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

By Daniel Shepard

Apr 4, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Albert Almora Jr. (5) celebrates with catcher Willson Contreras (40) after the Cubs defeated the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Cubs won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Albert Almora Jr. (5) celebrates with catcher Willson Contreras (40) after the Cubs defeated the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Cubs won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A view of the upper deck of Wrigley Field before the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A view of the upper deck of Wrigley Field before the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

Cease bringing the heat in the Cubs’ system

Dylan Cease was drafted in the sixth round of the 2014 draft by the Cubs. Cease was first round talent in his draft class until he suffered an elbow injury which hindered his stock. When he fell to the Cubs in the sixth round, Chicago felt like they got a steal.

Cease’s best pitch is his fastball. He can throw it in the upper 90’s, touching 100 MPH at times. His curveball and change-up still have room to get better, but the 21-year-old has plenty of time to work on his secondary pitches.

In 2015, at the rookie ball level, Cease pitched just 24 innings. In those innings, Cease recorded a 2.62 ERA, 25 strikeouts, and 16 walks.

Cease moved up to the Short-Season A level in 2016. There, he posted a 2.22 ERA with 66 strikeouts and 25 walks in 44 2/3 innings pitched.

The 6’2″ right-hander is still a few years away from contributing at the major league level. Continuing to work on his secondary pitches will be key to Cease’s success at the higher levels of the minors.

The Cubs could use Cease in their rotation right now, but they will be forced to wait for the time being.

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