Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs are a professional minor league baseball team based in Des Moines, Iowa, competing as the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs in the International League.^[1] Established in 1969 as the Iowa Oaks in the Triple-A American Association, the franchise adopted its current name in 1982 following its affiliation with the Chicago Cubs that began in 1981.^[2] The team plays its home games at Principal Park, an 11,500-seat stadium that opened in 1992 and has been renovated multiple times to enhance fan experience, including the addition of skyboxes and picnic areas.^[3] Over its history, the Iowa Cubs have achieved notable success, including winning the American Association championship in 1993 and securing Pacific Coast League Central Division titles in 1998, 2001, and 2004 before MLB's reorganization of Minor League Baseball in 2021 that placed the team in the International League (formerly Triple-A East).^[2] The team has also set franchise attendance records, drawing 509,384 fans in 2002 and a peak of 576,310 in 2007, reflecting strong community support in Des Moines.^[2] As of the 2025 season, the Iowa Cubs maintain a long-term lease at Principal Park through 2037 and continue to serve as a key development hub for Chicago Cubs prospects, hosting a mix of emerging talent and veteran players.^[2]

Franchise Overview

Affiliations

The Iowa Cubs have operated as a Triple-A minor league baseball team since their inception in 1969, initially as the Iowa Oaks, serving as the highest-level farm club for various Major League Baseball organizations. Triple-A classification represents the uppermost tier of the minor leagues, where players develop advanced skills in preparation for potential major league call-ups, typically featuring 30 teams across two leagues post-2021 reorganization.^[4] The franchise's major league parent club affiliations began with the Oakland Athletics from 1969 to 1972, followed by the Chicago White Sox from 1973 to 1974. In 1975, the team affiliated with the Houston Astros for one season before returning to the White Sox from 1976 to 1980. Since 1981, the Iowa Cubs have maintained a continuous partnership with the Chicago Cubs, marking one of the longest active affiliations in minor league baseball.^[5] The team's minor league affiliations have evolved with structural changes in professional baseball. From 1969 to 1997, the franchise competed in the American Association, a Triple-A league that operated independently before merging into the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues. In 1998, following the American Association's dissolution, the Iowa Cubs joined the Pacific Coast League, another historic Triple-A circuit, where they remained through the 2020 season.^[9] Major League Baseball's comprehensive reorganization of the minor leagues prior to the 2021 season reduced the number of teams and emphasized regional alignments to cut travel costs and enhance player development. This led to the creation of temporary Triple-A leagues: the Iowa Cubs were placed in the Triple-A East, divided into Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast divisions. After one season, the structure reverted in 2022 to the traditional International League (Eastern teams) and Pacific Coast League (Western teams), with the Iowa Cubs assigned to the International League's West Division, where they have competed since.^[4][10] As of 2025, the Iowa Cubs serve as the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs in the International League's West Division, continuing their role in developing talent for the parent club at Principal Park in Des Moines, Iowa.^[1][10]

Team Information

The Iowa Cubs are owned by Diamond Baseball Holdings, a California-based investment firm that acquired the team in 2022 as part of a larger transaction involving 11 minor league franchises from Endeavor, the previous ownership group since late 2021.^[11] Under this ownership, the organization has focused on operational stability and fan engagement in Des Moines. The team's field management is led by Marty Pevey, who enters his 13th consecutive season as manager in 2025, holding the franchise record with 748 career wins. The 2025 coaching staff includes pitching coach Tony Cougoule (second year with Iowa), hitting coaches Rick Strickland (second year with Iowa) and Rachel Folden (first year with Iowa), bench coach Kyle Moore (first year with Iowa), assistant pitching coach Andrew Betcher (second year in the role), athletic trainers Ed Halbur (eighth year with Iowa) and Logan Severson (fourth year with Iowa), and strength and conditioning coach Connor Rooney (first year with Iowa). The Iowa Cubs' official colors are blue, red, and white, reflecting their affiliation with the Chicago Cubs. The mascot, Cubbie Bear, embodies the team's spirited identity and engages fans at Principal Park. Since the franchise's renaming to the Iowa Cubs in 1982, the primary logo has centered on a stylized bear cub head integrated with a "C," evolving through minor refinements in color shades and line work for a more polished look by the late 1990s, while introducing alternate designs like a fierce bear cap logo in 2022 to highlight the mascot's competitive side.^{[12][13][14][13]} Based in Des Moines, Iowa, the Iowa Cubs play home games at Principal Park, a venue with a seating capacity of 11,500. As members of the International League, their 150-game schedule is broadcast entirely on Hope 940 AM radio, with select contests airing on Marquee Sports Network. Post-2021, attendance has shown steady appeal, averaging 5,800 to 6,000 fans per game annually and totaling 409,706 in 2025 despite a slight league-wide decline.^{[15][16][17][18]}

