Chicago Cubs: Top 30 Prospects- No. 10 to No. 1

#7 Pierce Johnson (P)

2015 Season (Tennessee Smokies)

6-2, 2.08 ERA, 16 GS, 95 IP, 72 K, 1.14 WHIP

Johnson was drafted as a supplemental first-round draft pick in the 2012 draft. A hamstring issue kept him a few innings shy of qualifying for rankings, otherwise, he would have led the Southern League in ERA and opponent average.

Johnson has two legitimate plus pitches: his fastball and his curveball. His fastball sits at 92-94 mph and can reach 96 at times, which some riding life. His curveball sits in the lower 80’s.

He also has a good feel for his changeup and has a cutter that reaches the upper 80’s. Johnson spent the 2015 season with the Tennessee Smokies, where he had a very successful season. He went 6-2 with a 2.08 ERA in 95 innings pitched.

Opponents batted just .223 off him and he struck out 72. Johnson has the makings to be a No. 2 starter but has to prove that he can throw strikes consistently and remain healthy. He has battled with forearm issues, a dislocated kneecap and a lat muscle strain in his career.

Johnson could start the 2016 season with Tennessee again, but will likely be a Triple-A very quickly. This could lead him to a September call up in 2016, but he could vie for a rotation spot in 2017.

Next: No. 6 - OF Ian Happ