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Chicago Cubs: Luis Verdugo is an interesting prospect in the pipeline
Ranked last year by lead Fangraphs prospect analyst Eric Longenhagen as the number 18 overall prospect in the Chicago Cubs’ pipeline, Luis Verdugo is a compelling case. Two years into his professional career, the young shortstop is showing significant improvement.
The 2017 international free agent class was nothing impressive for the Chicago Cubs regarding big-name signings. Of the full list, Reivaj Garcia and Pedro Martinez are two of the more intriguing names; however, Verdugo could find himself in that same camp soon enough.
We have touched on both Garcia and Martinez here at Cubbies Crib. Both guys have shown some sign of a future with Martinez providing a higher level of production overall than Garcia. Verdugo, as part of that class out of Mexico, has now two professional seasons in the organization under his belt.
Described by Longenhagen in his piece as a long swinger who could be strikeout prone, Luis Verdugo does show some signs as a future big-league starter. He should he continue to improve and could find himself as part of Chicago’s long term plans down the line.
Chicago Cubs: Mass production of infield help
Nowadays when you examine the Cubs’ prospect pipeline, it seems as if another infielder is popping up out of nowhere. For Verdugo, this has sort of been the case in all actuality. Signed for $1 million, Verdugo was immediately transferred to the Arizona Summer League.
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While in Rookie ball over his first professional season, Verdugo played 47 games while amassing 199 plate appearances. Not a bad sample size for a then 17-year-old kid. Verdugo did unsurprisingly struggle in his first season, slashing just .193/.264/.295 with four home runs and 20 RBI. He posted a .271 wOBA and well below-average 63 wRC+.
The start to his career, however, did not deter Verdugo in the slightest. He came back this season as a fresh 18-year-old and was aggressive and impressive. Verdugo saw more time this go-around, playing in 53 games and registering 221 plate appearances. With that, Verdugo slashed .305/.367/.447 with five home runs and 38 RBI. Most impressive were his wOBA and wRC+ improvements, as he posted a .376 wOBA and 120 wRC+, respectively.
Another significant improvement of Verdugo’s game was his strikeout rate. It has been discussed that because of his long swing, Verdugo could end up being more prone to striking out. Time will tell in that regard at the big league level, but for now, it is improving. Verdugo dropped his overall K-rate from 22.6% last season to 17.6% this season. He also tempered the walk rate at nearly the same level, at 8.6%.
In looking at his fielding, Verdugo did struggle mightily in his first year in pro ball. He made16 errors in 319 innings at shortstop. This season has been much better; he has made only nine errors in 321 1/3 innings. Described as a guy who has excellent hands, range, and overall ability, Verdugo will hopefully continue to become a stronger fielder as his career progresses.
Chicago Cubs: Finding room at the Inn
The reality is a tough one for Verdugo when it comes to his chances at the big league level. Four of the clubs top ten current prospects are infielders, with three of those guys listed as shortstops. Both Aramis Ademan and Zack Short have seemingly gone backward recently with their production, which could open a door for Verdugo moving forward.
The likelihood is that Verdugo begins 2020 at Short-Season Low-A Eugene and moves up from there. However, with his dominating performance this year, he could find himself headed straight for South Bend next season.
What should we expect from September call-ups?. dark. Next
Obviously, outside of Javier Baez, the state of the Cubs middle infield is up in the air. We have discussed the reality of Ben Zobrist and the expectation of how he probably does not have much time left in a major league uniform. Addison Russell is also someone who could and should realistically find himself on the chopping block. Outside of this, there is not a ton of stable value to be had right now.
Knowing this, there is a good chance we could see Nico Hoerner next season at some point. Or, at least, it would not be out of the question. Verdugo has a long way to go, but if he continues to progress and plays his cards right, he could be on his way to the Show in a few seasons.