History

American Association Era (1969–1997)

The Iowa Oaks were established in 1969 as a Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics in the American Association, marking the return of professional baseball to Des Moines after a seven-year absence and filling Sec Taylor Stadium, which had been renovated in the 1950s.^[19][9] The franchise, founded by local businessman Ray Johnston, played its home games at the aging Sec Taylor Stadium and quickly became a fixture in the city's sports landscape.^[19] Over the next decade, the team shifted affiliations to the Chicago White Sox from 1973 to 1980, reflecting the fluid nature of minor league partnerships during that era.^[6] In 1981, the Oaks aligned with the Chicago Cubs, prompting a rebranding to the Iowa Cubs in 1982 under new ownership by Ken Grandquist, which averted a threatened relocation to Springfield, Illinois, and solidified the team's commitment to Des Moines.^[9][19] Key milestones included the 1973 season, when the Oaks captured the American Association Eastern Division title with an 83–53 record under manager Joe Sparks, though they fell short in the playoffs against the Tulsa Oilers.^[9][6] The pinnacle came in 1993, as the Iowa Cubs clinched their first league championship with an 85–59 regular-season mark, defeating the Nashville Sounds in the finals amid a dramatic Game 7 walk-off home run by Tuffy Rhodes.^[20] Throughout the era, the franchise faced significant hurdles, including the deteriorating condition of Sec Taylor Stadium by the late 1980s, which prompted community efforts and a voter-approved bond issue in 1990 to fund a complete rebuild, resulting in a new facility opening in 1992.^[9] These challenges, coupled with earlier relocation scares, underscored the team's precarious position but also galvanized local support.^[19] In Des Moines, the Oaks and Cubs fostered a strong sense of community, drawing fans to games that provided escapism and unity, especially during the 1993 season's adversities like devastating floods that surrounded the stadium—yet the team played on without missing a home contest, culminating in celebrations that reinforced baseball's role as a cultural anchor in the capital city. In their final American Association season, the Iowa Cubs won the Western Division title with a 74-69 record.^[20][19][9]

Pacific Coast League Era (1998–2020)

Following the dissolution of the American Association after the 1997 season, the Iowa Cubs transitioned to the Pacific Coast League (PCL) as part of Major League Baseball's realignment of Triple-A baseball, expanding the PCL from 10 to 16 teams.^[9] The team, which had been affiliated with the Chicago Cubs since 1981, maintained its partnership and continued playing home games at Principal Park in Des Moines, Iowa, where it had relocated in 1992.^[9] This move marked a new era of growth for the franchise, with the Iowa Cubs immediately capturing the PCL's Central Division title in their inaugural 1998 season, finishing with an 85-59 record.^[9] The Iowa Cubs experienced sustained success in the PCL, securing additional division titles in 2001 (83-60 record under manager Bruce Kimm), 2004 (79-64 record), and 2008 (83-59 record).^[9] In 2004, the team not only won the Central Division but also advanced to claim the American Conference championship by defeating the Oklahoma RedHawks 3-2 in the semifinals, though they fell to the Sacramento River Cats in the league finals.^[9] Throughout this period, the franchise's stable affiliation with the Chicago Cubs provided continuity in player development and organizational support, fostering a pipeline of talent from the major league club.^[9] Attendance at Principal Park saw significant growth during the PCL era, reflecting increased fan interest in the team's competitive play and the broader appeal of Triple-A baseball. The Iowa Cubs set franchise records multiple times, drawing 483,176 fans in 2000, surpassing that mark with 509,384 in 2002—the first season exceeding half a million attendees—and reaching 576,310 in 2007.^[9] These figures positioned the team among the PCL's attendance leaders, contributing to the league's overall rise, which broke its single-season record in consecutive years during the mid-2000s.^[21] Within the American Conference, the Iowa Cubs developed key rivalries with division foes, notably the Nashville Sounds, against whom they frequently battled for playoff positioning in intense series, including a tied first-place finish in the East Division during the 2001 season.^[22] The era concluded abruptly in 2020 when the entire Minor League Baseball season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a 0-0 record for the Iowa Cubs and halting what had been a period of steady expansion.^[23]

International League Era (2021–Present)

In 2021, Major League Baseball's restructuring of Minor League Baseball realigned the Triple-A level by dividing the 30 teams into two temporary leagues: the 20-team Triple-A East and the 10-team Triple-A West, emphasizing geographic divisions to reduce travel while preserving the overall number of affiliates. The Iowa Cubs, previously in the Pacific Coast League, were assigned to the Triple-A East's Midwest Division alongside teams like the Omaha Storm Chasers and St. Paul Saints. This shift marked a departure from the traditional league structures, with the Iowa Cubs adapting to a 120-game schedule amid the broader contraction of Minor League rosters from 160 to 120 teams across all levels. The team finished the season with a 51–78 record, placing seventh in their division and missing the Triple-A Final Stretch postseason tournament, which featured the top six teams in a 10-game sprint.^[24][25][26] The league names reverted to their historical monikers in 2022, with the Triple-A East becoming the International League (20 teams) and the Triple-A West the Pacific Coast League (10 teams), restoring the Iowa Cubs to a familiar competitive framework while maintaining the new divisional alignment. Under this structure, the team posted a 68–81 record in 2022, finishing ninth in the International League West and out of playoff contention. Performance improved in 2023 with an 82–65 mark, securing third place in the West Division, though the expanded playoff format—awarding spots to the top four teams from each half-season—prevented postseason qualification. The 2024 season saw a regression to 68–82, again ninth in the West, highlighting challenges in consistency amid roster turnover and prospect promotions to the Chicago Cubs.^{[26][27][28][29]} A significant off-field development occurred in December 2021 when the Iowa Cubs were sold by longtime owner Michael Gartner to Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), a subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings, as part of a broader acquisition of nine Minor League teams. This transaction, valued as part of DBH's expansive portfolio now encompassing over 40 teams, brought enhanced financial resources and operational expertise to the franchise, enabling investments in player development and fan engagement without disrupting the Chicago Cubs' affiliation, which was extended through 2030. The change ensured continuity in Des Moines, with minimal alterations to game-day experiences while positioning the team to navigate the restructured league's demands more effectively.^{[30][31][32][33]} As of November 2025, the Iowa Cubs concluded their 2025 International League campaign with a 74–75 record, finishing fifth in the West Division and missing the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year. The season featured streaks of competitiveness, including a six-game winning run in September against divisional rivals, but overall inconsistencies in pitching and timely hitting prevented a deeper run. Under DBH's stewardship, the team emphasized youth integration, with prospects like Owen Caissie contributing significantly—hitting 15 home runs—while serving as a key rehabilitation hub for Chicago Cubs players. This era has underscored the Iowa Cubs' resilience in a more regionally focused Triple-A environment, prioritizing sustainable growth amid evolving Minor League dynamics.^{[34][35][36][37]}

Principal Park

Stadium History

The Iowa Cubs' original home was Sec Taylor Stadium, located in Des Moines, Iowa, which the team used from its inception in 1969 through the 1991 season. Originally constructed in 1947 as Pioneer Memorial Stadium with a capacity of approximately 5,000, the venue was renamed Sec Taylor Stadium in 1959 to honor Des Taylor, a prominent sports editor for the Des Moines Register who had passed away that year. The stadium featured a traditional design typical of mid-20th-century minor league ballparks, including wooden grandstands and an open-air configuration along the Des Moines River, seating around 7,500 by the late 1980s. It served as the host for Triple-A baseball in Des Moines during the American Association era, accommodating the Cubs' games amid growing concerns over its aging infrastructure.^[38][3] By the late 1980s, Sec Taylor Stadium had deteriorated significantly, with splintering wooden seats, inadequate facilities, and maintenance issues prompting calls for replacement to retain professional baseball in the city. Planning for a new stadium began in August 1988, driven by local business leaders and team ownership who highlighted the risk of the franchise relocating without upgrades. Community involvement culminated in August 1990, when Des Moines voters approved a $12 million bond issue by a 57-43 margin, providing public funding for the project while private contributions from sponsors and the team covered additional costs. This voter-backed initiative reflected strong civic support for keeping Triple-A baseball, averting potential moves to other cities. The old stadium was fully demolished on September 10, 1991, clearing the site for reconstruction.^[9][3][39] The new Sec Taylor Stadium—later renamed Principal Park—opened on April 16, 1992, with an inaugural attendance of over 10,000 for a 3-2 victory against the Louisville Redbirds. Built on the same riverside site at a cost of $12 million, the modern facility expanded capacity to 11,500, incorporating steel and concrete construction, improved sightlines, and enhanced amenities to meet contemporary minor league standards. The stadium's debut occurred during the final years of the American Association, preceding the team's affiliation shift to the Pacific Coast League in 1998, but no further venue changes were needed as Principal Park accommodated the transition seamlessly. In 2004, the ballpark was renamed Principal Park following a naming rights deal with Principal Financial Group, honoring the site's legacy while aligning with corporate sponsorship trends.^[40][3][9] Stadium transitions significantly boosted attendance, reflecting improved fan experience and facility appeal. At the aging Sec Taylor Stadium, average yearly crowds hovered below 200,000 in the 1980s, constrained by the venue's limitations. Following the 1992 opening, Principal Park saw immediate upticks, with over 300,000 fans in its debut season, and by 2002, the Cubs shattered franchise records with 509,384 attendees. The venue reached a peak of 576,310 in 2007, and by 2017, cumulative attendance since the rebuild exceeded 13 million, underscoring the enduring impact of the modernization on community engagement.^[9][3][41]

Features and Renovations

Principal Park features a diverse seating layout designed to accommodate a variety of fan experiences. The stadium offers approximately 11,500 seats, including field-level seating along the baselines, reserved sections behind home plate, and premium skybox suites in sections 314-316 and 401 that can hold up to 50 guests with indoor and outdoor options. Bullpens for home and visiting teams were relocated in 2025 from the foul lines to integrated areas within the seating bowl, enhancing playing field space while maintaining visibility for spectators. Fan zones include the Cubbie Village area with a playground and splash pad for children, located in the outfield, providing interactive entertainment beyond the game. A large videoboard in left field delivers replays and stats, complemented by an exterior-facing screen for concourse viewers.^[42][43][44] Since its opening in 1992, Principal Park has undergone several renovations to improve functionality, safety, and technology, particularly post-2010. In 2013, clubhouse facilities were expanded with larger locker, shower, and restroom areas for both teams. Safety upgrades included extending protective netting to the dugout ends in 2016 and adding netting along nearly the full length of both foul lines in 2020 at a cost of $90,000, funded jointly by the Iowa Cubs and the City of Des Moines to better protect fans without obstructing views. The 2022 offseason saw a $10 million overhaul of locker rooms and training facilities to meet MLB standards, including accommodations for additional coaches and female staff. In 2025, a $1.3 million project moved the bullpens off the field, as approved by the Des Moines City Council, to optimize gameplay and seating flow. These efforts are part of a broader $65 million vision announced in 2023 to transform the area into an entertainment district similar to Chicago's Gallagher Way, incorporating mezzanine suites, a new main entry, parking garage, and public art.^[39][45][46] The park's unique elements enhance its appeal, with prime views of the Iowa State Capitol and downtown Des Moines skyline from its location at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. Concessions emphasize local Iowa flavors, such as pork tenderloin sandwiches, brisket from Stu's BBQ, and ranch-drenched fries, alongside standard ballpark options like hot dogs and craft beers, available at stands along the external concourse. Capacity has evolved from 10,500 at its 1992 debut to the current 11,500 through phased seating additions during renovations. Beyond baseball, Principal Park hosts non-baseball events including concerts by artists like Straight No Chaser and The Lacs, as well as community gatherings, leveraging its versatile layout for year-round use. Sustainability features outlined in the 2021 master plan include energy-efficient infrastructure and commissioning to reduce consumption. Accessibility is prioritized with KultureCity sensory inclusion certification, offering free sensory bags (noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools) and quiet rooms, plus annual sensory-friendly games tailored for neurodivergent individuals.^{[3][47][40][48][49][50]}

Records and Achievements

Season-by-Season Records

The Iowa Cubs franchise, originating as the Iowa Oaks in 1969, has maintained a presence in Triple-A minor league baseball for over five decades, transitioning through leagues and affiliations while serving as the Chicago Cubs' top farm club since 1982.^[51] The following table summarizes the team's annual performance metrics, including league affiliation, regular-season record, finishing position, playoff results (where applicable), manager, and attendance figures when documented.^[51][52] Over the franchise's history, the team has experienced varied success, with notable peaks including division titles in 1973, 1993, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2008, and 2019, but also challenging stretches like the 1992 season's 51-92 mark, the worst in team history.^[51] As of the conclusion of the 2025 season, the Iowa Cubs hold an all-time record of 3,890 wins and 4,018 losses, yielding an overall winning percentage of .492.^[51] The 2020 season stands as an anomaly, fully cancelled amid the COVID-19 pandemic with no games played, recorded as 0-0. Attendance has grown steadily in recent decades, reflecting strong local support, with record highs set in 2007 at Principal Park.^[9]

Championships and Awards

The Iowa Cubs have secured one league championship in their history, winning the 1993 American Association title after defeating the Nashville Sounds 4-3 in the best-of-seven championship series, marking the franchise's only Triple-A postseason crown.^[9][53] The team has claimed eight division titles, advancing to the playoffs each time but falling short of further league honors. In 1973, as the Iowa Oaks, they captured the American Association Western Division with an 83-53 record before losing the championship series to the Tulsa Drillers 3-4.^[54][5] The 1993 squad also won the AA Western Division en route to their league title. In 1997, Iowa took the AA Western Division at 74-69, sweeping the New Orleans Zephyrs 3-0 in the division series but losing the finals 0-3 to the Buffalo Bisons.^[9][53] The 1998 Pacific Coast League Central Division champions (85-59) were eliminated 1-2 by the New Orleans Zephyrs in the American Conference series.^[9][53] Iowa clinched the 2001 PCL Central Division by winning 24 of their final 32 games (83-60 overall), only to fall 0-3 to New Orleans in the conference playoffs.^[9][53] The 2004 team swept the PCL Central and American Conference titles (79-64), defeating the Oklahoma RedHawks 3-2 before a 0-3 sweep by Sacramento in the PCL finals.^[9][55] In 2008, Iowa won the PCL American North Division at 83-59 but lost 2-3 to Oklahoma in the conference series.^[56] The 2019 American North Division winners (75-65) were ousted 2-3 by the Round Rock Express in the PCL semifinals.^[57] The franchise has earned two John H. Johnson President's Awards, Minor League Baseball's highest organizational honor for overall excellence in operations, community involvement, and fan experience: in 1978 under general manager Ray Johnston and again in 2002.^[58][59] Iowa also received the 1986 Larry MacPhail Award for innovative marketing and promotions that boosted attendance and community engagement during a transitional period in the American Association.^[60] Individual accolades include league MVP honors for outfielder Eduardo Zambrano in 1993, who hit .303 with 32 home runs and 115 RBI while leading the AA champions, and catcher Geovany Soto in 2007, who batted .353 with 26 homers and 109 RBI in the PCL.^[61][62] Manager Terry Kennedy earned PCL Manager of the Year in 1998 after guiding the division-winning squad.^[63] As of the 2025 season, the Iowa Cubs have made ten postseason appearances (nine since 1981, including the 1973 Oaks entry), with a 12-20 playoff record, but no additional titles beyond 1993; they finished fifth in the International League West at 74-75 in 2025, missing the playoffs.^[53][37]

Players

Current Roster

The Iowa Cubs' 2025 roster, as of November 10, 2025, features a mix of promising prospects and veteran players serving as the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs in the International League. The team concluded the season with a 74-75 record, finishing fifth in the West Division.^[64]

