Chicago Cubs: Several pitchers working their way up in the minors

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The Chicago Cubs might not have the best farm system anymore, but it doesn’t mean it’s without talent. We take a look at four Cubs’ pitchers that hope to make a mark in 2018.

It was just a few short years ago that the Chicago Cubs had one of the top farm systems in baseball. Fast forward to 2018, and things have changed a bit. They’ve dropped a bit in the rankings, but not because of failed prospects. The top picks in the draft have all made their way up to the Cubs, leaving them with a gap in talent. At least, as far as major league ready potential is concerned. But with a roster full of talent, the system has changed its look. No longer are the Cubs pounding out hitters. It’s pitching that is the norm, and there’s plenty of it for the Cubs.

The first five prospects in the Cubs system are pitchers. You won’t find a position player until No. 6, and that’s Victor Caratini. For this piece, let us focus on the top four up and comers in the system. These are the guys that are making a name for themselves and hoping to make strides in 2018. While none of them are threatening to make the Opening Day roster (There merely no room for them), they all provide something that could be of importance to the Cubs this season.

Oscar De La Cruz – RHP

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Oscar De La Cruz may have had the opportunity to make the big league club by now. But injuries have sidetracked him a bit, but the talent of the big right-hander is still there.

At 6-foot-4, he’s one of the more imposing figures on the mound for the Cubs. He uses a mid to high 90’s fastball, and a curveball that is more deceptive because of his size. He will also throw a change-up into the mix, but will mostly rely on curveballs and fastballs.

In the past two seasons, he was limited by forearm soreness in 2016 as well as a pectoral strain in 2017. He managed just 12 starts last year, throwing 54 2/3 innings.

He posted a 3.46 ERA in those starts, striking out 47 while walking 13. A healthy De La Cruz would be a huge advantage for the Cubs, but due to his history, he can’t be counted on. But if he is, he could be on his way to Wrigley Field this summer.

Jose Albertos – RHP

When you talk about “homegrown” pitching, look no further than Jose Albertos. At just 19 years old, the Mexican native is adept at locating his fastball inside and out, as well as reaching the high-90’s with it. Factor in a change that many deem as a double-plus offering from Albertos, and he has the makings of the pitcher the Cubs have been trying to develop.

At just 19, his understanding of pitching exceeds his age. In just 10 starts (Rookie, AZL) he threw 43 innings with a 3.14 ERA. He allowed just a .184 average against with a 1.09 WHIP. He currently is working on a “slurve,” although he does have some feel for spin.

If he can continue to develop that pitch and become comfortable with it, we could see Albertos up in early 2022. Hard to believe the Cubs were capable of developing their own staff, isn’t it?

Alex Lange – RHP

If you follow NCAA baseball at all, you are probably well aware of the name Alex Lange. The three-year starter at LSU took them to the College World Series twice before the Cubs took him with the 30th pick in the 2017 draft.

While the Cubs might covet hard throwers, Lange goes against that–and it might get him through the system even quicker. While some feel his control–or lack thereof–might leave him best suited for the bullpen, the Cubs see him as a middle of the rotation guy.

His curveball is his “go-to” pitch, and when he’s on, he will use it often. The only downside is when he loses touch with it, it can cause him to be wild. You may also remember the questions surrounding him and his physical with the Cubs.

While there were questions about what the Cubs might have found, he ended up signing–but for under the slot bonus. Lange pitched often in 2017 for the Tigers, and the Cubs got a very brief look at him last season as he threw just 9 1/3 innings. The Cubs hope to get a good look at him this year.

Adbert Alzolay – RHP

One of the most promising young arms in the system is that of Adbert Alzolay. The 22-year-old has shown he can be a consistent strike-thrower, and that might be what the Cubs need. In 114 1/3 innings last season, he finished with a 2.99 ERA over A+ and double-A ball.

With one of the best fastballs in the system, he can hit 97 with some run on it, making him tough to barrel up. Add to that a strong curveball and a change-up and the potential is already showing.

What the Cubs do this offseason may be an indicator of what they’ll do with Alzolay. If they don’t procure a starter like Yu Darvish, there’s a chance we could see him as a late-call up for the rotation this season.

But if the Cubs fill the void, we might not see him until next season. Unless he proves himself and then the Cubs might have a decision to make. Bring him up as a starter, or let him be a reliever for last half of the year.

Plenty more besides them

This list didn’t include that of Jen-Ho Tseng, Alec Mills or Dillon Maples–who all could be with the Cubs this season. Two of the three saw time with the Cubs, with Mills spending time with the Royals in 2016. But the fact of the matter is the Cubs have shifted their ideology from position players to pitching. And while many are just a call away from Wrigley, most are still a few years out.

The Cubs chose to pick up hitters in the recent years, and now those have all come to fruition as they are all on the roster. Javier Baez, Albert Almora, Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber and Ian Happ have all made that jump.

Next: Cubs' homegrown pitchers will determine window

Now the Cubs shift their attention to pitching, with a new pitching coach in Jim Hickey to guide them. Can the Cubs do the same with the pitchers as they did position players? Only time will tell. But they’re off to a good start.

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