Chicago Cubs: Ivan Medina is showing his talents off for South Bend

Chicago Cubs: A turbulent first few seasons

Following his signing with the team, Medina was sent to the Rookie league where his debut did not go as he or the Cubs expected. Still just 18 years old, Medina saw action in nine games, pitching a total of 12 innings out of the bullpen. He finished with a 9.75 ERA, a less than stellar 4.82 FIP, and 4.16 xFIP.

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As it was his first professional action, it became a good baseline for Chicago to figure out what they had with him.

The next season, Medina started two games for the Rookie League Arizona Cubs, going three innings in his first start and lasting five innings in his second start. Medina did not allow a run, while carrying a 3.28 FIP and 3.40 xFIP, respectively. It was a much better stint for the teenager.

From 2016-2018, the team let him loose as Medina saw much more action over the three seasons. He did not start a game, however, appeared in 55 games.

Beginning in 2016 in each subsequent season, Medina lowered his ERA while managing his walk rate and limiting home runs to almost none. His best season for the Rookie league came in 2017 where he finished with a 2.05 ERA across 30 2/3 innings, posting just a 2.48 FIP and 2.27 xFIP.