One prospect each MLB team should call up

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Mar 10, 2017; Peoria, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ (86) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Cubs: Ian Happ

Theo Epstein and elite prospects go together like peanut butter and jelly. So, it’s hardly a surprise that even after trading their top prospect, Gleyber Torres, last summer, the Cubs still have one of the deepest farm systems in baseball. Epstein will be able to draw on the system for reinforcements this season, or use his depth to make a trade to fill whatever need pops up for the Cubs.

Happ is the most MLB-ready hitter in the system, but his defense still needs some polishing. He played second base at times in college and has played the position in the minor leagues, but his overall athleticism has not translated well to the field. When he sticks in the big leagues with the Cubs, it could be in the outfield. For now, there is no room in the big-league outfield at Wrigley Field, so look for Happ to spend most of — if not the entire — season in the minor leagues, with an eye on starting the 2018 season with the Cubs.

The Cubs are up to their eyeballs in top talent in the minor leagues, and could use their depth to make a trade for a reliever at the trade deadline. Right now, Joe Maddon is attempting to find at-bats for Kyle Schwarber, Javier Baez, Albert Almora, Jon Jay, and Ben Zobrist. The last thing he really needs is a minor-league callup to further complicate matters on the bench. Ultimately, this is a good problem to have.

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