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Owen Caissie Is Progressing More Than We May Have Realized

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Owen Caissie Is Progressing More Than We May Have Realized

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Owen Caissie feels like he’s been in the Cubs’ system forever, to the point where it’s easy to forget that he’s not even 23 yet. To put it another way, Owen Caissie is younger than Pete Crow-Armstrong (who was in the same draft class as Owen) and Matt Shaw, despite being acquired before either of them. With that, I do believe prospect fatigue can creep in, a real-life version of the Toy Story meme where we want to focus on the new and forget the old. Don’t feel like I’m coming at you, I’ve spent more time paying attention to Ivan Brethowr this year than Owen Caissie, and I’ve been the self-anointed captain of the Caissie Fan Club dating back to the 2020 draft!

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Beyond just prospect fatigue, however, it’s easy for progress to hide in plain sight. Jumping over to Caissie’s FanGraphs page will show you his 2025 season line. On the year, the left-hander has a pretty darn good 131 wRC+, a .273/.377/.518 batting line, a 13.2 walk rate, and a pretty uninspiring 31.2 strikeout rate. Reading that line lets you know some important things: Caissie has hit the ball really well, but has struck out more than you’d like (and more than he’s done in recent times). 

However, I think diving deeper into what our protagonist is doing will help us see that some impressive progress has been happening under the hood, and that, coupled with prospect fatigue, suggests he’s been better than those numbers indicate. To do so, we’ll have to go all the way back to 2024, when Caissie was first promoted to Iowa. Through the MiLB All-Star break, Caissie showed improved contact, striking out 27.8% of the time, while also posting a solid 113 wRC+. He wasn’t hitting the ball out of the ballpark, but it was progress.

After the ASB, something changed in Caissie. The wRC+ remained virtually identical, as after the pause, he had a 117 wRC+, but the change was hidden; Caissie started hitting the ball in the air more and with authority. We can see this reflected in his isolated slugging, which jumped nearly .80 points, from .164 to .240; a massive shift. We can see this just in the raw numbers as well, as he hit eight home runs through his first 331 plate appearances and then 11 over his last 218. There was an associated launch angle shift that helped this out. Not everything was perfect, as this shift also saw Caissie’s K% and contact rate go backward. He was sacrificing some contact for home runs. But the progress was happening.

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Entering this year, and being blocked at the highest level, Caissie was again placed in Iowa. As I’ve already pointed out, Caissie is having a better season in terms of wRC+, jumping from good-not-great to being a top-10 wRC+ hitter in all of Triple-A, but the K% appears to be improving as the year has moved along. According to Bryan Smith, Caissie has dropped his whiff rate for three consecutive months, and his K% in June is currently sitting at 28.4%. This is right around where Caissie was in the first half of last season, which suggests he’s getting more comfortable with his approach and swing change and seeing the ball better.

As the year has gone on, there’s been a significant increase in zone-swing, in not chasing pitching out of the zone and a downward trend in strikeouts on the whole have gone with it. By looking just at the 2025 K%, you’d come away thinking he’s not making progress, but these trends have been occurring all year. By swinging more often in the zone, he can avoid getting into bad counts. There’s been a further evolution in his approach over his last 100 plate appearances or so. 

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If you’re going to hold out hope that the Cubs’ prospect is going to magically drop to a sub-25% strikeout rate, then I have bad news for you; it’s not going to happen. He’s likely to always run inflated K rates; it’s a feature not a bug. But with the improvements in his launch angle, his willingness to hit more home runs, with the excellent exit velocity, he’s more than capable of trading some strikeouts for home runs. The approach change of swinging more often in the zone while whiffing less will help to keep these down. He’s a patient hitter, and has probably been too patient. Jumping on strikes early in the count (and specifically, fastballs) will help eliminate these issues. 

There’s a common saying in prospect-land and that “development is not linear” and I think the last one and a half months of Caissie’s time in Iowa can help show that. It looked like he had taken a step forward with his contact rates at the beginning of last year only to look like he had taken two steps backwards. But within those steps we can see the progression of his power, his swing, and his approach. His contact rate over his last 100 PA’s mirrors that of his first-100, just now with much more power and damage. We’re seeing the best version of the outfielder right now, someone who’s capable of keeping the strikeouts in check just enough to where he is a menace at the plate. 

