Chicago Cubs Double-A: Tennessee Smokies
Robel Garcia, 2B
One of the more exciting stories, Robel Garcia is our Double-A POTW. Having been in professional ball since 2010, Garcia was in the Cleveland Indians system until 2013. A few years later, Garcia went to Italy where he played for three seasons before coming back to the United States and ultimately signing with the Cubs. Thus far, it has been a great decision.
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On the season, Garcia is slashing .375/.500/.875 with two home runs and nine RBI. He has also managed to work himself to both a 20% walk rate and a 20% strikeout rate with a .600 wOBA and 287 wRC+. It seems safe to say he is enjoying Double-A so far.
This past week across four games, Garcia slashed .273/.467/.909 with a ridiculous 1.376 OPS. He posted a .636 ISO with a .584 wOBA and 277 wRC+. Impressively, he struck out only three times, while working four walks and knocking his first two home runs on the season. Cubs fans need to make sure to keep Garcia on their radar moving through this season.
Cory Abbott, SP
Our Double-A starting pitcher POTW honor is bequeathed to Cory Abbott. A former second-round selection by the Cubs in the 2017 MLB Amateur player draft, Abbott has done an excellent job working his way through the system, gaining promotion in each subsequent season.
This season has started no different. Across this past week, Abbott has made two starts, pitching to a 1-0, 1.59 ERA line. In each of his starts, Abbott lasted 5 2/3 innings, giving up a single run and walking a batter per game. Impressively, Abbott managed to strike out 15 over the two starts, pitching to a 2.53 FIP and a 32.6% strikeout clip. Part of the next pitching waves for Chicago, Abbott is someone to watch moving forward.