Cubs’ Kyle Schwarber ranked third best catching prospect

Last season during the 2014 Major League Baseball Draft, the Chicago Cubs selected Indiana University catcher Kyle Schwarber No. 4 overall, who was a finalist of the Johnny Bench award as a Junior.

Shortly after being drafted by the Cubbies, Schwarber, 21, signed his first professional contract on June 11. He later made his debut with the Short-Season A affiliate Boise Hawks and would finish his first game 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs.

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Just like third base prospect Kris Bryant, it wouldn’t take Schwarber long to claw his way through the minor league circuit as he would end his season with the Daytona Cubs. In 72 games played, the young left-handed hitter hit 18 bombs with 53 RBIs, 39 walks, 57 strikeouts, 18 doubles and three triples while slashing  a .344/.428/.634 line.

Now according to MLB.com’s 2015 Prospect Watch, Chicago’s future big leaguer was ranked third best among catching prospects in the league.

With the Cubs looking to make a serious playoff push this season, they will have plenty of chips available if they’re looking to pick up some extra help, but Schwarber won’t be one of them.

The top two prospects ahead of the former freshman All-American are both Jorge Alfaro (Texas Rangers) at the No. 2 slot and Blake Swihart (Boston Red Sox) sitting at the very top of the list at No. 1.

Although Schwarber is near the top of the list in catching prospects, he picked up some playing time in the outfield during his first year of professional ball. In fact, Schwarber started more games in the outfield (.985) with 36 than he did as a catcher (.981) with only 20 between Boise, Daytona and Kane County.

Having a player such as Schwarber within the organization will eventually come in handy for manager Joe Maddon once he’s called up to the show.

There’s no telling how long guys like Junior Lake, Dexter Fowler, or even Miguel Montero will be with the franchise, so having someone who has experience both behind the dish and in the outfield makes this kid a dangerous piece.

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