Chicago Cubs News: Ohtani narrows his list, Cubs pitching prospects

The Chicago Cubs are in the running for Shohei Ohtani as he narrows his list down. And the Cubs prospect list is loaded with pitchers after developing positional talent over the past several years.

As the list grows smaller for Shohei Ohtani’s services, the Chicago Cubs remain on the list. Last night, several teams were notified that they would not have the opportunity to meet with the two-way start to make an in-person pitch. One of those teams was the New York Yankees–the team thought to be a frontrunner for Ohtani. The Cubs look like they might be one of the handful of teams left, and one of the only ones that aren’t on the West Coast.

After years of developing homegrown talent and bringing it to the majors, the Cubs have moved to developing pitching in the farm system. Many of the top prospects within the system come from the pitching side. Of the 10 that Baseball America list, eight of them are pitchers. Now that the Cubs is loaded for the next five or so seasons, the team has moved to develop good, young arms.

With the Cubs still looking to address their bullpen, Brandon Kintzler may be a name they need to keep an eye on. Kintzler was an All-Star closer before heading over to the Nationals to help solve their bullpen woes. Should the Cubs not be able to re-sign Wade Davis, Kintzler has the ability to close out games. He saved 45 in 2016, and 28 for the Twins before being traded in 2017.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Report: Cubs reportedly among finalists for Ohtani’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Pitching dominates Cubs prospect list’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Kintzler should be given a serious look’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Hughes one of the best in the game today’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Ohtani, Stanton stir Hot Stove’ – MLB.com

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