Pitchers

The pitching staff was led by right-hander Nate Pearson, who posted a 2.22 ERA over 34 appearances, primarily in relief, establishing himself as a key bullpen arm.^[64] Fellow righty Riley Martin excelled with a 2.69 ERA and 6-2 record in 28 starts, while Connor Noland led the staff with 9 wins alongside a 4.07 ERA in 25 appearances.^[64] Other notable pitchers included Jordan Wicks (3.55 ERA in 12 starts), Keegan Thompson (4.50 ERA with 6 wins), and Ethan Roberts (2.16 ERA in relief).^[64] The full group encompassed a blend of starters and relievers, such as Will Sanders, Luke Little, Kenta Maeda, and Tommy Romero, with recent transactions including the activation of right-hander Kohl Franklin from the 60-day injured list on November 6.^[65][64]

Catchers

Behind the plate, the primary options were Moises Ballesteros, who hit .316 with strong defensive contributions, and Casey Opitz, a switch-hitter who provided depth with his versatility.^[64] Additional catchers on the roster included Carlos Perez, Reese McGuire, Miguel Amaya, and Caleb Knight, though Knight elected free agency on November 6.^[65][64]

Infielders

The infield was anchored by Jonathon Long at first base, who led the team with a .305 batting average, 20 home runs, and 91 RBIs in 2025.^[64] James Triantos handled second base duties effectively, while shortstop Ed Howard and third baseman Matt Shaw added prospect upside; other infielders included Ben Cowles, Chase Strumpf, Dixon Machado, Hayden Cantrelle, Nicky Lopez, Vidal Brujan, and Jaylen Palmer, with Palmer electing free agency on November 6.^[65][64]

Outfielders

Outfield production was highlighted by Owen Caissie's 22 home runs from the corners, complemented by Kevin Alcantara's center field defense and Parker Chavers' speed in right.^[64] The group also featured Christian Franklin, Greg Allen, Darius Hill, Forrest Wall, Rafael Morel, and Billy Hamilton, providing a balance of power and base-running ability.^[64] The coaching staff, led by manager Marty Pevey in his 13th season with the organization, includes bench coach Kyle Moore, hitting coaches Rachel Folden and Rick Strickland, pitching coach Tony Cougoule, and assistant pitching coach Andrew Betcher. The roster reflects the Chicago Cubs' emphasis on international diversity, with players like Venezuelan catcher Moises Ballesteros and Dominican outfielder Kevin Alcantara contributing to a multinational core.^[64]

Notable Alumni

The Iowa Cubs, as the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs since 1982 (and predecessor Iowa Oaks from 1969), have served as a vital developmental hub for Major League Baseball talent, producing numerous players who achieved stardom in the majors. Many alumni contributed significantly to the Chicago Cubs' 2016 World Series victory, ending a 108-year drought, with prospects like Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo refining their skills in Des Moines before key roles in the championship run.

Hall of Famers

Harold Baines, who played for the Iowa Oaks in 1979, batted .298 with 22 home runs and 87 RBI in 125 games, earning American Association All-Star honors before his MLB debut.^[66] Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019, Baines became a six-time All-Star, three-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and accumulated 2,866 hits over a 22-year career, primarily as a designated hitter and outfielder.^[67] Greg Maddux spent parts of two seasons with the Iowa Cubs from 1986 to 1987, posting a 13-1 record with a 2.67 ERA and 87 strikeouts in 156.1 innings.^[68] A Hall of Famer inducted in 2014, Maddux earned eight All-Star selections, four consecutive Cy Young Awards from 1992 to 1995, and 355 wins, establishing himself as one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history during his 23-year tenure, including 11 seasons with the Cubs.^[69]

