Chicago Cubs: Five college players Cubs need on their draft radar

Feb 22, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) talks to president of baseball operations Theo Epstein during spring training camp at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) talks to president of baseball operations Theo Epstein during spring training camp at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 20, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; UC Santa Barbara Gauchos pitcher Kyle Nelson (29) pitches against the Miami Hurricanes in the 2016 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. UC Santa Barbara defeated Miami 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 20, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; UC Santa Barbara Gauchos pitcher Kyle Nelson (29) pitches against the Miami Hurricanes in the 2016 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. UC Santa Barbara defeated Miami 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

Kyle Nelson, LHP, UC Santa Barbra

This 5’11” freshman has had a stellar career so far for the Gauchos. In 25 total appearances last year, Nelson recorded a 3-1 record with two saves, 32 strikeouts and a 0.75 ERA. In his nine conference appearances, Nelson recorded a 10.2 K/9 ratio, and didn’t allow an earned run in 15 innings of work.

Nelson is just as good at home as he is on the road, which is something the Cubs are looking for in their pitchers. In 13 2/3 road innings, he gave up just one earned run while striking out 13 in eight appearances.

Nelson isn’t the offensive threat that McKay is, but he’s a solid bullpen option for any big league club. The Cubs have struggled finding reliable left-handed pitching, so it seems fitting that Nelson would wind up in Chicago.