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Chicago Cubs: Breaking down the team’s top prospects entering the season
Converted infielder ready to make his mark
Oscar de la Cruz signed with the Cubs in 2012. Since then, Cruz has been working his way through the minors with his best seasons coming in 2014 and 2015.
At 19 years old, Cruz started 14 games in the Dominican Summer League. Cruz posted an 8-1 record with a 1.80 ERA, 64 strikeouts and 19 walks in 75 innings pitched.
In 2015, Cruz made 13 starts at the Short-Season A level. In those starts, Cruz pitched to a 2.84 ERA with 73 strikeouts and 17 walks in 73 innings pitched.
Cruz made it has high as Single-A in 2016, and made six starts at that level. He recorded a 3.25 ERA, 35 strikeouts and 8 walks in 27 2/3 innings pitched in those starts.
Cruz is a converted infielder, and features a fastball, curve and change-up that could eventually develop into plus pitches.
While his role is unclear moving forward, Cruz still has a long journey ahead to reach the majors. The Cubs could use Cruz in the bullpen if he is effective or in the rotation if he can polish up his pitches.