A new defensive position is being worked on by an elite prospect for the Chicago Cubs.

The Chicago Cubs are poised for a promising future, having successfully cultivated one of the most robust farm systems in baseball. Several of their prospects are on the brink of joining the MLB roster and are anticipated to make a significant impact in the coming years.

While a surplus of talent is advantageous, it does pose the challenge of potential obstacles for players competing in the same positions. This predicament may apply to Owen Caissie, an outstanding prospect currently excelling as an outfielder.

In the 2023 season, the Cubs’ fourth-ranked prospect played the entirety at the Double-A level, boasting impressive statistics with a .289/.398/.519 slash line, along with 22 home runs and 84 RBI. However, the outfield is already occupied by talents such as Pete Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki, Ian Happ, potentially Cody Bellinger, and the fifth-ranked prospect, Kevin Alcantara.

This crowded outfield scenario could pose a hurdle for Caissie’s breakthrough. In response, there is speculation that the talented 21-year-old is undergoing training at first base. Whether this adjustment is a permanent position change or an experimental move during the prospect camp in Mesa remains to be seen.

There is a possibility that Caissie will receive playing time at first base during Spring Training to assess his adaptability to the new defensive role. Alternatively, this could be a strategic, long-term move to enhance his positional flexibility.

Regardless of the outcome, this development signifies the Cubs’ proactive approach to finding opportunities for Caissie on the field. According to Brett Taylor of Bleacher Nation, Caissie’s offensive potential is exceptional, with the capability to single-handedly transform a lineup. If Caissie continues to refine his skills at the plate and addresses his swing-and-miss issues, he could evolve into an elite hitter at the Major League level.

The Cubs appear committed to integrating Caissie into their organization, and a smooth transition to first base is seen as the initial step towards achieving that goal.