Chicago Cubs: Some Triple-A performers to keep an eye on

Chicago Cubs: Standouts around the diamond in 2019

Ian Happ primarily played center field during his lengthy stay in Des Moines this year. He appeared in 99 games, slugging .432 with 87 knocks. Of course, the season opened with the somewhat surprising news the Cubs were optioning Happ to Triple-A, but he seemed to make substantive progress while down there.

Chicago called up the 24-year-old utility player once again on July 26. During his time with Chicago Cubs, he played in 58 games tallying 79 total bases – working to the tune of a much improved .898 OPS.

Another prospect who impacted the I-Cubs’ season was the 26-year-old catcher who played his college baseball at Old Dominion. P.J. Higgins was outstanding with the stick for the Tennessee Smokies, posting a .271 batting average. That average only improved once he got to Iowa. In 36 games at the Triple-A level, he showcased what he’s capable of with the stick, producing an impressive .374 on-base percentage.

Phillip Evans led the team in six different categories, including: games played (130), plate appearances (539), at-bats (466), runs (79), hits (132) and doubles (30). At season’s end, though, Evans elected free agency and has since signed a minor league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates.