect there, though, and initially signed on to play ball at College of Central Florida, before transferring to LSU-New Orleans.

By the time he wrapped up his NCAA time in 2024, Useche had come into his own. At various points, he was named First Team All-Southland Conference, Second Team ABCA All-Region and Second Team All-Louisiana. Useche also finished his college career tied for the program record in doubles, with 54.

He also spent time getting reps (and getting better) in wood-bat summer leagues, between his collegiate campaigns. He spent 2021 (Traverse City Pit Spitters) and 2023 (Kenosha Kingfish) in the Northwoods League. Useche hit .213 in 2023 with Kenosha, but he managed a .397 on-base percentage and walked (13) more than he struck out (6) in 22 contests. He also spent 2022 (Waynesboro Generals) in the Valley League. This meant that in those years, Useche was playing in upwards of 75 games, even though his college seasons were quite short.

Undrafted? Doesn’t Matter

After a successful run in both summer ball and college ball, Useche went undrafted and looked to independent leagues to extend his playing career. In 2025, he spent 14 games in the Frontier League (Tri-City Valley Cats), slashing .333/.412/.444, and made himself impossible to ignore.

In the market to add some depth to their catching corps, the Cubs signed Useche to a minor-league contract and assigned him to South Bend to wrap up the 2025 season. That’s where he’d start his 2026 campaign, as the gritty sandlot star found a power surge and helped the Cubs’ High-A affiliate to a first half title and playoff appearance.

Useche slashed .260/.369/.447 with seven home runs in 42 games before earning a promotion; his career-high in any college season was six long balls. He didn’t stop there, throttling six more homers (to go with a .300 batting average) with the Double-A Knoxville Smokies, impressing in 47 contests to wrap up a remarkable 2026 campaign.

Overall, the surging prospect finished the year with 13 home runs (he had 14 in his college career), 53 RBIs, 31 extra-base hits and an impressive 11% walk rate. According to Prospect Savant, he also ranked in the top quartile of minor-league batters in strikeout rate (19.8%), chase rate (23.1%), swinging strike percentage (8.9%) and wRC+ (131). He's very aware of the strike zone, which has augmented his modest power.

On to the Arizona Fall League

Being the hard worker that he is, the Cubs’ up-and-coming catcher isn’t done playing baseball this year. He's representing the team as a member of the Salt River Rafters in the Arizona Fall League. In just four plate appearances, Useche already has a pair of walks, a pair of runs scored and an RBI.

From Independent Baseball to an impact player at the Double-A level, this catcher is an example of resilience to the highest degree. He's still not a big-time prospect, but once you're a competent catcher in Double A, there's at least a chance you'll get a cup of big-league coffee someday—and there's plenty of room to carve out a career as a minor-league catcher and/or coach.