If you’re concerned that all of this is just him being a repeater at the level, I think that’s a fair critique but one that I’m not entirely sure is the answer here. With a swing change and an approach change, as well as being just 22-years-of-age (as of this writing, his birthday is just in a few days) I believe that this is likely something else; that Caissie has been specifically working on fixing his swing and his approach. To assuage those fears a bit more, Michael Busch was already 24 in his first go at Triple-A with the Dodgers when he posted a middling 111 wRC+ only to come back a year later at the no-as-ripe-age of 25, hitting to the tune of a 155 wRC+ in his second go. While anecdotal, his career has been just fine, and it’s pretty clear that progress was made over those two years and it wasn’t just repeating. I think we’re seeing something more akin to what Michael Busch was able to do over his time than just saying “well, he’s just a repeater”. Nuance is key.

What happens with Owen Caissie and the Cubs will be interesting moving forward. There’s an argument to be made that if the Cubs are unwilling to spend on Kyle Tucker that their best internal option in right-field next year may be the former 2020 second-round selection which creates an interesting conundrum for the team as the deadline approaches. If they’re willing to pony up for Tucker, it means that Caissie may not realistically have a spot with the organization if they view him behind potential DH Moises Ballesteros in the prospect pecking order. As well, it’s likely that teams will also be privy to the approach improvement and that the will coming asking for him as a primary return in any trade. How the Cubs approach that this will be important and could help signal how they internally feel about his long term projections.

The overall point, however, is that while it’s easy to look at the data and think that he’s had a down-season or hasn’t lived up to the hype, that I think there’s things occurring below the surface that point to the outfielder rounding into the player we hoped for. And whether or not this aides the Cubs directly on the field (either in 2025 or 2026) or through trade, that real progress is happening. Don’t let a shiny new toy or a full-season line cloud the change; Owen Caissie is turning into a much better player right before our eyes.

What do you think of Owen Caissie? Do you think he’s tradebait? Are you encouraged with the approach improvements? Let us know in the comment section below

Interested in learning more about the Chicago Cubs’ top prospects? Check out our comprehensive top prospects list that includes up-to-date stats, articles and videos about every prospect, scouting reports, and more!

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When does Wisconsin volleyball play again? NCAA tournament next match

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December 13, 2025

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Dec. 12, 2025Updated Dec. 13, 2025, 12:33 a.m. CT



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UAA signs trio of Alaska prep stars

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December 13, 2025

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ANCHORAGE (Dec. 12) – Riding the momentum from an outstanding 2025 season, the Alaska Anchorage volleyball team has begun reloading for future success with the signing of Alaska prep stars Indy Kmet, Vaiula Leaoa and Sophie Tapley, head coach Stacie Meisner announced Friday.

The newest Seawolves hail from all over the state and represent three of the four classifications in Alaska high school volleyball – 2A, 3A and 4A.

“We are fortunate to live in a state with great coaching at the developmental and high school levels, which has been proven by the contributions of high-level Alaskans who have come through our program,” said Meisner, whose team went 23-6 and tied for the Great Northwest Athletic Conference title this season. “We are thrilled that Indy, Ula and Sophie have decided to continue the tradition and welcome them to the Seawolf family.”

A 6-1 outside hitter, Kmet led South Anchorage to the Cook Inlet Conference regular-season title and an ASAA 4A State Tournament berth, along with earning MVP honors at the prestigious Dimond/Service tournament. She was also a key member of the 2024 South squad that finished state runner-up, making the ASAA All-Tournament Team as a junior.

Coach Meisner says…

“Indy is a strong athlete who we had the opportunity to work with at camp over the summer. She is incredibly coachable and a great all-around player with a lot of potential for continued improvement. She has impressive instincts on defense and puts up a big block in the front row. We are excited to see what she will bring to the table next fall to only increase the physicality of our roster.”

