Chicago Cubs: Is it too early to worry about the 2020 bullpen?

Chicago Cubs: Webster was once a Top 50 prospect in the game

Allen Webster is a former top 50 prospect who is now 29 years old. He pitched in the Major leagues as a starting pitcher from 2012 to 2015.

After working his way back from an injury last year the Cubs converted him to a reliever and rushed him through their minor league system. He got called up for a cup of coffee at the end of last season.

Webster’s change-up set the bar in the Dodgers’ system in 2010 and 2011 – and topped the entire International League in 2014. His slider was ranked the best in the Red Sox system in 2013. So Webster has or at least used to have to excellent stuff.

I’m excited by at the possibility of Webster finding success late in his career by using those two pitches to convert himself into a dominant arm. If he works out this year, the Cubs should find a way to keep him around for 2020.

Kyle Ryan spent a large portion of last season in extended spring training. Prior to last season, he spent two full seasons and parts of two more in the Show with the Tigers. In 86 appearances, he has a career 4.29 FIP.

Ryan has an option left so this year the Cubs will probably bounce him back and forth between Triple-A and the Major leagues this season. If he re-establishes himself at Chicago, he might just end up a bullpen regular in 2020.