Chicago Cubs Minors: Checking in with talent down on the farm

Mar 27, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Mark Zagunis triples during the fourth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Mark Zagunis, OF

Mark Zagunis, a third-round selection by the Cubs in the 2014 draft, is off to a nice start in Triple-A this season. In 39 games, Zagunis is slashing .252/.399/.466 with seven home runs and 23 RBI.

The outfielder has registered a 29 percent strikeout rate this season. That mark is well above his career average of 21.9 percent.

Despite his high strikeout rate, Zagunis is enjoying a high on-base percentage. His .399 mark this season is actually a tick lower than his .401 career OBP. That high mark, coupled with his respectable .277 career batting average will no doubt help his chances of being called up.

Zagunis came into this season as the Cubs’ number six prospect. Despite being behind fellow outfield prospect Eloy Jimenez in the prospect rankings, Zagunis is further along in his development as a player.

The 24-year-old Zagunis will likely need some more seasoning in the minors before he is big league ready. Even then, Zagunis may not be able to crack the Cubs’ talented roster.

With a stacked outfield, the Cubs may look to trade some minor league outfield depth at some point. That does not mean Zagunis will be on the move, but with the Cubs’ current roster, his role would be very limited if he is called up.

Mark Zagunis, OF

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