“The best part of our farm system right now is at the lower levels, where the talent is emerging, and at the big leagues, where they’re all wearing rings.”
That was Theo Epstein’s response to those questioning the strength of a system that wasn’t viewed with as much esteem as before. That best part of the farm system he’s talking about consists mostly of international players with raw talent who are still in the midst of their early developmental stages. FanGraphs’ recent top 22 prospect list highlights much of the Cubs’ lower-level Latin talent and includes several pitchers who could lock up MLB innings in 2018.