Get on. Get over. Get in. It’s what Kane Kepley has done better than almost anyone in 2026.
Between two Minor League levels, the Cubs’ No. 5 prospect has shown an exceptional feel for the zone, drawing 120 free passes, the fifth-most by a Minor Leaguer in a single season since 2005. On the basepaths, he’s wreaked havoc, stealing a MiLB-leading 70 bags, which have aided him in scoring 127 runs this season — the second-most by a Minor Leaguer in a single campaign since ’05.
An artist at reaching first base, the outfielder has seldom stayed put once getting there. Sporting 60-grade speed, he went 50-for-55 on stolen-base attempts with High-A South Bend to begin the year. Often working himself into scoring position, Kepley finished his time at High-A leading the circuit with 105 runs scored.
Dominating High-A arms, Kepley was promoted to Double-A Knoxville in early August. While he’s hit just .211 with the Smokies, his carrying tools have helped him remain productive. Entering Saturday, he sported a 17.6 percent walk rate — which ranked 16th among 460 Double-A hitters with at least 130 plate appearances — against just a 15.4 percent strikeout rate.
The speed of the Salisbury, North Carolina native, has also traveled with him to the Double-A level, as Kepley has swiped 20 bags in 31 games. That included tying a career high with four stolen bases during Knoxville’s 8-7 win over Birmingham on Friday at Regions Field. In 152 games played in the Minor Leagues, Kepley is a combined 86-for-96 on stolen-base attempts (89.6 percent stolen base rate).
Originally a walk-on at Liberty University, the left-handed-hitting Kepley made waves during his sophomore season with the Flames as he led Conference USA with 53 walks and 25 stolen bases. After a strong showing that summer at the Cape Cod League, he transferred to North Carolina for his final collegiate season, where he posted an .896 OPS and finished fourth in NCAA Division I with 45 steals in his lone year with the Tar Heels.
His excellent college production led the Cubs to select him in the second round of the 2025 Draft, where he received an under-slot signing bonus of $1.4 million. The Cubs decided to send him to Single-A Myrtle Beach, where he logged 28 games at the end of the 2025 season. While there, he flashed his 60-grade hit tool, as he posted a .914 OPS, 180 wRC+ and walked (25) more than he struck out (15).
COMPLETE CUBS PROSPECT COVERAGE
Following his soft launch into the Minors, the 22-year-old fully took off in 2026. Kepley continued to be an on-base machine to open the year, posting an absurd 21.3 percent walk rate and .435 OBP — which ranked second among High-A hitters — in 93 games played at the Midwest League. Along with drawing walks, Kepley showcased sound bat control, posting an 86.3 percent overall contact rate.
His run with Knoxville will come to a close on Sunday, but what a first full pro campaign it’s been.