A Quick Rise Through the Minors
Josiah Hartshorn, a 19‑year‑old shortstop, burst onto the professional scene after being selected by the Chicago Cubs in the sixth round of the 2025 MLB Draft. In just his first season, he has vaulted from the Single‑A Myrtle Beach Pelicans to the High‑A affiliate, posting a .293/.367/.586 slash line with nine home runs and 35 RBI in 32 games.
His rapid ascent is reflected in the latest prospect rankings. MLB Pipeline’s midseason update moved him from No. 99 to No. 80 overall, while Baseball America’s July edition placed him at No. 29, designating him the Cubs’ top prospect on the site.
Hartshorn’s statistical profile shines across advanced metrics. He sits in the 86th percentile for wOBA (.407) and the 95th percentile for ISO (.293) at the High‑A level, underscoring a blend of on‑base skill and power that has drawn league‑wide attention.
The youngster was also selected for the MLB All‑Star Futures Game, a showcase that highlights the most promising talents in the sport. The exposure has only amplified expectations that he could reach Double‑A before the summer’s end, potentially as a 19‑year‑old.
Beyond the numbers, Hartshorn’s combination of a .282 batting average, 14 home runs, 60 RBI and eight stolen bases in his debut minor‑league campaign paints the picture of a well‑rounded prospect ready to make the next leap.