A 6-foot outside hitter, Leaoa finished a legendary career at Unalaska last month, leading the Raiders to a second consecutive 2A state title and a 39-match win streak to end her career. The Outstanding Hitter award-winner at this year’s state tournament, she ripped 19 kills in the title-match sweep of Su Valley.

Coach Meisner says…

 “Ula is a really special player out of Dutch Harbor; it’s not often we see a player of her caliber coming from rural Alaska, and we are thrilled that she wanted to join our program. She is already very athletic and physical, with a big jump and a heavy arm swing. She also came to camp in July, so we got to work directly with her, and I believe her ceiling is going to be incredibly high.”

A 5-8 rightside hitter, Tapley led Kenai Central to its third 3A state championship in four seasons this year, earning Outstanding Hitter and All-Tournament honors. Tapley, who only started playing volleyball in seventh grade, was also an all-tournament selection at the 2024 state tournament.

Coach Meisner says…

 “Sophie is a springy, left-handed attacker who sees the court well and plays an aggressive game. Her size is deceiving as she jumps incredibly well and has a very fast arm on her attack. We look forward to seeing how she will develop and continue to grow.”

The trio gives UAA five Alaskans on its 2026 roster, joining sophomore rightside hitter Emma Beck (Kenai) and sophomore libero/defensive specialist Eleasha Sapon (Anchorage/Dimond).

 



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UGOLINI NAMED TO ALL-ECAC SECOND TEAM

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December 13, 2025

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DANBURY, Conn. – Arianna Ugolini picked up another major award on Friday afternoon, earning a selection to the All-ECAC Second Team. 

Ugolini’s surplus of awards include America East Player of the Year, First Team All-Conference, and an honorable mention to the AVCA All-Region team. 

She led the America East in several statistical categories including kills (419), aces (43), and points (476.5). Her 419 kills and 3.99 kills/set are now the most in a single season in Bryant’s Division I history. This season, she also eclipsed 1,000 career kills and points. She became the fifth player in Bryant’s Division I history to surpass 1,000 kills. 



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No. 1 seed Texas hosts No. 4 seed Indiana in the Sweet 16

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December 13, 2025

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The Longhorns also welcome welcome No. 5 seed Stanford and No. 10 seeWisconsin to the Forty Acres for the Sweet 16 and the Elite 8. Friday’s match marks the Longhorn’s 42nd appearance in the NCAA Tournament and the 20th-straight Sweet 16 appearance under head coach Jerritt Elliott, the longest active streak in the NCAA.

The No. 4 seeded Hoosiers stand No. 15 in the AVCA rankings and are making only their sixth all-time NCAA tournament appearance and second trip to the Sweet 16. Indiana is the only Power Four program who has three different players averaging at least 3.21 kills per set this season. On 10 different occasions this year, all three of IU’s top hitters have gone for 10-plus kills each with senior outside hitter Candela Alonso-Corcelles leading the Hoosiers with 3.54 kills per set. Along with Alonso-Corcelles, senior opposite hitter Avry Tatum and true freshman setter Teodora Krickovic received First-Team All-Big Ten honors. Krickovic has averaged 10.67 assists per set this year while Tatum has 353 kills and .324 hitting percentage which are both career highs. When Indiana blocks well, the Hoosiers tends to produce great results with a record of 17-1 when they record at least eight blocks in a set.

No. 1 seeded Texas ranks No. 3 in the AVCA and in the top five in multiple categories across the country, including fourth in hitting percentage (.316), third in kills per set (14.83) and third in assists per set (13.86). Outside hitter Torrey Stafford stands ninth in the country with her 4.74 kills per set average and 12th in the NCAA with 5.32 points per set alongside middle blocker Ayden Ames who holds the fifth spot in the conference with a .383 hitting percentage. Setter Ella Swindle sits ninth in the SEC in assists per set tossing 8.98 while libero Emma Halter holds the back line down ranking ninth in digs per set with 3.64.

Texas has improved its blocking in the back half of the season — in their last five matches, the Longhorns have totaled 51 blocks, compared to the previous five where they tallied only 38 with Ames at the helm with help of true freshman Taylor Harvey and sophomore Nya Bunton to total 201 of the team’s blocks.

