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

#16 Justin Steele (LHP)

2015 Stats (Eugene Emeralds)

3-1, 2.66 ERA, 10 GS, 40 2/3 IP, 38 K

Steele was drafted in the 5th round of the 2014 draft. Steele represents another prospect drafted out of high school for the Cubs. He was the earliest Mississippi prep pitcher taken since 1999 when the Braves chose Matt Butler in the second round.

While a junior in high school, Steele’s stuff fluctuated wildly but he was able to solidify his stuff as a senior and carried that into pro ball. Steele’s best pitch is his fastball where he can reach 95 mph, but can get more life and effectiveness of it when he pitches at 88-92 mph.

Steele continues to work on adding more power to his fastball as well, which has good depth and is above average, giving him a second plus pitch. He lacks true command, which could land him a job in the bullpen. He does some fade to his change-up but he tips it off sometimes.

Steele played for the short-season A ball Emeralds last year, where he had success in 10 starts. He went 3-1 with a 2.66 ERA in 40 2/3  innings pitch.

At just 20-years-old, Steele is still a few years off before hitting the big leagues. He hasn’t even played a full season of pro ball yet.