Chicago Cubs: Charcer Burks still has time to develop

Chicago Cubs: Developing a level of consistency

At the start of the 2015 season, Burks once again earned a promotion. This time it was Class-A South Bend. Burks played a whole season there, slashing .257/.339/.347 with a barely above league average 104 wRC+. Still, Burks improved on many facets of his game.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups
• Cubs: P.J. Higgins deserves to be in the lineup on a daily basis

Burks finally found a string of power in his game for the first time at South Bend. He hit a whopping three home runs, which is a lot considering Burks had hit one across his first three seasons combined. Burks also managed to steal 28 bases. For a guy who had never stolen more than ten in a regular season, this was another massive step in the right direction.

The following year Burks was at Class-A Advanced Myrtle Beach. Improving once again, Burks posted a 115 wRC+ in 124 games for the Pelicans. He found his power stroke and smashed 11 home runs while swiping 23 bags. Burks became more patient at the plate and began to show the Cubs why they selected him.

In 2017, Burks was the closest to the big leagues he had ever come to that point. His game once again improved as he posted a 125 wRC+ in 121 games for Double-A Tennessee. The power and steals also stuck around in a consistent capacity, as Burks swatted ten home runs and stole 16 bags. He was trending in the right direction.