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

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.