Chicago Cubs: Which prospects can contribute in 2020?

Chicago Cubs: Adbert Alzolay, SP, No.5 overall

The final prospect on this list who could legitimately make an impact for the Cubs in 2020 is Adbert Alzolay. As the other half of the duo who made their debut in 2019, Alzolay does have a nice upside and showed glimpses of what he can bring to the table.

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While the final stat line gives the notion of a small four-game sample size, much of that was inflated from one disastrous start. Alzolay allowed seven earned runs across 2 2/3 innings in a start versus the Pittsburgh Pirates on the road.

Alzolay made waves in his debut in June, entering for Tyler Chatwood. He would go on to throw four innings of one-run ball, earning his first major league win. Alzolay followed up that with his first start, finishing 4 2/3 innings of one-run ball versus the Atlanta Braves in a game where he struck out four.

Unfortunately, growing pains on the grandest stage are a real thing. The start versus the Pirates is one Alzolay was bound to face at some point. It is better to get it out of the way now and work his way into a stronger spot, however. The 24-year-old experienced an exciting road, moving from Myrtle Beach to Iowa and then to Chicago.

Alzolay finished with a 21.7 percent strikeout rate for the Cubs, which is not bad for his first go around. His fastball ran 94.4 mph, and he worked a strong changeup. Displaying solid movement on his pitches, with some more fine-tuning Alzolay, could turn into something special. While its doubtful he will be a starter in 2020, there is a good chance Alzolay could spend time in the bullpen, which would be just fine.