Chicago Cubs: Brailyn Marquez profiling as a special talent

Chicago Cubs: Humble beginnings

Marquez arrived on the north side of Chicago after the Cubs signed him as part of their international class back in 2015. At just 16 years old, Marquez made the jump signing for $600,000.

The first exposure Marquez had to American professional baseball was his stint with the Dominican Summer League Cubs. A mere 17 years old, Marquez started 12 games for the DSL Cubs, finishing 4-2, 1.48 ERA in 54 2/3 innings. Impressively, Marquez posted a strikeout percentage of 21.1% while limiting damage and ending with a 3.19 FIP.

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Marquez did a fantastic job limiting home runs, as well, as he posted a 3.4% HR/FB rate and a 3.17 xFIP. The number of walks Marquez issued ran a little high however all in all pretty solid debut for the young kid.  Unfortunately, the growing pains would come hard and fast. In his age-18 season, Marquez pitched in the Arizona league, compiling a 5.52 ERA in 9 starts. His average runs per game would grow from 3.95 to 6.95.

Positively, Marquez saw a significant increase in his overall strikeout percentage and a decrease in his walk rate. During the same season, Marquez’ K-rate jumped to 26.1%, and his walk rate dropped to 6.0%. It would only continue to progress for the young starter.