Chicago Cubs: Top 30 Prospects

Sep 20, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; A baseball sits on the mound before the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports — Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

2015 Stats (South Bend Cubs)

8-10, 3.98 ERA, 22 GS, 108.2 IP, 103 K, 1.27 WHIP

Clifton was a 12th round draft pick in the 2013 draft and at just 20 years old, time is on his side. Clifton spent the 2015 season with low-A South Bend Cubs, where he was 8-10 with a 3.98 ERA in 22 starts. Clifton has primarily been a starter in his pro career and had the same success with short-season Boise in 2014. Clifton has an above average fastball that tops out at 96 mph and a curveball that has the potential to be a plus pitch despite inconsistency. He also has made progress by cleaning up his delivery and adding arm strength. Clifton is still several years from joining the big league club and needs to work on his control and command to be an effective starter. He did move up two rankings from the preseason, where he came in at #29.

Next: No. 26 - OF Wilson

Chicago Cubs: Top 30 Prospects – No. 30 to No. 21

Schedule