Rubi Silva

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Chicago Cubs #29 prospect in 2014
  The Cubs have become a haven for Cuban expatriates such as Silva, who has better tools than other Cuban outfielders in the system who merit Top 30 consideration such as Yasiel Balaguert. A former shortstop, Silva played on Cuba's 18-and-under national team with players such as Jose Iglesias and Adeiny Hechevarria, but they were better defensively, which forced Silva to the outfield. He left the island in 2010, and the Cubs signed him for $1 million in 2011. They gave him some reps at second base initially, but he's being groomed for a fourth outfielder role. Silva played virtually every day at Double-A Tennessee in 2013 and showed first-division tools, with a quick bat that helps him overcome a slight wrap in his swing and surprising, solid-average power. He's a plus runner when he smells a hit or needs to run a ball down in the outfield, and his solid-average arm helps him slide from center field to right when needed. He led the Southern League with 16 outfield assists. Silva appears allergic to walks with a hyper-aggressive approach, and he expands his zone even more with runners on base, hitting just .208 with runners in scoring position. He fits best as an extra outfielder if his makeup will allow it. He doesn't need to be on the 40-man roster until after the 2014 season and will move up to Triple-A Iowa.