The Chicago Cubs are fighting for a playoff position and hope that their prospects can help, but Brandon Birdsell’s injury delivers a major blow. The promising pitching prospect will undergo season-ending elbow surgery, marking a serious Cubs injury setback. This Birdsell news dims his debut dream and forces the Cubs to rethink their plans.
Brandon Birdsell, a 25-year-old right-hander, earned minor-league pitcher of the year in 2024. He returned from the 60-day injured list on July 18 to join Triple-A Iowa Cubs. He made four starts with a 3.38 ERA, but the elbow flared on August 8. Assistant GM Jared Banner announced the need for surgery before a road series. The procedure will be performed by Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas. Details remain limited, and Banner hopes to share a timeline after surgery.
Birdsell had climbed quickly through the system. The Cubs selected him in the fifth round of the 2022 draft out of Texas Tech. He advanced to Double-A Tennessee Smokies in 2023, then Triple-A in 2024. He currently ranks among Chicago’s top pitching prospects. His repertoire includes a mid-90s fastball, a sharp slider, curveball, and changeup, all aided by deceptive arm action. Early indications suggest this could be a Tommy John revision, potentially sidelining him until late 2026.
At the same time, roster-expansion chatter is heating up. With Triple-A veterans like Owen Caissie and Cade Horton drawing attention, the Cubs could still inject new talent down the stretch. Both players were recently highlighted as prospects Chicago must consider promoting as rosters expand for the 2025 stretch run. Caissie’s power and Horton’s command make them immediate contributors if called up.
Chicago now faces a delicate balance between short-term needs and long-term development. Brandon Birdsell’s injury setback is significant, but the Cubs’ farm system remains deep. Cubs fans will watch closely as the team manages its promising young talent while hoping Birdsell makes a full recovery.
Will the Cubs’ prospects step up and keep Chicago’s playoff hopes alive?
