Chicago Cubs: P.J. Higgins is tearing it up in Double-A

Chicago Cubs: A multi-faceted talent

Throughout his time at Old Dominion, Higgins saw all of his time in the infield, playing both second and third base. He never took reps behind the dish until Chicago brought him into the fold. But, since then, he has shifted his primary role to that of catcher while filling in all over the infield as needed.

His first season in Rookie ball started solid. Higgins played in 21 games, taking 87 plate appearances. He finished by slashing an above-average .288/.345/.488 with a .387 wOBA and 139 wRC+. The learned patience from his time in college showed through in the first season, as he compiled an 8.0 percent walk rate and a 17.2 percent strikeout rate.

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Due to his production, Higgins was promoted to Low-A Eugene. Surprisingly, he did even better with increased competition, slashing .316/.361/.386 with an above-average wOBA and wRC+ and a still relatively low 18.0 percent strikeout percentage. It was apparent Higgins was ready for the next stage.

Continuing to progress at a rapid pace, Higgins experienced his first setback, of sorts, at High-A Myrtle Beach.   At South Bend, Higgins had maintained his torrid pace and did not look to let off the gas. It all came full circle, however, and Higgins suffered his first bad season as he slashed .237/.327/.298 at Myrtle Beach.

Last season though, Higgins rebounded. Between High-A Myrtle Beach and Double-A Tennessee, Higgins managed to put together a .271/.353/.366 line with a career-high four home runs and 52 runs batted in. As the new season is now in full swing, it shows how big of an improvement Higgins has made since even last year.

While still a small sample size in 2019, Higgins finds himself slashing .317/.404/.488 with a much improved .892 OPS, two home runs and five RBI. The strikeout clip is still impressive as Higgins is striking out only 17 percent of the time. He has also managed to put together a 12.8 percent walk rate, a .419 wOBA and 172 wRC+.