Myrtle Beach Pelicans Players Who Joined the Chicago Cubs
Discover how many Myrtle Beach Pelicans players have joined the Chicago Cubs, with insights on their journey and key prospects.
If you're a fan of minor league baseball and the Chicago Cubs, you might wonder how many players from the Myrtle Beach Pelicans have made it to the Cubs roster. The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are a High-A affiliate known for developing talented prospects. Many players have passed through this team on their way to the majors, including those who eventually played for the Cubs.
In this article, we'll explore the connection between the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and the Chicago Cubs. We'll look at the number of players who have played for both teams, highlight some notable names, and explain how the Pelicans serve as a stepping stone in the Cubs' farm system. Whether you're tracking prospects or just curious, this guide will give you a clear picture.
Understanding the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and Their Role
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are a High-A minor league baseball team based in South Carolina. They play in the Carolina League and serve as a key development stage for Major League Baseball teams. Since 2015, the Pelicans have been affiliated with the Chicago Cubs, making them an important part of the Cubs' player development pipeline.
High-A is a level where young players refine their skills after rookie ball and Single-A. The Pelicans provide a competitive environment that helps players adjust to faster pitching and better competition. This makes the team a critical step before players move up to Double-A and Triple-A levels.
The Pelicans play at Pelicans Ballpark, a modern stadium with great fan amenities.
They focus on developing hitting, pitching, and fielding skills.
Many top Cubs prospects spend time here early in their careers.
Because of this affiliation, the number of players who have played for both the Pelicans and the Cubs has grown steadily over the years.
How Many Myrtle Beach Pelicans Have Played for the Chicago Cubs?
Since the Cubs became the Pelicans' parent club in 2015, dozens of players have moved through Myrtle Beach on their way to the majors. As of 2026, around 30 players who spent time with the Pelicans have appeared in a Major League game for the Chicago Cubs.
This number includes both current Cubs players and those who played in the past few seasons. The Pelicans have been a reliable source of talent, especially for young pitchers and position players who develop quickly at High-A.
Not every Pelicans player reaches the majors, but the Cubs use the team to test and develop their best prospects.
Players usually spend one season or less with Myrtle Beach before advancing.
The transition from Pelicans to Cubs often involves stops at Double-A Tennessee Smokies and Triple-A Iowa Cubs.
Tracking exact numbers can be tricky because players move frequently, but the Cubs' farm system reports and baseball databases confirm about 30 Pelicans alumni have played for Chicago.
Notable Players Who Played for Both Teams
Several players who spent time with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans have made significant impacts with the Chicago Cubs. Here are some notable names:
Ian Happ – An outfielder and infielder who played for the Pelicans in 2016 before becoming a regular Cubs starter.
Adbert Alzolay – A pitcher who developed in Myrtle Beach and later contributed to the Cubs' bullpen.
David Bote – Played for the Pelicans early in his career and became a versatile infielder for Chicago.
Javier Baez – Although Baez did not play for Myrtle Beach, many of his teammates and contemporaries did, showing the strength of the Cubs’ farm system.
These players highlight how Myrtle Beach serves as a stepping stone to the majors. The Pelicans help players adjust to higher competition and prepare them for the challenges of MLB.
How the Development Path Works from Myrtle Beach to Chicago Cubs
Players usually follow a clear path through the Cubs' farm system. After being drafted or signed, they start in rookie or low Single-A leagues. If they perform well, they move up to High-A Myrtle Beach.
At Myrtle Beach, players face better competition and get more coaching. Success here often leads to promotion to Double-A Tennessee Smokies. From there, the final step before the majors is Triple-A Iowa Cubs.
Players refine their skills at each level.
Performance and health determine how quickly they move up.
The Cubs closely monitor Pelicans players to decide promotions.
This system helps the Cubs build a strong roster by developing talent internally. Myrtle Beach plays a key role in this process.
Tips for Following Myrtle Beach Pelicans Players on Their Journey
If you want to track players moving from Myrtle Beach to the Cubs, here are some tips:
Follow the Myrtle Beach Pelicans official website and social media for roster updates.
Check the Chicago Cubs’ minor league reports and prospect rankings.
Use baseball databases like Baseball-Reference and MLB Pipeline to see player stats and promotions.
Watch Pelicans games if possible, either in person or via streaming services.
Pay attention to Cubs spring training rosters to see which Pelicans players get invited.
By staying informed, you can watch prospects grow and get excited about future Cubs stars.
Where to Watch Myrtle Beach Pelicans Games
Seeing Pelicans games is a great way to watch future Cubs players develop. The team plays at Pelicans Ballpark in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The stadium offers a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with affordable tickets.
Pelicans Ballpark is located near the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and other attractions.
Games run from April through early September during the High-A season.
Many games are broadcast online or on local radio.
The team offers promotions, giveaways, and special events throughout the season.
Attending games lets you see players before they reach the majors and enjoy a classic minor league baseball experience.
Conclusion
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans have become an important part of the Chicago Cubs' player development system. Since 2015, about 30 players who spent time with the Pelicans have played for the Cubs in the majors. This shows how valuable the High-A level is for shaping future stars.
By understanding the connection between these teams, you can better appreciate the journey players take to reach the big leagues. Whether you follow prospects closely or just enjoy baseball, the Pelicans offer a glimpse of the Cubs' future talent.
FAQs
How many Myrtle Beach Pelicans players have played for the Chicago Cubs?
Approximately 30 players who spent time with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans have appeared in a Major League game for the Chicago Cubs since 2015.
When did the Myrtle Beach Pelicans become affiliated with the Chicago Cubs?
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans became the High-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs starting with the 2015 season.
Who are some notable Cubs players that played for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans?
Notable players include Ian Happ, Adbert Alzolay, and David Bote, all of whom developed with the Pelicans before playing for the Cubs.
What is the typical path for a Pelicans player to reach the Cubs?
Players usually move from Myrtle Beach to Double-A Tennessee Smokies, then to Triple-A Iowa Cubs, before reaching the Chicago Cubs in the majors.
Where do the Myrtle Beach Pelicans play their home games?
The Pelicans play at Pelicans Ballpark in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, a modern stadium with great amenities for fans.
