1. Amateur Career
Owen Caissie grew up in Burlington, Ontario, where he attended Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School. During his amateur career, he also played for Canada's Junior National team, gaining experience before turning professional.
2. Professional Career
Owen Caissie's professional journey began in 2020, marked by his selection in the MLB draft and subsequent progression through the minor league ranks with two different organizations.
2.1. San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres selected Caissie in the second round of the 2020 Major League Baseball draft, making him the 45th overall pick. He was notably the first player from Canada chosen in that draft class. Caissie officially signed with the Padres on June 24, 2020, receiving a signing bonus of 1.20 M USD. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 minor league season was canceled, preventing Caissie from making his professional debut that year. Consequently, he spent the remainder of the summer training in Ontario.
2.2. Chicago Cubs
On December 29, 2020, the Padres traded Caissie to the Chicago Cubs. This trade was part of a larger transaction that sent Caissie, pitcher Zach Davies, and prospects Reginald Preciado, Yeison Santana, and Ismael Mena to the Cubs. In return, the Padres acquired pitcher Yu Darvish and catcher Víctor Caratini.
2.2.1. Minor League Progression
Caissie made his professional debut in 2021 with the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League Cubs. While there, he batted .349 and hit six home runs before earning a promotion to the Low-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Across both teams in 2021, Caissie played in a combined 54 games, recording a .303 batting average, 7 home runs, and 29 RBI.
In 2022, Caissie spent the season playing for the High-A South Bend Cubs, where he appeared in 105 games. His performance included a batting line of .254/.349/.402, along with 11 home runs, 58 RBI, and 11 stolen bases. Following the minor league season, he also participated in the Arizona Fall League, batting .220.
After the 2023 season, Caissie spent the entire 2024 season with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs. In 127 games at this level, he posted a batting line of .278/.375/.473, hitting 19 home homes, driving in 75 RBI, and stealing 11 bases.
2.2.2. Major League Roster Status
Following his successful 2024 season, the Chicago Cubs added Owen Caissie to their 40-man roster. This move was made to protect him from being eligible for the Rule 5 draft. To begin the 2025 season, Caissie was optioned back to Triple-A Iowa, indicating his continued path towards a potential Major League debut.
3. International Career
Owen Caissie has represented his home country of Canada in international baseball competitions. He was a member of the Canadian national baseball team that participated in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
4. Playing Style and Strengths
Owen Caissie primarily plays as an outfielder. He is a left-handed batter and a right-handed thrower.