All-Stars and Award Winners

Geovany Soto's standout 2007 season with the Iowa Cubs included a .353 batting average, 26 home runs, and 109 RBI over 110 games, earning him Pacific Coast League Most Valuable Player honors.^[70] Soto, a three-time All-Star (2008, 2010, 2012), won a Silver Slugger in 2008 and contributed to the Cubs' 2016 World Series title as a catcher and designated hitter across 13 MLB seasons. Kris Bryant appeared in seven games for the Iowa Cubs in 2015, hitting .321 with three home runs and 10 RBI, following a dominant minor league campaign that included Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year accolades.^[71] A three-time All-Star (2015–2017), Bryant was named National League Rookie of the Year in 2015, MVP in 2016, and played a pivotal role in the Cubs' World Series championship with 160 home runs over 10 MLB seasons. Anthony Rizzo batted .347 with 23 home runs and 74 RBI in 101 games for the Iowa Cubs in 2012, leading the team in power and earning a Triple-A All-Star selection.^[72] A three-time All-Star (2014, 2016, 2021) and four-time Gold Glove winner at first base, Rizzo drove in 965 RBI over 15 MLB seasons, anchoring the Cubs' lineup during their 2016 World Series triumph. Other prominent All-Stars include Mark Grace, who hit .327 with seven home runs in 65 games for the 1988 Iowa Cubs before a 16-year MLB career featuring four All-Star nods (1989, 1993, 1995, 1997) and 511 doubles, mostly with Chicago.^[73] Rafael Palmeiro batted .314 with nine home runs in 1986 and .292 with 12 in 1987 for Iowa, en route to four All-Star appearances (1991, 1993, 1995, 1996) and 3,020 hits across 20 seasons.^[74] Joe Carter slugged 22 home runs in 1983 and 21 in 1984 with the Iowa Cubs, later becoming a two-time All-Star (1993–1994) and delivering the World Series-winning home run for the Toronto Blue Jays in 1993.^[75]

Long-Time Cubs Contributors

Beyond Hall of Famers and All-Stars, the Iowa Cubs developed enduring Cubs figures like first baseman/outfielder Dave Martinez (1985–1986 Iowa stints: .303 average) and shortstop Shawon Dunston (multiple Iowa appearances in the 1980s: .280 career minor-league average), both of whom spent over a decade in Chicago.^[76] As of 2025, more than 200 former Iowa Cubs have appeared in MLB games, underscoring the affiliate's role in the Chicago Cubs' player development pipeline, which has supplied core talent for multiple playoff runs, including the 2016 champions.^[77]

Rehabilitation Assignments

The Iowa Cubs, as the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, serve as a primary rehabilitation site for injured Major League Baseball (MLB) players from the parent club seeking to recover and regain game readiness. Under MLB rules, players on the injured list can be assigned to minor league teams for rehabilitation purposes, with Triple-A affiliates like Iowa preferred for their competitive level and proximity to the major league roster, allowing for simulated game experience without the full intensity of MLB play.^[78] Rehabilitation assignments are governed by specific MLB guidelines, permitting position players up to 20 games and pitchers up to 30 days, though durations are typically shorter—often 3 to 7 games or a week—to minimize disruption while ensuring players meet performance benchmarks for return. These stints integrate rehabbing players into the Iowa Cubs' lineup, providing them with at-bats or innings while offering minor leaguers exposure to big-league talent, which can enhance team morale and development dynamics.^[78] Notable examples include third baseman Kris Bryant's 2018 assignment, where he played three games with Iowa following left shoulder inflammation, batting 2-for-8 with three walks and two strikeouts before returning to Chicago on August 31. In 2016, infielder Javier Báez completed a brief rehab stint after a thumb injury, hitting a home run in his first game and going 4-for-15 over four contests, which propelled his promotion back to the majors. Such assignments have continued into the 2020s, underscoring Iowa's consistent role in player recovery. In recent years, these rehab visits have occurred frequently, with the Chicago Cubs sending multiple players annually to Principal Park; for instance, in 2025 alone, catcher Miguel Amaya, pitcher Javier Assad, and right-hander Jameson Taillon joined Iowa in July for calf, oblique, and back-related recoveries, respectively, while additional stints involved pitcher Michael Soroka in September. These assignments, often 1-2 weeks long, have enabled timely returns, such as Assad's effective 3 2/3-inning rehab start on July 31.^[79][80] For the Des Moines community, these high-profile rehab appearances generate significant fan excitement and attendance boosts, as seen with large crowds for past visits like pitcher Kerry Wood's 2005 start that drew a then-record 13,669 spectators, fostering local engagement with MLB stars and enhancing the cultural impact of the Iowa Cubs.^[81]