Chicago Cubs: Top 30 Prospects- No. 20 to No. 11

2015 Stats (Arizona Cubs)

1-2, 2.63 ERA 11 G, 8 GS, 24 IP, 25 K, 1.17 WHIP

Cease was drafted by the Cubs in the 6th round of the 2014 draft. He had a chance to go in the first round but an elbow injury derailed him. After signing him for $1.5 million, he had Tommy John surgery and didn’t pitch until this summer with the Cubs rookie team.

At 20-years-old, Cease had a fastball that sits at 91-95 mph and topped out at 97 mph. After coming back from surgery, he got his fastball up to 94-97 mph and even hit triple digits in his first game back. He has a three-quarters breaking ball that sits in the mid-70’s and a changeup with fade. His fastball is his best pitch and his curveball and changeup have a chance to become plus pitches for him.

He was impressive in the rookie ball, having worked 24 where he had a 2.63 ERA and struck out 25. He made 11 appearances, eight of which were starts.

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He held opponents to a .145 average. Cease is only 20 years old and moved up from #21 on the preseason rankings to #11. He also could be on the fast track to the big leagues but is, at least, a few years away.

Hopefully, he is full past all his arm and elbow injuries as well.

That rounds out the middle group of prospects in the Top 30 prospects for the Cubs. As you can see, the Cubs farm system has turned heavy on the pitching side, which is exactly what the front office planned. Stay tuned as I will have the #1-10 prospects later next week to round out the Top 30.

Schedule