Setter Rella Binney and outside hitters Devin Kahahawai and Cari Spears are just a few of the individuals that keep the machine running for the Longhorns. Libero Ramsey Gary, a transfer from Indiana was on the All-Big Ten second team in her first two years as a Hoosier, now faces her former team and could give some insight and understanding on the Indiana game.

First serve in Austin is at 11 a.m. Central on ESPN.



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Nebraska Volleyball sweeps Kansas; advances to NCAA Regional Final

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December 13, 2025

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LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – The Nebraska Volleyball team handled business on Friday night sweeping 4-seed Kansas (25-12, 25-11, 25, 25-12). NU will face Texas A&M in the Lincoln Regional Final playing for a spot in the final four.

The Huskers were led by Rebekah Allick who finished with 9 kills on just 9 swings, a perfect 1.000 hitting percentage. Andi Jackson added 9 kills as well and Harper Murray recorded 7 kills with 10 digs.

Bergen Reilly was reportedly sick throughout the week but played through the illness. True Freshman Setter, Campbell Flynn, was OUT for the match and potentially the season as the Huskers Radio Network reported she has a broken pinky finger.

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Copyright 2025 KOLN. All rights reserved.



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Husker Volleyball dominates Kansas, advances to Elite 8

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December 13, 2025

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Nebraska Volleyball is back in the Elite Eight for a third straight season. The Huskers swept Kansas in the Sweet 16 in Lincoln, Neb. on Friday night. Nebraska won set one 25-12. Nebraska continued to dominate in set two, earning a win over the Jayhawks 25 to 11. It was more of the same in set three as the Huskers earned the sweep with a 25-12 victory over their old Big 12 foe. “A lot of it is our mentality and how we practice,” said senior Rebekah Allick after the match. “We’re creatures of habit.”Nebraska will play Texas A&M on Sunday in Lincoln. The match will be televised on KETV at 2 p.m. “Here at Nebraska, we feed our middle blockers,” said middle blocker Andi Jackson. “Credit goes to our passers because they put us in great positions.”The Huskers hit .450 while holding Kansas to .029. Nebraska had six aces and only three service errors. Nebraska’s middle blockers had 21 kills on 28 attacks. Both Jackson and Allick led the Huskers with 9 kills. Head coach Dani Busboom Kelly spoke with media on Thursday, stating they have a team-first mindset with one goal in mind: hanging a sixth national title banner in the Devaney Center.PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Nebraska volleyball is ready to take on Kansas as they continue their national title chaseThe Huskers will look to advance to their third straight Final Four. They’re now three games from a sixth national title. Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |

LINCOLN, Neb. —

Nebraska Volleyball is back in the Elite Eight for a third straight season. The Huskers swept Kansas in the Sweet 16 in Lincoln, Neb. on Friday night.

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Nebraska won set one 25-12. Nebraska continued to dominate in set two, earning a win over the Jayhawks 25 to 11. It was more of the same in set three as the Huskers earned the sweep with a 25-12 victory over their old Big 12 foe.

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“A lot of it is our mentality and how we practice,” said senior Rebekah Allick after the match. “We’re creatures of habit.”

Nebraska will play Texas A&M on Sunday in Lincoln. The match will be televised on KETV at 2 p.m.

“Here at Nebraska, we feed our middle blockers,” said middle blocker Andi Jackson. “Credit goes to our passers because they put us in great positions.”

The Huskers hit .450 while holding Kansas to .029. Nebraska had six aces and only three service errors.

Nebraska’s middle blockers had 21 kills on 28 attacks. Both Jackson and Allick led the Huskers with 9 kills.

Head coach Dani Busboom Kelly spoke with media on Thursday, stating they have a team-first mindset with one goal in mind: hanging a sixth national title banner in the Devaney Center.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Nebraska volleyball is ready to take on Kansas as they continue their national title chase

The Huskers will look to advance to their third straight Final Four. They’re now three games from a sixth national title.

Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.

NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |





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