Chicago Cubs: The intriguing nature of Conor Lillis-White

Chicago Cubs: Impressive beginnings

Lillis-White heard his name called as the last pick of the 32nd round three years ago out of the University of British Columbia. While never ranking in the team’s top 30 list of prospects, the lefty still put up solid numbers to begin his professional career.

His first exposure at the professional level came in Rookie ball. That season, Lillis-White appeared in just eight games, pitching to a 2.93 ERA in 15 1/3 innings. The most impressive number of his line that first year? His strikeout rate, which sat at an astounding 28.1 percent.

The following season, while still at Rookie ball, Lillis-White posted an even better ERA of just 1.93,  this time in 18 2/3 innings pitched. Even more significant than that, Lillis-White significantly improved his already impressive strikeout rate, finishing at a ridiculous 34.3 percent.

The resounding start to Lillis-White’s career continued to progress, reaching a 39.5 percent strikeout rate in his first season at Low-A. During his rise throughout the lower levels of the system, Lillis-White’s earned run average did increase, which is expected. However, he continued to show signs of stuff which could carry him to the next levels.