Chicago Cubs: Breaking down the team’s top prospects entering the season

Jimenez an exciting talent with huge upside

Eloy Jimenez signed with the Cubs as an international free agent in 2013. At just 17 years old, he made his professional debut with the Rookie ball club. Jimenez slashed just .227/.268/.367 in 42 games at that level.

Eventually, Jimenez made it to Single-A. In 2016. at age 19, Jimenez hit 14 home runs and drove in 81 runs in 112 games. He also posted a .329/.369/.532 slash-line.

Jimenez’s scouting report suggests that he will most likely play a corner outfield position once he reaches the majors. Throughout his short professional career, Jimenez has logged the majority of his innings in left field. He has a career .990 fielding percentage in over 1,100 innings in left field so far in his career. That kind of defensive play, combined with his big bat, will put Jimenez on the fast track toward the majors.

At the major league level, the Cubs are stacked in the outfield. Kyle Schwarber should be able to hold down the left field position, while Albert Almora is set to become the regular center fielder in the near future. Jason Heyward is signed through the 2023 season, but has struggled at the plate recently.

Jimenez is at least two years away from reaching the majors. Whether Jimenez makes it to the majors with the Cubs is yet to be seen, but he does make a good trade chip for the Cubs who could use more starting pitching.