Cubs OF Named To MiLB Prospect First Team

Chicago Cubs outfield prospect Owen Caissie has reached Double-A Tennessee in the organization and he is positioned to make an appearance with the Cubs in 2024.

But, on Monday, he was recognized for his progress this season. Caissie found out that he was one of the prospects selected to the MiLB Prospect Team of the Year’s First Team.

The Cubs’ No. 1 prospect, Peter Crow-Armstrong, was named Minor League Baseball’s Defensive Player of the Year. But, overall, Crow-Armstrong made the Prospect Second Team. 

Caissie was the only Cub to make the First Team. He is the Cubs’ No. 3 overall prospect. Pitcher Cade Horton made the Second Team.

He played all season at Tennessee, where he slashed 289/.398/.519 in 120 games with 22 home runs, 84 RBI, 77 runs, 76 walks, 164 strikeouts, seven stolen bases and a 144 wRC+.

MiLB.com explained his selection in its story on Monday:

Arguably the best power-hitting prospect in the Minors, Caissie produces exceptional exit velocities for a 20-year-old. Though he was the sixth-youngest regular in the Double-A Southern League, he ranked in the top five in 12 significant offensive categories, including third in on-base percentage (.398), slugging (.519) and OPS (.917), fourth in homers (22) and fifth in batting (.289).

The rest of the MiLB Prospect First Team included catcher Samuel Basallo (Balimore), first baseman Luken Baker (St. Louis), second baseman Thomas Saggese (St. Louis), third baseman Junior Caminero (Tampa Bay), shortstop Jackson Holliday (Baltimore), outfielder Blake Dunn (Cincinnati), outfielder Justice Bigbie (Detroit), designated hitter Michael Busch (Los Angeles Dodgers), left-handed pitcher Robby Snelling (San Diego), right-handed pitcher Drew Thorpe (New York Yankees) and relief pitcher Orion Kerkering (Philadelphia).